Question:
Is it hard and unpleasant to always chew to applesauce consistancy?

I have to admit that I have tried this and don't find it easy! Not only difficult but kinda disgusting! Does anybody have trouble with this after surgery? — Diane S. (posted on October 3, 2003)

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October 3, 2003
In the first 3-4 months, the overchewing that is necessary was a real turn-off for me and I lost my appetite for a lot of things because of it. But about 4 months out, I tried some of those same foods that had been so awful and my taste for them had returned. I think in the first few months it's not a bad thing to happen. Helps to retrain your appetite.
— Cathy S.

October 3, 2003
Honestly, for me, at first it was terrible, especially when I got to the soft foods stage. I was so used to 'wolfing down' anything that was in front of me that I really had to work at slowing it down. The nice thing...or should I say NOT so nice thing was that when I didn't chew well enough, or ate too fast, it felt as if I had swallowed a brick and I only wished I would throw up, but usually couldn't. Needless to say, that was always the end of the meal...even if it was after just one or two 'baby spoon' bites. There were also many things I just can't/won't eat still to this day...one of them being hamburger....now chewing that to a pulp is just disgusting! Anyway, as time went on, I learned to chew and eat in a manner that was acceptable to my body and now I easily live within those limitations - most of the time. As a matter of fact, two weeks ago, I got ahead of myself and had that swallowed a brick feeling for the first time in months but, it was nice being reminded that my 'tool' was still working just fine. I know it's hard now, but trust me you will get used to it.....you simply don't have much of a choice.
— eaamc

October 3, 2003
It does become kind of a habit after awhile, so you're not even thinking about it anymore. It also helps you from eating too fast. And, after a few months, you don't have to chew quite so well (still very well, but not as bad as applesauce consistency). In the grand scheme of things, this was a pretty easy adjustment, for me anyway.
— Vespa R.

October 3, 2003
To be honest I only did this for the first couple of months. Once I got onto normal food and got some distance postop and was familiar with what would and wouldn't work with my pouch, I just pretty much ate like I used to except less. Now let me say, however, I have ALWAYS been a slow eater . . . Always the last to finish. So if you're a "wolfer" you may have some trouble. But if you tend to eat pretty carefully anyway it shouldn't be a big deal.
— ctyst

October 3, 2003
To build on what Cathy S said... I'm only 9 wks out but have lost my taste for a lot of things and the reason is, after the first few seconds of something, the taste is gone. When chewing well, you find yourself chewing and chewing and chewing a non-tasting item. I have to say I find myself searching out the least amount of food that will chew up the easiest and give me the most protein...so opposite of what I was pre-op. I think it's all part of the puzzle - all fitting together to assist us in bein successful, longterm.
— Donya P.

October 3, 2003
It was hard the first couple of months but by 7 or 8 months out I was chewing like I did pre-op and no problems here. Also I found it easier to eat things that were cut tiny to reduce how long I had to chew it in the first place.
— [Deactivated Member]

October 3, 2003
I am two months post-op and I sure can relate to the chewing. It is disgusting, and when I eat a piece of meat and chew out all of the flavor, bahhhh, I just can not swallow the rest. But, what I have the most is, after you are done with your meal, and you have chewed everything to mush, you can not drink for 30 minutes, bahhhh, the food is just there, I want to wash my mouth out with a drink. So you are normal, and I sure hope that some of the other posters are right that in a few months you can eat some what normal again. thanks for asking this questions, because i was wondering myself.
— cindy

October 3, 2003
I am almost 2 months post-op and I have stuck to seafood. You don't have to chew as much and it does not loose/change the flavor after you chew a lot. I used to be a meat lover, having steak 2-3 times a week but I can't do it anymore. I don't like the taste of it anymore and I don't miss it. If I eat chicken or pork, I cut it very small. I will still chew everything to mush forever, I don't want my pouch to grow in size. : )
— earana

October 3, 2003
I am 4 months post and I'll say I chewed my food well for about the first month or so mostly out of paranoia lol. However, once I was eating something and it went down without being chewed very well and I was scared to death but nothing happened. So, I became more comfortable with eating "normally". I pretty much now eat (chew) the same as pre-op and have never gotten food stuck or anything, but ymmv.
— Jeralyn Merideth

October 3, 2003
Hello... I am 10 months out and still "chew till I drop"! lol..but I just don't think about it anymore. It's a habit now, and besides, I choose to see it this way....look at the fantastic workout that you are giving your jaws and chin!!! It's got to be good for us!!! I have noticed that my face is becoming more defined....can't say for sure that it is the chewing...but can't say for sure that it is NOT!! lol If we have to do it...might as well get a positive mind-set about it and use it to our advantage!! Love and hugs, Lisa
— medium

October 4, 2003
Hey Denise - I was bothered by all of the chewing at first, in fact, to this day I still don't eat steak because of all the chewing. At this point (about 20 months out) I'm so used to eating this way that I don't even notice it anymore. I went to lunch with my boss last week and she commented to me about how much I chewed when I ate and I had to admit that I didn't realize that I was doing that until she brought it up. You'll definitely get used to it. Good luck! - Mike
— Michael N.

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