Question:
Can't eat the right foods ?

I am having problems with eating because I only have the front top and bottom teeth. No teeth on the sides to be able to chew at all. I have state medical insurance, it doesn't pay for partials. Does anyone know of a dentist who will do partials for people who really cant afford them? The only foods I can eat are soft starchy foods. All the good foods are difficult to chew. Even eating bananas are hard. I love salads but can't eat it. I don't want to go back to bad foods just because they are the only ones I can eat.    — candy L. (posted on November 17, 2008)

November 17, 2008
Chewing is needed to begin partial digestion of your food. I'm assuming you had RNY here. Until you can get your teeth situation resolved, you may have to puree assorted foods, or mash some foods with a fork prior to eating. You need to get them broken down as far as possible before swallowing. I'd speak to your surgeon, he may have some connections to help you out or your dilemma. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

November 17, 2008
Dear Candy, If there is a Dental School near you, they may have a clinic where you can get the dental work done that you need. Best of luck, Barbara
   — oakroom

November 17, 2008
So not true, that the only thing you can eat is soft starchy foods. What about a piece of fish baked with some salsa put over it? What about pureeing or grinding your food? Ground turkey scrambled and topped with a little fat free turkey gravy would a good one too, just don't go overboard with the gravy. Bananas are too high in sugar to be eating anyway, but sugarfree applesauce isn't, or chunks of apple microwaved and sprinkled with cinnamon. There are lots of things you can have. Use your imagination. Those foods that you know are not good for you are not the only ones you can have. You might want to look on Bariatric Eating dot com, or lookup Eggface on this website. Those are two good places to get recipes. Good Luck!
   — Shirley D.

November 17, 2008
my teeth are in the same boat- but i follow the post op[ rules- marinate the heck out of all meats till they melt in your mouth-not only that, they are so flavorful and delicious your teeth wont even know you are eating. i have only front teeth, none past my eye teeth due to problems as a child. now those that arent crowns in the front are shattering- but i do eat what is necessary. Now, call or check on line for your school of dentistry- call them those students need patients to work on to be licensed. it may cost 10 a tooth, or no charge if you can prove your income. they do great work. you have to eat right, so the extra work to make your meats soft and flavorful is worth it. good luck cindi 3.24.04 -230#
   — DollyDoodles

November 17, 2008
Hi Candy, I hear you. I also have have the same trbl. You have to pre-chop,mash up everything you put in your mouth, My surg was 7/1/08 and I have to use a small [get them at any drug store or Wal-marts $20.00] food processor. They work great. Put meat in add a little broth,something to be a liq. It looks like baby food meats, but tastes like what ever YOU cooked. About teeth, mine fit in July, now they are sooo loose that I have to use a TON of glue,which just melts in my mouth and gags me. I cant wait to hit my end and try to get new teeth. But with State Medicaid..that does not come easy. You will do great with a little trial and error! Welcome to Losers bench!
   — tootsie52

November 17, 2008
THE STATE WILL PAY TO HAVE THE TEETH TAKEN OUT. BUT....THEY WONT PAY TO HAVE THEM REPLACE. THATS ASHAME.
   — deb44m

November 18, 2008
I have medicaid and they paid for my new teeth. I live in Neb Good Luck Janie Roeth
   — pussycat61