Question:
How Long to Chew Food?

I am 7 weeks post op and the one thing I hate is chewing my food 30 times. I understand I need to chew my food thoroughly, but is it necessessary to chew it till it tastes like paste and I don't want to swallow it? I do make sure I eat small bites though.    — DWanna D. (posted on January 26, 2003)

January 26, 2003
As a new post op you should chew until liquid, however at 7 wks out that should'nt be necessary. But having said that, I'm a great offender. I've always "wolfed down" my food and still do it. Wish I could slow down and savor my chow. But to answer your question, instead of 30 times try something like 15-20. Just make sure you don't swallow anything "big". But to chew to liquid "at this point" does seem excessive. ;) Good luck to you.
   — Danmark

January 26, 2003
I also think chewing until liquid is a little excessive at 7 weeks post-op. Just continue to take tiny bites and chew well-not until paste or liquid. You'll notice as you get further and further out, your bite size and # of chews almost go back to pre-op size! Almost..not quite, but almost.
   — Cindy R.