Q: How many hernia patients does it take to screw in a light bulb?

None. They shouldn't be stretching!

There isn’t much that’s funny about having surgery for a hernia. When it comes to the question of “What to eat after surgery?”, it’s downright confusing. Eating the right combination of foods can speed along recovery, keep the stomach relaxed, boost metabolism, and ensure the lasting success of a hernia repair.

Your Post-Hernia Surgery Diet Matters

Doctors recommend a balanced nutritional plan that includes fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, and whole grains while limiting processed foods and junk food, in order to get the most nutritious “bang for your buck.” Because the goal of hernia surgery is to repair the bulging of the abdominal wall, it follows that once you’ve fixed the hernia, you’ll want to maintain those repairs.

What You Can Eat After Hernia Surgery

“Whole” foods (foods that have not been heavily processed) help to speed along the recovery process and are less likely to trigger symptoms. Food journaling is a great way to be able to keep track of the foods that trigger your symptoms, and can double as a fantastic source of information to provide your doctor with at your next post-op appointment.

FIBER-RICH FOODS, which maintain healthy digestive function, prevent constipation, and keep your metabolism high.

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Beans
• Wheat germ
• Oatmeal
• Bran

PROTEINS, which speed muscle recovery and repair tissues damaged during surgery—the general rule of thumb is 1 gram of protein per 2 lbs of your body weight.

• Lean red meats
• Grilled chicken or other poultry
• Seafood
• Eggs (whole or egg whites)
• Beans
• Tofu, tempeh, or soy products
• Low-fat dairy

ANTIOXIDANTS, which speed muscle recovery and fight toxic substances.

• Dried fruits
• Mangos
• Peaches
• Papaya

FRUITS, which are a rich source of fiber and many of which serve double-duty as good sources of antioxidants.

• Pineapple
• Avocado
• Bananas
• Apples
• Citrus fruits
• Berries
• Melon (all varieties)

VEGETABLES, which are also a solid source of fiber and antioxidants, as well as also being valuable sources of vitamins and minerals essential to your body’s recuperation.

• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Peas
• Green Beans
• Chopped spinach
• Kale
• Squash (winter and summer varieties)
• Pumpkin
• Asparagus

WHOLE GRAINS, SEEDS AND NUTS, which are healthy sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and essential fatty acids.

• Brown rice
• Cooked cereals
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Whole-grain cereals and breads
• Brazil nuts
• Barley

What You Can't Eat After Hernia Surgery

Here, the dietary rules have a little less wiggle room, and the discomfort caused by eating off-plan can be much greater. First and foremost, avoiding overly processed foods is one of the best tweaks you can make for yourself. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, or if the ingredient list takes up the whole side of the box, you might want to skip it.

• Highly processed foods
• Highly acidic foods (Citrus fruits, processed tomato sauces, pickles, etc.)
• Any food that can weaken the esophageal sphincter
• Refined white flour and products made from refined white flour
• Crusty breads
• Sticky, gummy foods that are difficult to swallow
• Foods that cause stomach gas or bloating (cruciferous vegetables, onions, garlic, etc.)
• Foods that clump together (white rice, untoasted bread)
• Foods that cause constipation (chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, dairy)
• Creamy sauces and dressings
• Fried, oily, or fatty food (including oils, butter, whole milk, ice cream, and creamy foods)
• Spicy foods
• Junk food (potato chips, snack cakes, cookies, etc.)
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Carbonated or fizzy drinks
• Low fiber fruits and vegetables (canned, processed, frozen)
• Sugar (especially chocolate, due to its tendency to cause constipation)