I am scheduled to have my tonsillectomy in March. My doctor is very strict about post-op recovery and has instucted me refrain from ANY & ALL solids (yes, even super soupy mashed potatoes, yogurt, and all the other "soft foods" that seem typical for those recovering from a tonsillectomy) for 10 days. His philosophy is that the post-op scabs need to stay on as long as possible and eating food (even the softest food) would hasten their pulling off. I have also read conflicting perspectives that it is best to eat solids as soon as possible so that it hastens the healing process.
Has anyone else been given similarly strict "10 day liquid ONLY" food guidelines re: tonsillectomy recovery? And if so, were you able to stick to it?
Finally, aside from Ensure, popcicles, water, gatorade and broth, I would truly appreciate creative ideas & suggestions for additional liquids I can try.
Re: Tonsillectomy: Dr. says liquids ONLY for 10 days
I was advised almost the opposite! My ENT just said nothing crunchy or abrasive but encouraged me to eat whatever I liked. Today was my operation and I'm about 5 hours post...just had some noodle soup with some super soggy crackers and I did fine. Though I'm sure I won't be so pliable in the throat region in the next few days as scabs start to form.
Re: Tonsillectomy: Dr. says liquids ONLY for 10 days
I have never heard of that. When my son had his removed, they said any soft foods, except to my surprise, they don't recommend ice cream or dairy products anymore because they said it clogs up your throat. We gave him ice cream anyway. They did give us a big warning to continue soft food through the period around when the scab is most likely to come off and cause additional bleeding which I think was around days 9-12. They said be really careful around that time. He had no problems with mashed potatoes, soups, even blended macaroni and cheese (looked gross but he liked it).
Re: Tonsillectomy: Dr. says liquids ONLY for 10 days
Wow! Only 5 hours post-op? I truly appreciate your stamina to read and reply to my question just hours after your surgery.
It makes sense to eat as much as one can in the earlier stages of recovery to offset the inability to eat in the later stage (scabs, pain, etc.). Please keep me posted on how your recovery goes. I would be grateful to know your thoughts and learn about your experiences as you progress to day 1 post op, day 2 post op, ....etc. Take good care!
Re: Tonsillectomy: Dr. says liquids ONLY for 10 days
I have heard the same about ice cream/dairy products too. My son, age 6, had his tonsils removed on Monday, Feb 9th and following doctor's orders, I have made just about every smoothie and shake variation using Ensure as one could imagine! (Again, his doctor says liquid only until day 7). He stressed this point, as you mentioned, particularly during the days 5-7 when the scabs start to fall off. I find it so interesting that there are so many schools of thought out there re: tonsillectomy recovery guidelines.
Re: Tonsillectomy: Dr. says liquids ONLY for 10 days
Wow! Only 5 hours post-op? I truly appreciate your stamina to read and reply to my question just hours after your surgery.
It makes sense to eat as much as one can in the earlier stages of recovery to offset the inability to eat in the later stage (scabs, pain, etc.). Please keep me posted on how your recovery goes. I would be grateful to know your thoughts and learn about your experiences as you progress to day 1 post op, day 2 post op, ....etc. Take good care!
Re: Tonsillectomy: Dr. says liquids ONLY for 10 days
I think this is one of those situations I would, uh, "modify" my doctor's advice. But that's me.
I read about people who didn't eat and their recovery was not only more difficult, it was longer. If you don't give your body the fuel it needs to heal it will take longer.
Also, and more importantly: If you don't give your body the fuel it need to manage pain, it won't do so well.
I would perform some due diligence and do your own research. This board has a ton of people's experiences and you can judge for yourself.
Personally I think there is more danger from not keeping hydrated and the back of the throat moist than there is from applesauce. But maybe he is thinking if you are not having solid foods then you will be constantly drinking b/c of hunger and thus keep hydrated and moist?
Re: Tonsillectomy: Dr. says liquids ONLY for 10 days
Hi Apple17.8
Thank you for your post and I really appreciate your perspective.
My son had his tonsillectomy Monday (Feb 9) and I was pretty diligent about just giving him liquids (i.e. Ensure milkshakes/smoothies, broth, juice, water, etc) for the first 7 days, as directed by our ENT. Though somewhat skeptical that I was doing the "right thing", I did hold back solids during that time. I made very sure to keep him well hydrated.
I have been very pleased to see how gently and gradual his scabs are healing. Rather than "tearing off" they are diminishing without trauma. This seems to be validating what our ENT advocates (i.e. it is best to keep the scabs on as long as possible). Though his scabs are still visible, he is easily eating solids without pain.
Though I know kids are generally thought to heal more quickly than adults, I am definitely thinking that a true liquid diet for the first several days seems worthwhile.
We'll see if I still feel this way on day 7 of my liquid diet.....
Re: Tonsillectomy: Dr. says liquids ONLY for 10 days
I'd do the the liquids only too if what you are seeing with your son bears out what the ENT said. But if you feel like you need to fall off the bandwagon, I wouldn't feel like I were doing something terribly wrong, either. Even with applesauce, mashed potatoes and tortellini I couldn't take it anymore by the seventh day and went out for some mexican food. Ohhhhh it was so good. I was so sick of chicken broth I can't even tell you, lol.
I don't know if it helps, but to put things in perspective I only ate the soft solids (with water in between bites) a few times a day and it didn't hurt if I was being diligent about chewing juicy fruit. If not, it only hurt the first couple bites. The rest was liquid: Gatorade, tea, chicken broth, repeat. And that wasn't including all the water and ice. Cold hurts after the first few days so I would make sure I have lots of warm options.
My son also had a tonsillectomy, at 6 years old. After the first couple days it was pretty much a snap. I would say it took me twice as long to get over the hump of feeling better and I was 38 when I had mine. It is very helpful that you have just done a tonsillectomy recovery with him so you have a great idea of what to expect.
I hope your son finishes his recovery quickly and that your surgery goes well with a blessed recovery!
Even with applesauce, mashed potatoes and tortellini I couldn't take it anymore by the seventh day and went out for some mexican food. Ohhhhh it was so good. 
