When can I return to a normal diet after surgery?
Oct 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, there is no fixed timeframe for returning to a normal diet after surgery; it depends on the type of surgery, individual recovery progress, and the restoration of gastrointestinal function. Most patients can gradually resume a normal diet within 1 to 7 days after surgery, while certain specific procedures may require a longer period. It is important to monitor for symptoms such as bloating or abdominal pain after eating; if discomfort occurs, the transition to regular food should be slowed down.
Generally, there is no fixed timeframe for returning to a normal diet after surgery. The timing depends on the type of surgery, individual recovery progress, and gastrointestinal function recovery. Most patients can gradually resume a normal diet within 1 to 7 days after surgery, while certain specific procedures may require a longer recovery period. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the surgery is a minor superficial procedure, gastrointestinal function is usually unaffected. Patients can start with liquid foods such as rice soup or lotus root powder after waking from anesthesia. If tolerated well, they may transition to a semi-liquid diet on the same day and return to a normal diet within 1–2 days. Spicy and greasy foods should be avoided to minimize irritation to the surgical wound.
For gastrointestinal surgeries, gastrointestinal function requires time to recover. Patients typically need to fast for 1–2 days postoperatively. Once bowel gas passage (flatus) occurs, they can begin with liquids and gradually advance to semi-liquids, then soft foods. Normal eating may be cautiously resumed around 5–7 days after surgery. Meals should follow the principle of eating small portions frequently, avoiding raw, cold, or hard foods to reduce gastrointestinal strain.
In daily care, monitor for discomfort such as bloating or abdominal pain after eating. If any symptoms occur, slow down the pace of dietary progression. Choose high-protein and high-vitamin foods to support tissue healing, and avoid alcohol, coffee, and other stimulants to promote optimal postoperative recovery.
