What Foods To Eat After Hernia Surgery And What Should Avoid?

It is a comprehensive guide to eating after hernia surgery. Here we have included what foods to eat after hernia surgery, also some foods list you must avoid. First, have a look what hernia is.

What is Hernia?

A hernia is a hole in the abdomen’s muscular wall; caused by the formation of a bulge in the abdomen, groin, or upper thigh regions. The function of the abdominal wall is to keep the organs and tissues in place. They are pushed out due to hernia.

The position of the hernia provides information on why the hernia has been caused. Usually, abdominal surgery and older age increase the risk of hernia.

Causes

Some significant activities can lead to the development of a hernia, such as:

  • Eating a low diet or eating poor quality of food; like oily and fried foods can lead to a hernia formation. Too much spicy food can also be a cause.
  • Heavy and strenuous exercises can strain the muscles and can lead to a hernia.
  • Persistent coughing, as from smoking or as a result of acid reflux, can lead to a hernia.
  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea puts a strain on the weakened muscles and can develop into a hernia. 
  • Damage from injuries or previous surgeries can also cause a hernia.

Symptoms

  • Formation of a lump in the groin or abdominal region
  • Pain or burning sensation on the lump of the hernia
  • Pain on coughing, sneezing, or lifting objects
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation or obstructed bowel movement
  • Acid reflux causing chest pain
  • Incarceration or tissue entrapment when the hernia is not repaired
  • Strangulation of hernia

Treatment

To reduce the pain associated with a hernia, you can use lifestyle changes and medication. However, only surgery can completely repair the hernia and repair it. Surgery for a hernia is not immediately required when the hernia is diagnosed. Still, if left untreated for too long, it will increase in size and increase pain and discomfort. The surgeries for hernia are either open hernia surgery or laparoscopic surgery.

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What Foods to eat and avoid after Hernia Surgery?

What Foods To Eat After Hernia Surgery And What To Avoid 2

Maintaining a healthy diet after hernia surgery is essential. It helps fasten the recovery process and helps with complications that may arise after the surgery.

What foods to eat after hernia surgery?

For example, most people experience constipation after hernia surgery. Eating food rich in fibers and adhering to a proper diet can prove beneficial for them. Eating a proper diet also reduces the risk of the hernia recurring.

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What foods to eat after hernia surgery?

Some diet tips which one must follow after hernia repair surgery are:

Consume more fluids right after surgery:

Since hernia surgery is done under anesthesia after you come back to your senses, you will feel a little nauseous. Having a diet with clear fluids will help the stomach settle and reduce the nauseous feeling. Stick to a liquid diet for the first few days after surgery.

  • What foods to eat after hernia surgery? Chicken broth, tea, soy/almond/rice/cow’s milk, yogurt (avoid cow’s milk and yogurt if you are lactose intolerant), nutritional drinks, sherbet.

Foods after hernia surgery must be rich in fibers:

Once you begin eating solid food again, opt for food rich in fibers. Post-surgery you may feel constipated or experience pain while passing stool. Eating food rich in fibers will help passing stool easier. This is also necessary as hardened bowel movements; put pressure on the area operated upon and can increase the chances of recurrence of a hernia.

  • What foods to eat after hernia surgery? Fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, oatmeal, beans.

Foods After Hernia Surgery Must Be rich in proteins:

Consuming proteins after surgery is vital. It helps reduce the inflammation of muscles and promotes healing. Dairy is rich in protein and is excellent for people to heal their gut after surgery, but remember to consume dairy products that are low in fat.

  • What foods to eat after hernia surgery? Eggs, tofu, fish, lean meat.

Specific food should be avoided after hiatal hernia surgery.

Some specific food items must be avoided after undergoing hiatal hernia surgery. These include spicy food and food high in fat. These can lead to GERD, i.e., gastroesophageal reflux disease, causing heartburn, sore throat, or fatigue.

  • What foods to avoid after hernia surgery? Alcohol, garlic, onions, mint, chocolate, coffee, food rich in fats, any spicy food.

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Foods to avoid after hernia surgery?

What Foods To Eat After Hernia Surgery And What To Avoid 1

Some food items must be avoided as they raise the risk of complications and recurrence of the hernia. So, foods that must avoid are:

  • Food high in gluten as they can cause pressure in the abdomen and lead to difficulty in passing bowel
  • Fatty food and carbonated beverages as they can cause digestive problems and lead to hernia complications
  • Fried food that is difficult to digest, leading to constipation

Eating food that aids digestion is beneficial after hernia surgery. It decreases the possibility of any complications that might occur, including chances of recurrence. A healthy diet can help you heal faster and stay better after hernia surgery in the long run.

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