Introducing soft foods into diet

Hello everyone!

I went for my 10 day post-op check with Dr. Houston yesterday. He says I can start introducing soft foods tomorrow or Sunday. But he also made the comment to be very careful when doing so. I wanted to see if anyone has any small tidbits of advice when introducing new foods like eggs or tuna. I'm really excited because I'm sick of the liquid diet but I don't want to make myself sick either. All suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks!

Hey Lisa, looks like you are doing well.  When I added soft foods I made sure I ate really really slow.  I ate 1 bite and then waited 3 minutes or so and then another. 

Good morning John!

Thanks for the info. Did you get sick feeling or anything with the first foods you ate?

Congrats!
I did not have the same surgery that you did... I had RNY, but I'm sure that the food progression would be very similar.

I had no problems with introducing soft foods... I was like you I wanted to chew!  i was very afraid to eat, nevermind that I did not want to eat.  Sometimes I would eat one of two bites and have a huge full feeling.

A couple of recommendations:

use a TINY spoon - I was given a baby spoon to eat with.  This will teach you to take small bites till your new stomach heals.  Now I eat with normal utensels.

I stuck with a few items like soft scrabled eggs... don't make more than one because you will just waste it.  Also fat-free, or reduced fat refried beans were good as well with a tiny bit of cheese and salsa on it.

Ricota or cottage cheese with a little spagetti sauce and cheese is also very good.

One thing to remember is to continue to get your supliments, fluids and protein in.  You will find it difficult at first, but will only get easier the further along you get.

I hope that these help!

Michael.

Thanks Michael! That's great advice. I will definitely try that. I actually have some toddler spoons at home. I keep thinking I will be able to eat a whole egg because I can eat a whole container of pre-made jello now but I eat it very slowly and give time for air bubbles before taking another bite. Guess eggs are a bit thicker than jello though, lol. Thanks for your help!

Tiny bites and chew, chew, chew.  Sorry, but you'll need to chew that tiny bite until it's a thick liquid.  I cannot emphasize this enough and it is like John has said, go very slow.  You'll still be on a liquid diet, but at least you get different things.  It was very hard for me to slow down and take tiny bites.  My stomach let me know if I went too fast or tried to eat too much.

Thanks K9! That really helps me too. I'm learning to go slow now with jello. I know if I try to eat it too fast I can feel sick. I'm just so ready to get some "normal" food. Hey, when are we going to have a lunch or meeting again? Have you heard?

I went very slow, I was very picky about what I tried to eat, because my tummy was really tight. Yours is a tiny bit bigger. Try one or two bites and see if it goes down good. Looking back on things, I really should have tried to eat just a bite or so every couple of hours. Do NOT forget the protein shakes, it is sooo important for your hair and your energy.

Sounds like you are doing good. Call me if you need to ask me anything. I
have been so occupied with work and Brax starting school, I've gotten really
behind on talking and calling people. Sorry?

Hey Ronda,

Thanks for the info. I've been drinking the protein shakes. They're ok. I don't like the gritty taste toward the end of the drink. I'm going to try some of the fruity nectar protein drinks I've heard about. I just ordered one over the internet. I hope I like it. I've been trying to get all my vitamins in too. The iron upsets my stomach though. I'm still really, really tired all the time and have dizzy spells from not drinking enough I'm sure. But it's hard to drink that much when your stomach is upset from the iron. But I keep sipping away.

Hi, Lisa. Sounds like you are doing great. I wanted the DS but it wasnt an option. I'm happy you were able to get it. Dont know a lot about the food progression for DS but you have gotten some good advice from others about small bites and chewing well. Also, eating very slowly and waiting after each bite to see how it sits before taking another bite. I'm a big fan of Nectar. There is no grit at the bottom of the shake. Love the stuff. Especially the Lemon Tea and the Fuzzy Navel. I mix these with Crystal Light Lemon Tea water and Crystal Light Peach Tea water for more flavor. If you find it too bland with jus****er, give this a try. Also, it is much better cold, though I have had them at room temperature. I keep some water in the fridge just for shakes. Another favorite protein of mine is BSN Lean Dessert. I'm only tried the Chocolate Coconut Candy Bar Flavor but it is yummy. Very thick and rich like a real shake. I use vanilla soymilk to make mine.
Good luck with adding new and more flavorful food.
I wish you the best.
Karen