Question:
When will I be able to chew normally without food getting stuck?

I'm 4 weeks post op and when I eat I have to chew it so much, to the point of it being liquid before I can swallow. If I don't it gets stuck and I have that horrible feeling in my chest. I can eat pretty much anything, and don't get nauseas. It's just the chewing thing, that drives me crazy. Will this get better, or is something wrong? Please help me.    — Gena B. (posted on April 16, 2001)

April 16, 2001
I AM 6 MONTHS POST OP. WHEN I CHEW FOODS I CAN'T SEEM TO CHEW FOOD RIGHT AND AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK IT GETS STUCK. SO I CHOP MEATS UP IN FOOD CHOPPER. IT WORKS. I EVEN RECHOP TUNA FISH. ITS A LITTLE HARD WORK, BUT ITS WORTH THE RESULTS IN THE END. GOOD LUCK SMILES GRACIE
   — gwhisman6

April 20, 2001
I'm a gulper, swallowing food whole. I knew I'd have a problem with this after surgery, and I sure do! We are suppose to make 2 or 3 ounces last 20-30 minutes. That's insane. I just can't do it, mine's gone in a minute! I pay the price, it is "stuck" and I have to bring it back up and get rid of it to stop the pain. So, I don't eat too often. I stick to the protein drinks, because I know bringing the food back up isn't a good thing! I've read that some people use a timer for their meals. I haven't tried it yet. My problem is things are so hectic, and I usually have my three grandsons with me, jumping around, I'm always hurrying. I hope you have better luck at it than me, but it's one of the tricks of the "skinny people" (eating slowly) so we are suppose to learn it. Good luck and take care,
   — Tina C.