Patient Education Colorectal Cancer: Your Care and Recovery | Page 37

Diet and Nutrition
After colon or rectal surgery, no two people react the same way to the same
foods. You may find that you won’t be able to eat some of the foods you
were able to eat before surgery. Be patient and progress slowly.
• It is often helpful to eat meals at regular times, 3 or more times per day.
Smaller meals produce less gas.
• Drink at least 8 ounces or 1 cup of fluid at least 8 times each day.
• Nutritional supplements or shakes may be used.
• Some foods may cause unpleasant side effects such as gas, diarrhea, or
constipation. Add one food at a time to learn which foods, if any, bother
you.
• If you find that a food gives you stomach or bowel problems, you may
want to avoid it for a while and then try it again later. If it still gives you
problems, you may want to avoid it in the future.
• Eat foods high in fiber, but add these foods back into your diet slowly.
Bran cereals, whole grain breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables are good
sources of fiber.
• Be sure to ask your surgeon or Oncology Nurse Navigator about seeing a
dietitian if you have questions about your diet.

Soft Diet
Your surgeon may recommend a soft diet for you after surgery.
A soft diet is useful when your body is ready for more than liquids but still
not able to handle a regular diet. The diet consists of a variety of normal
foods, cooked or prepared in such a way that they have a soft texture and
are easier to digest.

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