Post Esophagectomy & Post-Nissen Diet

Description

The post esophageal surgery diet is designed to include foods and drinks that will pass more easily through the area that was operated on .  The foods are of a soft texture and the beverages are non-carbonated.  Foods should be provided in limited quantities preferably 6 small meals per day.  High sugar foods may cause dumping syndrome.  High protein foods should be consumed with each meal.

Indication

This diet is used for approximately 3-4 weeks after surgery.  The general progression of the diet is a full liquid diet followed by a soft diet and then a regular diet. 

Nutritional Adequacy

This diet can be planned to meet the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) as outlined in the Statement of Nutritional Adequacy in Section IA.

How to Order the Diet

Order as “Full liquid” initially.  For the soft stage of the diet order “Post Nissen/esophagectomy diet”. 

Planning the Diet

General Guidelines

  1. Eat 4-5 small meals a day.
  2. Eat slowly, take small bites, and fully chew all food (once on soft diet).
  3. Sit upright while eating and remain upright for 30-60 minutes after eating.
  4. Take one chewable multivitamin with minerals per day.
  5. Prepare foods so that they are moist, soft, and easy to swallow.
  6. All drinks are allowed except those which are carbonated, such as soda, beer, and champagne.  Discuss with your doctor how long you should avoid carbonated beverages.
  7. Nutrition supplements or homemade milkshakes can be used to replace meals or snacks. You may need this if you feel like you are having trouble taking in enough calories or protein (particularly while on full liquids).  Listed below are some examples of these supplements: Carnation Instant Breakfast mixed with milk, Ensure, Boost, or store brand (Equate) – choose the “plus” kind for the most calories.

Diet Progression:

The physician will dictate the rate of diet progression from full liquid to soft and then to regular diet.    Use the guidelines below to determine safe food/beverage choices during this time.

Full Liquid Diet:

  • Water, coffee, tea, vegetable and fruit juices
  • Broths, strained cream soups or blenderized soups
  • Cream of wheat, grits and oatmeal
  • Milk and yogurt (smooth)
  • Milkshakes/smoothies (no chunks of fruit/nuts/cookie/brownie)
  • Pudding/custard/gelatin
  • Popsicles/sherbet/ice cream (no chunks of fruit/nuts/cookie/brownie)
  • Nutrition supplements (Ensure/Boost/Carnation Instant Breakfast)

Soft Diet (post nissen/esophagectomy diet):

The soft diet incorporates all foods allowed on the full liquid diet as well as other foods that you should be ready to tolerate.  The following list of foods is allowed on the soft diet (in addition to the above list of full liquids).

  • Cottage cheese
  • Soft eggs (scrambled or finely chopped)
  • Tofu
  • Moist fish
  • All canned fruits, peeled fresh fruits, berries
  • Well cooked, soft or pureed vegetables (including mashed potatoes and baked potato without the skin)
  • Soft, moist rice, noodles, cereal softened in milk
  • Fats (butter/margarine, mayo, dressings, gravies)

 

*Avoid breads (including waffles/pancakes) as well as meats during the soft diet.