Why can't you eat after abdominal surgery?: A Guide to Post-Operative Nutrition
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to the National Institutes of Health, prolonged postoperative ileus—a temporary paralysis of the bowel—is a common and expected consequence of major abdominal surgery. This is one of the primary reasons why you can't eat after abdominal surgery; the digestive system must be given time to 'wake up' safely.