Liquids. Let's start here. Since you'll be drinking at least 8 ounces per hour after your tonsillectomy surgery, put some thought into what you want. Sport drinks are good. They provide electrolytes and needed calories. Since most of the calories are from sugar, you'll want to try some other drinks too. Avoid anything acidic, caffienated, dairy, or thick for the first week. I was amazed by how many things I drank went down like battery acid or left a troublesome film on my throat. Water is always good, but it's hard to stay interested in it. I also enjoyed chicken and beef broths. Don't heat them beyond, "fairly warm." Hot has an inflammatory effect on tissue.
After surgery, gelatin was the first thing I was given in recovery and I thought I'd gone to heaven. For some reason, I've found it easier to swallow than water. It's cool, soothing, and counts as hydration. Just do it.
For the first five days following tonsillectomy surgery , I wouldn't venture too far beyond the liquids and gelatin. It's contrary to what your mother might advise but, like sleep, a normally healthy endeavor can result in an hour of searing pain. I tried mashed potatoes on day two and had tears in my eyes.
As your throat allows, try some foods like oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, (NOT al dente. cook it!), ramen noodles, mmm, mashed potatoes, gravy, or cous cous. Oatmeal was, without question, my breakthrough food. I'm still eating it daily, probably because of the good feeling it gave me in my second week.
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