If your hemorrhoids are severe or conservative treatments fail to provide relief, you may need a surgery called a hemorrhoidectomy. Recovering from this procedure takes time and requires changes in diet and activity to help you heal properly.
Your doctor will send you home with specific instructions on which foods to eat and which to avoid. Here’s what you can expect.
What to Eat After Hemorrhoid Surgery
For the first few days after the procedure, pooping can be painful. You’ll want to avoid passing large or hard stools. A low-fiber/low-residue diet can help with this by limiting the amount of food waste that passes through your digestive system, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Examples of low-fiber/low-residue foods to eat after hemorrhoid surgery include:
- Strained vegetable juice, potatoes without the skin, and soft-cooked vegetables
- 100 percent fruit juice, canned fruits, soft melons, and bananas
- White bread, white rice, pasta, and cornflakes
- Soft-cooked meat, poultry, and seafood
- Milk and milk products, in limited amounts
Foods to temporarily avoid may include:
- Seeds, nuts, or raw or dried fruit
- Whole-grain breads and cereals
- Foods high in fat
Adding Foods Back
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it typically takes two to four weeks to fully recover from a hemorrhoidectomy.
Follow your doctor's advice regarding your diet and how and when to add foods back to prevent discomfort as you continue to heal.
Eating Once You’ve Healed
Once you’ve fully recovered from hemorrhoid surgery, your diet should include enough fiber to counteract constipation, which is a significant cause of hemorrhoids, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Fiber is a substance found in plant foods. Because your body isn't able to digest fiber, it adds bulk to your stools, making them easier to pass. That means you have less straining, more regularity, and a decrease in your risk of developing hemorrhoids. Upping your fiber intake not only improves your bathroom habits, but may also keep you feeling full longer, benefit your heart health, and improve your blood sugar control, lower your cholesterol, and even protect against some cancers, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
How Much Fiber Do You Need?
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), adult women should aim for about 25 grams (g) of fiber per day, while men should aim for about 28 g, or 14 g for every 1,000 calories consumed. Some of the best sources of fiber include:
- Fruit: kiwis, raspberries, strawberries, pears, and oranges
- Vegetables: broccoli, spinach, carrots, and potatoes with the skin
- Grains: brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat bread, and barley
- Beans, peas, and lentils: kidney beans, chickpeas, and split peas
- Nuts and seeds: almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds
When adding more fiber to your diet, be sure to go slow, adding one new high-fiber food at time. Getting too much fiber too quickly can backfire and lead to gas, bloating, and constipation. You also want to make sure you're getting enough water to keep things moving.
What About Fiber Supplements?
While it's always better to get your nutrition from whole foods because they usually come with nutrients you can't put in a bottle, supplements may be an option if you’re having a hard time meeting your fiber needs, according to the AND. Talk to your doctor for recommendations on how and when to take fiber supplements to prevent constipation or other digestive issues.
