The first week
Early feeding is part of enhanced recovery and does not increase the risk of a leak. Begin with clear fluids, progress to soft, low-residue food, then normal diet as tolerated. Chewing thoroughly and eating six small meals rather than three large ones reduces bloating.
Protein and healing
Wound and anastomotic healing depend on protein and micronutrients. Dal, paneer, curd, eggs, fish, chicken, soya and milk are practical local sources. Where intake is inadequate, an oral nutritional supplement is prescribed rather than left to chance.
- Aim for protein at every meal, not only at dinner
- 2–2.5 litres of fluid daily unless restricted
- Vitamin B12 and iron monitoring after gastric surgery
- Loperamide and oral rehydration for high ileostomy output
Operation-specific advice
After gastrectomy, meals must be small and frequent, with attention to dumping symptoms and lifelong B12. After pancreatic surgery, enzyme replacement with meals is usually required. After bowel resection, fibre is reintroduced gradually over two to four weeks.
Common questions
- Does sugar feed cancer?
- There is no evidence that avoiding dietary sugar treats cancer. Undereating after surgery is the more realistic danger, because it delays healing and adjuvant therapy.
- Are there foods I must avoid?
- For most patients, no. Specific restrictions apply after gastric, pancreatic or ileostomy surgery and are given in writing at discharge.
Related reading
This page is general education, reviewed by Dr. Ishaan Allahabadi, MCh Surgical Oncology (Edge Hill, UK) · MS Surgery · MBBS (Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England). It is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Treatment decisions are made after reviewing your imaging and pathology, in a multidisciplinary tumour board.