What to eat after liver surgery?

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Nutrition plays an important role after liver surgery due to the liver's ability to regenerate. Patients are likely to be malnourished at the time of surgery, if a healthy diet is not maintained.

1. What is liver surgery?

A liver surgery is an operation both physically and mentally for the patient. Surgery involves removing part of the liver from the body. It has been noted that half a liver is enough to feed the body if it is healthy. Patients who have recently undergone liver surgery will experience abdominal pain for a few days after surgery or may also experience nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or headache. Therefore, nutrition and rest after liver surgery are very important.

2. Principles of nutrition after liver surgery

Regarding nutritional principles after liver surgery, patients should note the following:
Avoid toxic substances related to food production methods (due to pesticides, agrochemicals, herbicides). Avoid food additives (colors, preservatives, flavorings). Avoid certain cooking methods that develop toxic substances such as: Frying, roasting, grilling.

3. Stages of liver surgery

3.1. The first stage: 1-2 days after surgery The patient may be slow to pass stool. Side effects of many pain relievers Digestive capacity will be reduced because the metabolic function of the liver will be significantly reduced. There is a risk of hypoglycemia In this early stage, the patient needs to do the following methods to recover, such as eating small meals. Meals will have to ensure regular nutrition. It is best to eat thin porridge with a sufficient amount of minced meat, fish and pureed vegetables. 3.2. The next stage Taste disturbance, bitter mouth Poor digestion, abdominal distension, bowel disorders. Reduced cravings and feelings of fullness soon after a meal. In this next stage, the patient needs to do the following methods to recover:
Use herbs and spices (thyme, parsley, basil, turmeric, ginger, lemon juice, wine and apple cider vinegar) . Prepare a variety of cooking methods to change the taste and feel of eating better.

4. Diet and convalescence after liver surgery

In order for the body to recover fastest and minimize side effects, people after liver surgery should pay attention to the following issues:
Use green vegetables in the patient's diet to be provided with enough vitamin K. This is an important substance in blood clotting. Maintain a stable microbiome in the gut by drinking probiotics such as water, yogurt. Eat a lot of food such as lean meat, fish, shrimp, crab to increase protein supplement for the body. Limit harmful fructose in foods containing artificial sweeteners such as candy, soft drinks, packaged foods. Limit the use of animal fats, use vegetable oils such as peanut oil, rice oil, olive oil to avoid causing inflammatory reactions and balance blood sugar.

5. Valuable tips for recovering from liver surgery

Diet: Your diet after surgery should be balanced and you should drink plenty of water. Most patients can resume their normal diet for a few days after surgery. However, the diet at this time should include protein, green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and dairy products such as yogurt and skim milk. Some patients may experience irregular bowel movements, which is a common symptom after liver surgery, but if the patient experiences acute discomfort for a long time, a doctor should be consulted.

Rest: Doctors recommend rest and full recovery from liver surgery. You should take at least 4 to 6 weeks of medical leave from work. Patients should avoid strenuous activities such as cycling, running, or lifting weights immediately after surgery, as these activities place significant strain on the liver. You should stay at home, avoid crowded places to prevent the risk of infection. Getting enough sleep is very important, so it is imperative that patients sleep 6 to 7 hours a day.
Incision care: Since surgery involves cutting through the skin, the cut must be carefully cared for after surgery. After removing the bandage, wash it with warm soapy water and pat dry. You can cover the cut with a bandage if needed. Remember to wash it daily to avoid any infections or complications.
Do not drink alcohol: After liver surgery, the patient absolutely does not drink alcohol. You should also stop drinking alcohol before surgery. Heavy drinkers should immediately stop drinking and try to quit smoking. It's important to be honest with your doctor and talk about your drinking habits.
Maintaining a healthy diet combined with regular rest will bring the best recovery results for the patient. Besides, it also ensures health for future activities and work. In addition, patients after liver surgery also note the need to perform periodic re-examination according to the doctor's appointment.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has developed a general health checkup package for all different subjects and ages. With this package, the patient will have a comprehensive examination through blood, liver, urine tests, scans, blood pressure measurements, etc. to have an accurate assessment of the current condition. .

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.