What Fruit Can Be Eaten After a Tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, two glands or lymph tissues, that lie at the back of the throat. The surgery may be indicated due to ongoing recurrent infections or snoring and sleep apnea. While the surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, in which you can leave the hospital the same day, you will still be put under full anesthesia and experience pain and discomfort swallowing afterward. A doctors will usually prescribe a specific eating plan for the weeks following a tonsillectomy. Fruit is included as part of this eating plan, but be careful in the types you choose.

Soft foods, such as soup and applesauce, are appealing after a tonsillectomy. (Image: etienne voss/iStock/Getty Images)

Immediately After

In the first hours after the tonsillectomy, the only foods allowed are clear liquids. While you may not eat whole fruit, apple juice may be allowed. You might also enjoy all-fruit ice popicles that do not have any pulp.

The Following Week

In the immediate week after your surgery, you may prefer to stick to soft foods. Applesauce, mashed bananas and canned peaches are soft fruit options. Avoid crunchy fruits, such as apples and firm pears as the rough edges may scratch the surgical scar and cause bleeding. Smoothies, made with milk and berries, peaches or papaya, are another way to enjoy fruits while your throat is sensitive.

Ongoing

After one week, consult your doctor as you may be able to add more crunchy foods, including apples, to your diet. As you feel ready, you can introduce more solid foods and as much fruit as you like. Do not be too concerned if your appetite remains light and you lose weight during the first few weeks post-surgery. Usually, any lost weight returns as soon as you fully heal and return to normal eating patterns.

Considerations

While citrus fruits and juice do not do any physical harm, they may be painful to swallow. The acid in these fruits can irritate the surgical site and cause a burning or stinging sensation for several days or weeks. Pineapple and mangoes may also irritate the site.