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Colon Surgery

Colon Surgery Specialist in Phoenix, AZ

Colon surgery aims to remove diseased or damaged portions of the colon, alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, or bowel obstruction, and reduce the risk of complications such as perforation, infection, or cancer spread. Colon surgery is provided by Dr. Debora J. Fox-McClary, M.D., MBA, FACS, FASCRS, Dr. Antonino Cammarata D.O., and Dr. J. Brian Brizendine, M.D., to provide the best possible results for the patient. We are conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online.

Colon Surgery Specialist Near Me in Phoenix, AZ
Colon Surgery Specialist Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Table of Contents:

How long do you have to rest after colon surgery?
What are the restrictions after colon surgery?
Can you live a normal life after a colon resection?
How long after colon resection can you eat normally?

How long do you have to rest after colon surgery?


The recovery from colon surgery is a gradual process that takes about six weeks on average. After colon surgery, many people can return to most of their usual routines within about two to four weeks. However, everyone is different, so it takes some people a bit longer to recover.

In the first days after your surgery, it’s essential to be gentle with yourself, as your body needs time to heal. It’s encouraged that you try light activities, such as getting up and walking around, as this helps prevent complications. You will likely feel weak or fatigued in the first few days post-surgery. Remember to listen to your body and rest when you need to.

Gradually, as your strength returns, you can start incorporating more of your regular activities back into your routine. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s advice regarding physical activity and diet during your recovery after colon surgery to ensure your recovery is smooth.

What are the restrictions after colon surgery?


After your colon surgery, you will need to keep a few things in mind. Immediately after surgery, you’ll have to adhere to a clear liquid diet. This includes broths, gelatin, and clear juices. When your surgeon tells you, you can begin adding more solid foods.

You should start with low-fiber options and avoid raw fruits and vegetables initially, as certain foods can cause bloating and gas, which can be uncomfortable post-surgery. For example, you should stay away from beans, carbonated beverages, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. In addition, high-fat and spicy foods can irritate your digestive system and should be avoided initially.

In the first few weeks after surgery, it’s very important to focus on resting. This means avoiding strenuous activities and giving your body time to heal. While light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation and prevent blood clots, you must refrain from lifting anything heavy (over 10 pounds) for at least six weeks after your surgery or until your surgeon gives you the all-clear.

These restrictions are in place because lifting heavy objects can strain your surgical site and delay healing. Once you feel stronger and your surgeon approves, you can slowly reintroduce more exercise into your routine.

Can you live a normal life after a colon resection?


Yes, you can live a normal life after a colon resection. While the recovery period requires some adjustments and patience, patients can return to their usual activities and enjoy a high quality of life following this treatment. After your surgery, regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are essential to ensure that your healing is on track and to address any concerns during the recovery period. In most cases, it takes approximately six weeks for patients to fully recover from colon resection surgery.

How long after colon resection can you eat normally?


Following a colon resection procedure, your digestive system needs time to heal before you can return to your regular eating habits. Due to this, a soft diet is advised for the first 2 to 8 weeks following your surgery. During this period, you’ll be eating foods that are easy to digest, such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, and cooked vegetables.

As you progress through your recovery and your body begins to tolerate these foods well, you will slowly advance to a more regular diet. The timeframe of this transition varies for each person, as everyone’s digestive system responds differently to surgery. Some people may find they can reintroduce a wide variety of foods fairly quickly, while others may need more time to adjust.

Your doctor will guide you through this process, providing you with a list of the best foods to start with and when to introduce new things into your diet. It’s important to listen to your body and take note of any foods that cause discomfort. It’s recommended to keep a food diary to easily track what you eat and how it affects you.

Phoenix Unified Surgeons offers the most cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment services. We are conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Sun City AZ, Peoria AZ, Surprise AZ, Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, and surrounding areas.