Chewing to applesauce consistency? What if I can't or don't? Can I just stay on full liquids...

I know it's worrisome, but you'll need to make the transition eventually. It's best to do it on your surgeon's schedule. If you do everything the way you've been instructed, you'll be fine.

Turkey and chicken can be tough for most people for a while. After deli meat, steak was ok, but hamburger was harder, and I couldn't do pork for a long time.

It's better to be a little worried than fearless. But TOO worried won't help.

Somewhere around 3-6 months post-op, my anxiety about chewing well enough dissipated.  I wish I had it back.

I agree with everything said.  I would also advise adding a little moisture to help swallow.  Use some salsa, marinara, broth, fat free salad dressing, mustard - you get the idea.  I find I need moisture in my meat - even ground meat.

Best wishes,

Penny

I do have things get "stuck" every once in a while.  It's not comfortable, sometimes down right hurts, and my body's reaction isn't to bring it back up, it's to start producing saliva like a drooling St. Bernard.  I assume that is to help break down the bite.

It's not pleasant, but it's not bad enough to get all worked up over either. I would hazard a guess and say it has happened to nearly everyone at some point. I find I do much better when I am mindful while eating (not anxious, just paying attention). When I am distracted with something - even good conversation - it happens more often.

Take it slow, chew small bites as much as you can, and be mindful while eating. You'll do fine!

That saliva production is referred to as "foamies"....

I always wanted to ask if that is what that meant.  LOL. 

I am 7 weeks postop and ate some steak for the 1st time last night. My husband had sliced it before cooking because he was making a philly cheese steak for himself. I ate 2 ozs. of steak and it did not sit well. It was moist but my pouch still did not like it. Roast turkey is the same. I haven't tried grilled chicken yet... but I  have a feeling that it would be the same. So, I will try them again later.

The chewing will soon become automatic. I still find that I take way to big of bites, but I just swallow a little at a time. I also eat too fast. It's all a learning process. At least there is no way that I could shovel food in the way I use to...lol. I do love my pouch for that!

Trying new foods can be scary, but you have to do it. I do all my new foods at home so if it doesn't agree then I have privacy.  Good luck!