Question:
Why do those who've had rny have to have soft food and chew very well?

Why do those who've had rny have to have soft food and chew very well? I've looked all over this web site and haven't found the reason why - only to do it.    — Kathy B. (posted on July 23, 2001)

July 23, 2001
You mean at first? Brand new tummy? Brand new everything! Just start out gently to get the hang of new eating. The outlet (stoma) is about the size of a nickel once healed, but at first, it an be a bit swollen. You just don't push your luck with it right away. Easy does it.
   — vitalady

July 24, 2001
I was told by my nutritionist and my surgeon that the opening to my new tummy would be about the size of a pencil eraser for the first two weeks to a month or until it is healed. After that they both explained that the size would be about like a dime. I am three month post-op as of yesterday and I just started being able to swallow very small pills. I still chew food like heck. I have learned if you swallow without chewing well, it feels like something gets stuck in the middle of your chest. I make sure everything is chewed well. Hope this helps with your question.
   — Tere F.

July 24, 2001
Because your new stomach isn't ready to process unchewed food.. it's as simple as that. If you want your body to process your food reasonably and want the benefit of the nutrients in your food.. chew very well. You also do this to prevent any blockage due to food being so large it gets trapped.
   — [Anonymous]