Diet Following Surgery After a colectomy or colostomy, a person will typically receive just IV fluids for two to three days to allow the colon to recover. Following that, try clear liquids like soup broth and juice, followed by easy-to-digest meals like bread and oatmeal. You can have grits or cornmeal cooked like porridge but they should be soft rather than crunchy. You can also have rice, potatoes, and pasta. It's best to avoid foods that are hard to digest after surgery, such as meat, eggs, and beans because these foods require more work for your digestive system after surgery. It's also not recommended to eat foods that are high in acid such as tomatoes, vinegar, and citrus fruits because the acid can cause damage to your intestinal lining. In addition, don't eat foods that are high in fiber unless your doctor says it's safe after surgery. Fiber can be useful after surgery since it helps move food through your digestive system faster so you can expect to feel full sooner. Following your surgery, your doctor will tell you what you can eat and what you should avoid. This information will help you heal properly and provide you with the best chance at a successful recovery.