17 days post-op

Well, I tried something and it worked.

I led worship this morning, and then this afternoon played most of a two hour concert band rehearsal.  My wife (who also plays in the band) and I decided to chance going to one of our fave restaurants where I knew I could get some well-prepared salmon and not break the bank.  I've been on purees for nine days and the plan from the Cleveland Clinic says 1-2 weeks before soft food.  So this was an experiment on a couple of levels.

I ordered blackened salmon, medium, smashed potatoes, and vegetable grill - oh, and a box.  I eyeballed a 2 oz portion of the salmon, 1/4 cup of the potatoes, and1/4 cup of the veggies - mainly yellow squash - and put the rest in the box.

For probably the first time in 34 years, my wife finished her meal before I did.  I ate the same small bites as at home with the purees, and all went well.  I won't eat out regularly, but my pouch is happy, the social nature is happy, and I'm stocked up with two or three more meals that I don't have to cook.

That's great!  I go out to eat a couple times a week and I know that half of my meal is usually going home with me.  I get my protein in first, but I usually take half of it home along with vegetables.  I try not to have potatoes, pasta, or rice.  When I ask to not have fries, I ask for a tomato or pickle spear instead and I often get even more than I ask for.  If I'm having a salad, I may not bother taking the lettuce home.

Take it slow in getting off the purees.  Oh, how I hated that stage.  Pureed meats were the worst--even worse than soy protein shakes.

Nice job! It's a great felling to get back some "normal" activities like going out to eat. I only go out once every couple weeks, but it is a great social time for me. And its amazing how many meals I can get out of leftovers - I usually end up throwing them out before i eat them all!