Immediately following surgery, we recommend starting off with clear liquids like iced tea, apple juice and water. If the patient is able to handle clear liquids well, we recommend making it dairy-based, especially before taking any pain medication. Dairy includes ice cream, milkshakes (without a straw), yogurt, pudding and cottage cheese.
Next, we recommend sticking with soft, cooler foods, including, but not limited to, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, mac ’n cheese, steamed vegetables, well-cooked pasta, cream of wheat, soft fish, smooth soups, pancakes, canned fruit, beans and scrambled eggs.
Foods to avoid include spicy foods, anything with seeds, hard or chewy foods (like chips or crackers), acidic foods and drinks, and anything with small particles, for example, broccoli.