Community Chat

[JeanLouiseFinch]

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@ScrapHappy wrote:

A co-worker is having surgery (double hernia) and I would like to surprise her with some meals so she doesn't have to cook.  Of course I'll make chicken noodle soup.  I though ziti (without meat) is easy to re-heat.  Maybe make some brownies for a sweet treat?  I've seen her eat the cobb salad from Chick Fil A,. she seems to like that.  Does any of that sound good?  If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear some.  Thank you.

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How kind and thoughtful of you, @ScrapHappy, to want to pitch in and help her.   It all sounds delicious but I want to caution you about doing too much too soon.  She will likely be on a restricted diet for a few weeks post-op.  I'm not trying to discourage you from helping, just be mindful of her particular timeline in returning to a normal diet.  

Another suggestion is that you might set up a "meal train" for her where other coworkers can also pitch in, but avoid overlapping days and dishes.   MealTrain dot com

      

[elated]

@ScrapHappy 

A good post-hernia surgery diet focuses on hydration, high-fiber foods, lean proteins, and easily digestible meals to support healing and prevent strain on the surgical site

Immediately after surgery, the digestive system is sensitive. Start with clear liquids to prevent dehydration and reduce strain on the abdomen. Recommended options include water, clear broths, diluted fruit juices, herbal teas, and electrolyte drinks. Avoid carbonated beverages, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can irritate digestion and cause bloating.

After the first few days, gradually introduce soft, easy-to-digest foods such as pureed vegetables, mashed potatoes, applesauce, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and custards. These foods provide nutrients while minimizing pressure on the abdominal wall.

Protein for Healing

Adequate protein is essential for tissue repair and immune support. Include lean meats (chicken, fish), eggs, tofu, legumes, and dairy products. Protein helps rebuild tissues and supports recovery from surgery.

This what I found to be helpful. You are very kind to offer assistance.

[River Song]

I was going to suggest something soft, like crust-less quiche, baked in individual muffin-size portions (like those egg bites you can buy).  

[pdlinda]

@elated   I had two hernia surgeries:  Ventral in 2004.  Inguinal in 2006.  Both were done in the Emergency Room.  I missed work for 3 weeks for the Ventral.  I missed work for 1 week for the Inguinal.  I never had any complications with either.

I vaguely recall the Inguinal surgeon telling me (he was called into the E.R. to perform the surgery on Labor Day, 2006), that :  "This mesh will last you a lifetime.  I performed the perfect surgery on you."  

I vaguely recall the E.R. surgeon for the Ventral doing a follow-up visit several weeks later in 2004.

This post jarred my memory about those surgeries.  The inguinal was very serious.  The surgeon told me my life was in danger if it wasn't taken care of IMMEDIATELY.  I recall the woman surgeon telling me more or less the same thing (I won't go into clinical specifics) about the ventral repair.

Funny, I don't recall anything about the dietary follow up.  Of course, it was so many  years ago.  

FINAL THOUGHT:  I hope your friend has the complete, flawless recovery I had with her hernia to the point where I almost forgot I had both until your post brought back those memories.

[wagirl]

Sounds just great!! Very thoughtful of you. My then SIL made me and my family meals when I was going thru chemo----was so nice not to have to think about cooking, altho I still was able to function ok. 

[gidgetgh]

Forgive my response. I had an irritating phone call about an hour ago so I'm not at my most cheerful. 

I am the pickiest, plainest eater on the planet. Unless someone checked with me first, I really wouldn't want them bringing food to me because I wouldn't eat it and then I would feel guilty. What I would love, is someone calling me and checking on me and asking if they could get anything from the grocery store for me or something that I choose from a nearby restaurant. Truly, that's what I would love. 

You're a good friend to her. 

[Lakelife62]

I would take the money I was going to use to buy the food and get her a gift certificate to a restaurant or market with prepared foods- one that delivers.

[Scooby Doo]

I had abdominal hernia surgery 6 months ago.  It was a swiss cheese situation (3 hernias) and I was in the hospital for five days.

I can tell you that they had me on a liquid diet for a week just to get my bowels working again.  I didn't want anything too solid that would cause straining.  I ate Campbells chunky soup, jello pudding, and a very soft diet for 3 weeks.  I got my protein from protein drinks.  NO salad.  Think soft digestive foods.

BTW, that was my second hernia surgery for a total of 5 hernias.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

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@Scooby Doo wrote:

I had abdominal hernia surgery 6 months ago.  It was a swiss cheese situation (3 hernias) and I was in the hospital for five days.

I can tell you that they had me on a liquid diet for a week just to get my bowels working again.  I didn't want anything too solid that would cause straining.  I ate Campbells chunky soup, jello pudding, and a very soft diet for 3 weeks.  I got my protein from protein drinks.  NO salad.  Think soft digestive foods.

BTW, that was my second hernia surgery for a total of 5 hernias.

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@Scooby Doo - my DH is having an operation in September.  I've been looking into his post-op diet and it's similar.  We will be out of state for it, staying at a rental.  The property owner/manager said we could receive Amazon deliveries there so I'm working on a list of supplies. I found some SF chocolate protein drinks with decent ingredients.  👍

[Q-Checker]

Make sure that whatever food you provide is APPROVED BY HER SURGEON.  She or you can ask for an advance copy of the probable recommended post-op diet. You sound like a good friend and a kind person and responsible enough to follow medical directives, not hot tips on a blog, no matter how well-intentioned they are. Hernias can occur in different places in the body and, therefore, recommended post-op diets will vary. Post-op diet directives from her surgeon are, therefore, the best source for making decisions for food gifts. Some of the things that you were thinking about making for your co-worker may have to be postponed until she has a complete recovery and the foods are medically approved for her going forward. Remember -- her digestive tract may be highly involved in the surgery. I know that your co-worker will greatly value and appreciate your care.