What is the Diet after Tonsillectomy in Children
A tonsillectomy is a surgery to remove the tonsils. After a tonsillectomy, your child should eat foods that are easy to swallow and gentle on the throat. This makes recovery easier.
Follow the diet guidelines on this sheet for 1–2 weeks or until any pain from the surgery is completely gone.
What do I need to know about this diet?
In the first 24 hours after surgery:
- Do not give your child any foods.
- Do not give your child citrus juices or liquids that are cloudy.
- You may give your child liquids that are clear (such as water, chicken broth, apple juice, and lemon-lime soda without fizz).
After the first 24 hours:
- You may give your child soft foods. Examples of soft foods are listed in the next section.
- You may give your child any liquid except citrus juices (such as orange juice).
- Do notgive your child foods that are not soft.
- Do notgive your child hot, spicy, or highly seasoned foods.
- Do notgive your child citrus juices.
While your child is on this diet:
- Cut foods into small pieces and encourage your child to chew them well.
- Have your child drink several glasses of lukewarm water daily.
- Consider giving your child liquid nutritional supplements, like a liquid nutrition drink. Your health care provider can give you recommendations.
What foods can my child eat?
Grains
Soft bread. Soggy waffles or French toast without crust and soaked in syrup. Pancakes. Oatmeal or other creamy cereal. Soggy cold cereal. Pasta, noodles.
Vegetables
Cooked vegetables. Mashed potatoes.
Fruits
Applesauce. Bananas. Canned fruit. Watermelon without seeds.
Meats and Other Protein Sources
Hot dogs. Hamburger. Tender, moist meat. Tuna. Scrambled or poached eggs.
Dairy
Milk. Smooth yogurt. Cottage cheese. Processed cheeses.
Beverages
Milk. Juices without seeds. Sodas without fizz.
Sweets/Desserts
Custard. Pudding. Ice cream. Malts, shakes.
Other
Soup. Macaroni and cheese. Smooth peanut butter and jelly sandwiches without crust.
The items listed above may not be a complete list of recommended foods or beverages. Contact your dietitian for more options.
What foods are not recommended?
Grains
Toast. Crispy waffles. Crunchy, cold cereal. Crackers. Pretzels. Popcorn.
Vegetables
Raw vegetables.
Fruits
Citrus fruits. Most fresh fruits, including oranges, apples, and melon.
Meats and Other Protein Sources
Tough, dry meat. Nuts.
Beverages
Citrus juices (such as orange juice or lemonade). Soda with bubbles.
Sweets/Desserts
Cookies.
Other
Fried foods. Chips. Grilled cheese sandwiches.
