28th July 2022

Hemorrhoids or Piles are swollen blood vessels around the anus. Hemorrhoids can bleed causing pain and discomfort and can be challenging to treat without medications and dietary changes. In such cases, surgical intervention might be required.

Recovering from hemorrhoid surgery may typically last between one to six weeks post-operation, depending on how extensive the procedure was. From physical rest and medicines to diagnostic assessment, everything is important, including a focus on the diet.

Foods to Eat

Post hemorrhoid surgery, one should take care of avoiding constipation and straining, to have a regular bowel motion. A diet rich in fiber can help add bulk to your stool, making it more comfortable to pass. Too much fiber can also lead to bloating, which is why its addition to the diet is recommended gradually.

Increasing the fiber intake through diet in the recovery phase lessens the pain felt. You can have adiet increased in fiber in the form of:

• Fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber. Berries, bananas, grapes, tomatoes, dark leafy greens, and broccoli are some of the recommended foods that support healing.
• Legumes: Different varieties of beans, nuts and other legumes are super-packed with fiber and other essential nutrients.
• Whole grains: Corn, oats, and other grains are fiber sources that you can enjoy at any time of the day.
• Cereal: Breakfast can play an important role in adding the required amount of fiber to your diet. Oats, barley, no-butter popcorn, nuts and dried fruits are some of the options one can consider.

Foods to Avoid

Taking care of bowel movements is an important step in the recovery. One should avoid having foods triggering constipation to lower the risk of unwanted side effects. Food items like red meat, processed fast food, white bread, milk, cheese and other dairy products should be limited. It is important not to have diarrhea. The ‘best’ stool to have is bulky soft stools.

Hydration is the Key

During the initial recovery period, the surgeon may recommend drinking plenty of fluids, such as broth, juice, and water. Staying well-hydrated and prevent constipation and hard stools helps prevent hemorrhoids from recurring in the future.

Conclusion

Recovering from hemorrhoids surgery takes time. Yet, focusing on a increased-fiber diet, adequate water intake, and avoiding foods with less nutritional value promote healing after surgery. Make sure to ask the colorectal specialist about all the concerns regarding the aftercare, without any hesitation. Many patients are actually surprised that with proper care, the post operative course after hemorrhoid surgery is better than expected.