Solids, why must you hurt?

[journeybegins05032013 8]

Hi Peeps, today began my transition to soft foods. I am one week out. So far, Its no fun. I have tried chunky Tomato Soup, chicken, laughing cow cheese and triscuits. So far EVERYTHING has been painful. Not stabbing pains but rather a dull stomach ache. Of course i have fears of being on Protein Shakes for the rest of my life. Is this normal? Some of the food has been full of spices- could that be the culprit? Has anyone else had a painful transition?

[leigh1111 53]

One week post op and already to soft foods? Maybe you're just not ready. I have to do two weeks of full liquids, then two weeks of pureed foods then soft foods. I think transitioning is the key and diff for each individual. Check with your NUT also. You may just need to stick with the basics for a while.

May 7...here I come!!

[johnlatte 1,232]

Probably too soon for soft foods. Every Dr. does it differently. I was on a 2 week liquid, 2 week purees 2 weeks softies and never has any problems. You may want to discuss it with your nutritionist or even your surgeon. In the mean time, I might just stick with the liquids.< /p>

[Mickeydies 30]

I too did 2 weeks liquids, 2 weeks pureed, and now am on my soft foods. That ends the 20th and I go to solids. Some soft foods hurt. I find if I have to chew it ANY, it's going to hurt some. Not bad, but, if it isn't the consistency of cottage cheese, my stomach sends it up as if to say, no way!. So, I am playing it safe. Two backups, and I don't care if I have to substitute a meal or two of shakes. I will probably still do that when I get to solids. Hey, cutting out your stomach, well, it's not a normal thing, and you know, it's probably still in shock. My doctor told me my stomach was only half healed at 2 months, so since I only have 15% of it left, I'll take tender care of it. You might try the liquids again.

[kulita 243]

I am with Mickeydies and Johnlatte on the diet schedule.

It may be too much too soon. Also something to think of is that you need to introduce food one at a time to understand your tolerances. So, if you just came from a week of nothing but liquids to chicken and asparagus, crackers and roast beef, and eggs with toast you may be in for a surprise. That is too many new things too soon.

Your sleeved tummy should be treated like a baby who has to go on their staged diet for 1-2 years. Savor every bit of what you eat and learn to slow down and enjoy your introduction of new foods. Who knows, you may find something that you really like now.

[Seanja 117]

I dont think triskits and chicken are soft foods.

[Bridget312001 70]

Id pull back a little and stick with very liquid cream of wheat and very well cooked soft veg and meats. I am four weeks out and chicken hurts even now. Slow down and cherish that little pouch. You will want to challenge it a little as you progress in later weeks but right now if you cant mush it with a fork then you don't need it.

[naturally_bad77 26]

I started yesterday and the food still stuck (feels like) what can I do?

[kulita 243]

Are you eating canned veggies and fruits? Leave veggies and fruits with tough skins (apples, corn) and with fibers or seeds (tomatoes, celery) about until about 6 months... well cooked Beans are ok. What about soft meats like canned tuna moistened with mayo, tofu, shredded chicken with mayo or chicken broth, eggs, and cottage cheese? Leave out red meats for 6 months too. As far as soft carbs go, that is mainly a well cooked potato or carrot (steamed is good), creamed cereals, plantains, and moist rice (soupy rice).

Granted this is a generalized rule of thumb but it will keep you focused on the idea of the textured foods you should have in the soft phase.Towards the end of this phase many progress quite nicely into eating flaky fish and seafood meats.

[brandy88 151]

My drs plan started puréed food day 5, and soft to regular foods 2 weeks later, then full foods by day 21.

[mswanda9577 44]

My diet is similar to the OP. I came home on puréed and transitioned to soft foods one week out. I haven't had a problem. I make sure my food ate moist and soft. Mostly boiled meats, (chicken and turkey and fish) oatmeal. eggs and stuff like that.

[bmbrush413 124]

I was on liquids for 3 weeks post op, then one week each of purée and "mechanical soft" (super fine chopped soft foods). Now almost 7 weeks out and I'm still struggling with certain things. It's all about patience and trial and error. Take a step back if it doesn't work, and try again another day.