What three types of food should be avoided after appendectomy?

Aug 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Spicy hot pot contains a large amount of spicy seasonings such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. After surgery, the intestinal function is relatively weak; consuming these can irritate the intestinal mucosa, increase the burden on the intestines, potentially cause discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, and affect wound healing. French fries are high-fat, hard-to-digest foods. After surgery, digestive capacity has not fully recovered; consuming them can slow intestinal motility.

Generally speaking, there is no specific "three dishes not to eat" rule after appendectomy, but postoperative diet requires special attention. Dishes such as spicy hot pot, fried French fries, scrambled eggs with leeks, stewed vegetable with fatty meat, and chili pepper stir-fried meat are usually not suitable for consumption. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Spicy hot pot: Spicy hot pot contains large amounts of spicy seasonings such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. After surgery, the intestinal function is relatively weak, and consuming spicy foods may irritate the intestinal mucosa, increase the burden on the intestines, potentially cause discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, and delay wound healing.

2. Fried French fries: Fried French fries are high-fat and difficult to digest. Since digestive function has not fully recovered after surgery, consuming them may slow intestinal motility, increase digestive burden on the intestines, and easily lead to bloating and constipation.

3. Scrambled eggs with leeks: Leeks are rich in coarse fiber and have a certain degree of irritancy. The intestines are sensitive after surgery, and consumption may stimulate abnormal intestinal motility, cause abdominal discomfort, and may also affect the efficiency of nutrient absorption.

4. Stewed vegetable with fatty meat: Stewed vegetable with fatty meat contains a high level of fat. The intestines have reduced ability to digest high-fat foods after surgery, and consuming such food may easily cause indigestion, increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, and hinder recovery.

5. Chili pepper stir-fried meat: Chili peppers in this dish may irritate the intestines. If the meat is improperly cooked or consumed in excessive amounts, it may also increase the difficulty of digestion. The combination of both may trigger intestinal spasms and affect the postoperative recovery process.

In the early stage after appendectomy, patients should mainly consume light and easily digestible foods, such as rice porridge, soft noodles, and steamed eggs. As the body gradually recovers, patients can transition to a normal diet but should still avoid the aforementioned dishes that are difficult to digest or highly irritating. It is also important to eat small meals frequently and chew food thoroughly. If significant discomfort occurs after eating, medical advice should be sought promptly.

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