What is a surgical transition diet?

A surgical transition diet includes foods that are changed in texture.  These foods are easy to eat and digest while providing needed nutrition. They also tend to be foods that will cause less irritation when they are digested. This diet is used for patients who are not ready for foods of normal consistency or with too many spices after trauma, surgery, or other treatments. Surgical soft foods include: cooked fruit and tender vegetables; baked, roasted, and stewed meats; as well as refined breads, cereals, and pastries.

Here is a list of appropriate foods: 

• mashed potatoes
• pasta
• bagels
• eggs
• soft meat
• fish
• yogurt
• ice cream
• cottage cheese
• pudding
• cooked soft vegetables
• soups or stews
• blenderized foods such as shakes and smoothies  

Here is a list of foods to avoid: 

• raw foods with skin, seeds, and pulp such as fresh fruit and vegetables
• fried foods
• spicy foods
• tomato juice and products
• orange juice
• nuts
• crunchy chips