Recently Had Surgery - What to Eat?

[ceeveg]

I recently had abdominal surgery, and was told that I could ease back into my regular diet, but I am finding that I have aversions to certain foods, and am not able to eat very much without cramping and other issues.  Has anyone been faced with a similar situation, and what did you do to ensure that you were receiving adequate nutrition?

[Coco17]

Hey ceeveg. I hope that your recovery is going well. I also had abdominal surgery about eight months ago. I focused on food that was easily digested and nutrient dense. I would usually start my mornings with a green smoothie (fruit, water and a choice of greens - spinach, chard, romaine lettuce, kale, beet greens, etc.) Later I would have another smoothie packed with fruit, rice milk, hemp seeds, dates and frozen berries. Yummy!!! Lunch was usually a simple bean/veggie soup. Supper was the same but usually I would have a big bowl of oatmeal (my fave comfort food) topped with rice milk, maple syrup and flax seeds. I munched on fresh fruit whenever I was hungry. Also, I would supplement with Vega (whole food supplement). It would provide all of my nutrients for the day in one serving. I usually mixed it with water or in a smoothie. My family still uses this as our main supplement every day, even my kids have it. I found that when I cut out the Tylenol #3 which made me completely loopy, dizzy and nauseous, I felt way better and I was able to hold my food down. (Sometimes though, I still had the urge to run to the bathroom or grab a bucket - or husband...poor guy...ha ha....when I felt the need to throw up.) I would recommend lots of rest and water too. I found it helpful to eat smaller meals and snack more throughout the day. What foods do you like and what foods are you avoiding? It's best to always trust the wisdom of your own body and follow what works for you. If you want to just eat oatmeal for a whole week, well that's OK too. Your body knows best. Good luck on your journey!!!