Post procedure diet - post operative (light)
This document is part of the ACI Diet Specifications for Adult Inpatients. It is not to be used for patient education.
Aim
To provide a diet that contains foods lower in fat, gas-forming foods and spices (also known as light diet).
Characteristics
Physiologically this diet has no advantages over the standard full diet, but traditionally it has been used for patients who cannot tolerate the full diet and want mildly flavoured, easily digested food. This diet does not have to be soft, bland or low fibre. Small meals selected from a normal low-fat menu may be a suitable alternative.
Indications
- post surgery / medical procedures
- nausea
- as a transition from a liquid to a normal diet.
Nutritional adequacy
Nutritionally adequate.
Precautions
Individual likes and dislikes need to be considered when planning this diet.
Paediatrics
Suitable for use in paediatrics when combined with an age-appropriate diet.
Specific menu planning guidelines
| Allowed | Not allowed | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot main dishes | All others | Strongly spiced dishes (e.g. curries, satays) High-fat dishes >15g fat per serve (e.g. fried foods and pastries) Dishes containing nuts or legumes |
| Sauces, gravies | All | - |
| Starchy vegetables / pasta / rice | Boiled, mashed or roasted potato Plain pasta or rice | Fried potato chips or wedges |
| Vegetables | All | Corn, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, capsicum |
| Soups | All | Minestrone Lentil, broccoli, potato and leek soups |
| Sandwiches | All others | Pickles, chutney, gherkin |
| Salads, dressings | None | - |
| Breads, cereals | All other cereals All breads | Bran-based breakfast cereals |
| Spreads | All | - |
| Hot breakfast choices | All egg dishes Canned spaghetti | Bacon, sausages, baked beans |
| Fruit | All other fruits | Rhubarb, prunes, dates, pineapple |
| Yoghurt | All yoghurts | - |
| Desserts | All others, including plain cakes | Any desserts >10g fat per serve (e.g. pastries, pies, cheesecake) |
| Milk and cheese | All | - |
| Beverages | All | - |
| Biscuits | All | - |
| Miscellaneous | All supplements (as prescribed by clinician) | Cream |
References
- Benhamou D, Técsy M, Parry N, Mercier FJ, Burg C. Audit of an early feeding program after Cesarean delivery: Patient wellbeing is increased. Can J Anesthes 2002;49:814-9.
- Dietitians Association of Australia (WA Branch) and Health Department of Western Australia. Nutrition manual. Perth: DAA (WA); 1997.
- Brooks F. Effect of diet on gastric secretion. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;42:1006-19
Change log
July 2019
| Section updated | Change |
|---|---|
| Title of Specification | Title changed from Post procedure diet - Operative (light) to Post procedure diet - Post operative (light) |
| Specific menu planning guidelines - Miscellaneous | In Allowed, added All supplements (as prescribed by clinician) |