Cancerbackup: Q-95270817

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I have recently had surgery to remove a bowel cancer. Is it OK for me to eat khichadi, or moong dal?

Both khichadi (lentils and rice) and moong dal (either red or yellow lentils) are rich in fibre, so for most people they should be a good thing to include in their meals. There are no absolute rules about what you should, or should not eat, after this sort of operation.

Each of us is different, and some people will find they can quickly go back to their normal diet, but others will find there are things that do cause stomach upsets (wind, pain or sickness or diarrhoea). If this happens it is best to avoid those foods for a month or two and then try again, often things will have settled in the meantime and they won't cause a problem.

Generally speaking, after bowel surgery, it is a good idea to have small meals regularly, rather than less frequent big meals, to chew everything well and to take plenty of fluids when you are eating. Fibre in the diet is usually helpful in getting the bowel back to normal after an operation.


Content last reviewed: 21 September 2005
Page last modified: 31 August 2006

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