Q: My child is 4.5 years old and has had surgery for enlarged adenoids. Please suggest the kind of diet she should take after the operation? Also, what precautions should I take regarding foods like chips, soft drinks, and chocolates in future? When can she start going to school after the operation and for her swimming classes?

A:We advise a normal well-balanced diet. As regards the type of foods you have listed, the standard advice is that such foods should be given in moderation only and you should encourage more of vegetables, fruits, eggs and meat (if non-vegetarian). She could start school after a week and swimming probably after 2 weeks. Please discuss further with your surgeon.