Bowel obstruction may occur from cancer location or scar tissue from previous surgeries. Keep an eye out for cramping, intense abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, and vomiting. If these occur and are persistent, talk to your doctor.
Try a low-residue diet. This means that you avoid high-fiber foods like whole grains, cruciferous vegetables (think Brussels sprouts, broccoli, etc.), nuts, and foods with seeds and whole wheat. Remove the skin from fruits and vegetables before eating, like apples and cucumbers.
For grains, try refined white grains like white pastas, white crackers, and white bread. Also, work to increase your fluid intake. This can help to get your bowels moving.
For fruits and vegetables, choose cooked fruits and vegetables. Fruit juices are okay if they don’t have pulp. You can also eat tender and well-cooked meats but stay away from beans and peas right now.
To reduce discomfort through gas, avoid gas-forming foods and drinks, like carbonated beverages, broccoli, and chewing gum. Don’t drink beverages through a straw because this can increase air consumption, which can lead to gas.
RECAP:
- Try a low-residue diet (avoiding high fiber foods)
- Avoid nuts, seeds, whole wheat, beans, peas, carbonated beverages and chewing gum
- Avoid using straws
- Try refined white grains (white breads/pastas)
- Increase fluid intake
- Consume cooked fruits and vegetables rather than raw
- If you drink juice, stick to juice without pulp
- Stick to tender, well-cooked meats
Eat well!
-Julie
