Eating After POEM – Your Post-Procedure Diet Plan Explained

1. Eating After POEM – Your Post-Procedure Diet Plan Explained The POEM procedure represents a revolutionary, minimally invasive approach to treating oesophageal motility disorders, including achalasia. This technique involves severing the muscles of the lower oesophageal sphincter to enhance swallowing and alleviate symptoms such as regurgitation and chest pain. Post- procedure, adhering to a suitable diet is crucial for a smooth recovery, reducing the risk of complications, and facilitating healing. This blog will provide insights into dietary considerations following POEM, presenting a phased plan to assist you in managing your diet from the immediate recovery phase to long-term maintenance. Importance of diet after POEM Following the POEM procedure, your oesophagus will experience changes that require time to heal. Since the procedure entails cutting muscle fibres in the lower oesophagus, it is vital to allow the area to rest and recover to prevent complications like oesophageal narrowing, GERD symptoms, and potential infections or inflammation. A diet that supports healing and minimizes stress on your oesophagus is essential. Making appropriate food choices will also help alleviate discomfort and avert long-term issues. Dietary guidelines during recovery Your dietary regimen after POEM will evolve in stages as you navigate the recovery process. Initially, you will start with a liquid diet, gradually moving to soft foods, and ultimately resuming a normal solid food diet. The specific

2. timeline for these phases may differ based on your individual condition and recovery progress. The first three days after POEM: Promoting hydration, allowing the oesophagus to recover, and preventing irritation are crucial, particularly in the first three days following the POEM procedure. During this initial recovery period, your oesophagus will be sensitive, making it important to refrain from consuming solid foods. Typically, your physician will advise a liquid-only diet during this time, which minimizes stress on the oesophagus while ensuring adequate hydration and essential nutrients. •What to eat: In the early days of recovery after POEM, prioritize clear liquids such as water, broth, clear juices, and electrolyte solutions to maintain hydration. Nutrient-dense liquids like pulp-free fruit juices, herbal teas, and oral rehydration solutions can help sustain your energy. Additionally, thin protein shakes and smoothies without solid pieces can offer vital nutrients while being gentle on your healing oesophagus. •What to avoid: Steer clear of thick or overly viscous liquids, as they may cause discomfort when swallowing. It's advisable to avoid carbonated drinks, which can introduce air into the stomach and result in bloating or discomfort. Furthermore, it is wise to refrain from caffeinated and alcoholic beverages during this period, as they can irritate the digestive system and potentially exacerbate post-procedure discomfort. The 4th-7th day after POEM: Approximately one week following the POEM procedure, if your recovery is progressing well and you are not experiencing significant pain, you may start to gradually reintroduce soft, pureed foods into your diet. It is crucial to take a gentle approach to eating during this time, allowing your oesophagus to adapt to normal swallowing functions. •What to eat: As you continue to recover from POEM, you can add pureed options such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smooth fruit purees, and soups without chunks to your meals. Soft scrambled eggs are also a great option, providing protein while being easy to digest and swallow. Smoothies can be a healthy choice as long as they are blended until completely smooth. Additionally, softened oatmeal or porridge can be comforting and satisfying without causing irritation to the oesophagus. •What to avoid: At this stage, it is advisable to avoid hard, crunchy, or dry foods like toast, chips, and raw vegetables, as these can be challenging to swallow and may irritate the healing oesophagus. It is also wise to steer

3. clear of spicy or acidic foods, which can lead to discomfort, heartburn, or reflux, potentially hindering your recovery. The second week: After the initial week, you can begin to incorporate more substantial food options, provided they remain easy to chew and digest. The aim is to help your oesophagus adapt to more complex textures without causing any discomfort. •What to eat: During the advanced phase of post-POEM recovery, you can gradually add soft, well-cooked vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and squash to your diet. Tender meats, including finely chopped or shredded chicken or turkey, are excellent sources of protein and easy to digest. You may also introduce soft-cooked pasta and well-prepared rice, which offer variety and are easy to swallow. Additionally, soft dairy products like cottage cheese or mild cheeses serve as good protein sources and are gentle on the digestive system. •What to avoid: It remains crucial to avoid tough meats, such as steak or other chewy cuts, as they can be hard to swallow and may strain the oesophagus. Additionally, refrain from consuming foods with seeds or skins, like tomatoes or berries, as they can irritate the healing tissue or become trapped in the oesophagus, potentially leading to discomfort or complications. After two weeks: After a period of two to four weeks, many patients may be able to resume a regular diet, but it remains crucial to pay attention to your body's signals. Focus on foods that are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. •What to eat: As you approach full recovery following POEM, you can slowly reintroduce a balanced diet that features a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. To avoid putting too much strain on your still-recovering oesophagus, it is advisable to consume smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Maintaining proper hydration is also vital, so ensure you drink plenty of fluids. Soft and moist dishes, such as stews, casseroles, and lightly cooked meals, are preferable as they are easier to chew and swallow. •What to avoid: In this final stage of recovery, it is best to refrain from large meals, as they can stress your healing oesophagus and cause discomfort. Limit highly acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar-based products, as they may lead to irritation. Additionally, avoid extremely hot

4. or cold foods and beverages, as temperature extremes can provoke sensitivity or hinder the healing process. Nutritional tips for healing after POEM In addition to adhering to the diet plan, certain nutritional factors can enhance healing and recovery. •Protein: Protein is essential for tissue repair and recovery. Make sure to include sufficient protein in your diet from sources such as eggs, yogurt, lean meats, and legumes. •Fibre: While it's advisable to steer clear of rough, raw vegetables during the early stages of recovery, once you can tolerate them, fibre-rich foods like cooked vegetables and whole grains can aid digestion. •Healthy fats: Add sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, finely chopped nuts, and olive oil, to promote overall well-being. •Hydration: Maintaining hydration is vital, particularly when consuming liquid or soft foods. Ensure you drink enough fluids to facilitate digestion and avoid constipation. Long-term dietary considerations post-POEM After you have fully recovered and can resume a normal diet, it is important to adopt certain long-term dietary practices to sustain optimal health and prevent reflux or other complications. •Meal timings: Refrain from consuming large meals late in the evening. It is preferable to have smaller meals throughout the day to lessen the burden on your oesophagus. •Reflux management: To prevent the return of acid reflux, elevate your head while sleeping and avoid lying down right after eating. •Monitoring your body's reactions: Some foods may still irritate your oesophagus even after recovery. Keep a record of any foods that cause discomfort and avoid them. Recovering from POEM necessitates patience, meticulous attention, and a suitable diet to facilitate effective healing. At Mission Gastro Hospital, patients benefit not only from the best POEM treatment in Ahmedabad, but also from specialized post-POEM care, which includes tailored dietary advice and diligent monitoring by skilled gastroenterologists. Renowned for its state-of-the-art endoscopic services and patient-centred philosophy, Mission Gastro Hospital

5. ensures that each individual undergoing POEM receives comprehensive support throughout their recovery journey. By adhering to a gradual diet, beginning with liquids and slowly reintroducing regular meals, you can alleviate discomfort and enhance the healing process. Rely on Mission Gastro Hospital for safe and efficient POEM treatment, along with thorough aftercare that emphasizes your long-term digestive health and overall wellness. Resource: Read more