With certain surgical procedures (ie; UPPP, tonsillectomy) it is necessary to be on a special soft diet for 2 weeks after your surgery is complete to promote healing of the surgical site and avoid complications related to post operative bleeding. Show The first 24 hours after surgery you should eat ice cream, popsicles and foods high in protein, such as macaroni and cheese. It is wise to avoid red colored foods and drinks because it may mask post operative bleeding. Avoid spicy foods, rice, beans, grits, white and dark meat chicken, nuts, any coarse foods such as chips or pretzels, pizza, Hot dogs Warm foods to just above room temperature. If you find that the patient does not want to eat due to pain administer pain medication 20 minutes prior to serving meals. Keep in mind that pain meds on an empty stomach can cause nausea. If the patient does not want to eat be sure to PUSH FLUIDS! Recommended foods include, but are not limited to:
Remaining on the soft diet for the full 2 weeks is very important! Feel free to contact our nursing staff during regular office hours for questions. The pain associated with tonsillitis or tonsillectomies can make eating food very daunting for children. Yet it is important to have optimal nutrition during this time, especially during recovery from surgery. Whilst offering your child ice cream is better than them not eating at all, it is imperative to firstly make an effort with a variety of other, more nutritious foods. Generally children will not allow themselves to go hungry. This means that they should eventually come around to the softer, healthier foods you are offering – so long as you don’t offer them ice cream as a fall back option! What to eatThe following options are both nutritious and appropriate during tonsillitis flare ups and after tonsillectomy surgery. Dairy foodsDairy foods are excellent during tonsillitis flare ups or post surgery. They are high in protein, energy and calcium so they help to maintain good nutrition. Additionally, they are soft in texture and therefore easier to eat. Whilst children over the age of 2 can have fat reduced dairy, swap to the full cream varieties whilst their food intake is reduced – this will help to keep their energy intake up so that they do not lose weight. Examples include:
VegetablesSome children don’t enjoy vegetables at the best of times but they are still a very important and easy source of vitamins and minerals! They can also be prepared in a way that makes them ideal whilst experiencing mouth pain.
Suitable vegetables include potatoes, pumpkins, broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, mushy peas and any other vegetables that can be made soft and that your child likes. Raw salad vegetables will likely be harder to tolerate. FruitFruit is another great way to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Tips on how to prepare fruits include:
Protein
GrainsThis food group is important to include in your child’s diet as it provides a significant amount of fibre, energy and other nutrients. Fibre is particularly important if your child is on pain medication that often encourages constipation. Examples of grains include:
FluidsIt is important to keep well hydrated when recovering from tonsil removal surgery. This will assist in keeping your child’s mouth from getting dry (and making it even more difficult to eat) as well as playing a big role in keeping bowel motions regular. Whole fruit and water is better than fruit juice. However, if your child is struggling to eat much, fruit juice is a good way to get some additional energy in. Just ensure it does not irritate their throat if it is very acidic. What to avoid
Additional tipsPrepare food in bulk and store in small portions. This will save waste and prevent having to frequently cook new meals. For example, pureed vegetables/ fruit can be frozen in an ice cube tray or small containers and thawed as needed. Where appropriate, prepare the same foods for the whole family so more effort isn’t put in to preparing 2 separate meals. Don’t turn straight to the ice cream or preferred sweet foods! Get creative with healthier options and stick to them. Moistening foods with sauces or gravies will help to soften the food and make it easier to swallow. This article was written by our dietitian Belinda Elwin who is a Dietitians Association of Australia member and Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist. If you have specific questions about tonsil removal surgery or what to eat after a tonsillectomy, contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see an ear nose and throat surgeon. When can I eat normally again after tonsillectomy?Usually, children should eat soft foods for up to two weeks after surgery. 3 Adults may need to eat soft foods for a week longer. When introducing normal foods, avoid hard, scratchy foods that can hurt the throat.
What can I eat 7 days after tonsillectomy?As you feel better, add soft bland items that are easy to chew and swallow (pasta, puddings, mashed potatoes, tuna or chicken salad, macaroni and cheese). Avoid foods that are sharp, hot, or spicy.
What can I eat 12 days after tonsillectomy?Stick to soft, easy-to-swallow foods, such as applesauce, custard, yogurt, creamy breakfast cereals (oatmeal, Malt-o-Meal), pudding, soup, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, refried beans, and pureed fruits.
Can I eat a burger after tonsillectomy?products, pasta, soups, chicken, and macaroni and cheese are acceptable. and cause bleeding. Bread, hamburgers, and hotdogs are difficult to chew and swallow. Continue the suggested soft diet for several days after surgery.
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