Which foods should a client avoid that may cause gas after bowel resection?

After a bowel resection, clients may experience alterations in their digestive capabilities. Foods that are known to cause increased gas production should be avoided to minimize discomfort and bloating.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that contains complex carbohydrates and sulfur compounds that can lead to gas formation during digestion. Milk, on the other hand, contains lactose, which can be difficult to digest for those who are lactose intolerant. After a bowel resection, the ability to properly digest certain components, such as lactose and some of the fiber found in vegetables like cabbage, may be further compromised.

Thus, avoiding cabbage and milk can help reduce the risk of gas, making this choice the most appropriate for individuals recovering from bowel surgery. The other food combinations listed, such as chicken and rice, potatoes and carrots, or bread and pasta, typically don't produce the same level of gas and may be better tolerated in the post-operative diet.