I am so ready for chewing again. Christmas Eve is the day! I’m thinking boiled chicken and black beans to start. How did your first soft foods experiences work out for you?

I think the chicken might not go down very well. Refried beans would work, and you will be surprised at how little you swallow before you feel full!

Chew everything really well, eat slowly and STOP the second you feel restriction. It's that "one more bite" that causes pain, nausea, etc, especially in the very beginning.

Good luck!!!

I agree with above Chicken NO GO - Seems lot of us had problems with chicken. I would say Hamburger, Shrimp, fish to start. Soft Protiens. Even though you are going to test your tool trust us all Take you time DO not overeat or you will pay for it. Once you get the hang of it will never be a problem but you are new to this and the learning curve has not started.

well, it depends on the chicken part and how it's cooked. If you are going to eat chicken, make it the dark meat and not fried... i would stick to something moister. But i would lean towards some grilled white fish.

Remember to use your special saucer to eat on (like the size you put a coffee cup on). Portion out you amount. I use the 1/8 cup. Cut everything and i mean everything into tiny bites. I used my pinky fingernail as a gauge. Never never never put anything to drink on your table or near you. Take a bite, put down the fork/spoon, let go of fork/spoon, place hands under your butt or thighs, chew for at least 30 seconds (count), swallow, count another 20 seconds, if all goes well, take another bite and repeat. The 20 seconds will give you time to make sure it goes down and isn't one bite too much. You will be amazed that 2-4 bites and you will be done.

Even though you feel soooooo hungry, you will not be able to eat much.

Best of luck and Merry Christmas

x

I never did the puree stage, just went from liquids to easy to digest foods, I guess soft foods. Be careful with the beans and gas (carbs). Otherwise, enjoy food once again!

2 hours ago, GradyCat said:

I never did the puree stage, just went from liquids to easy to digest foods, I guess soft foods. Be careful with the Beans and gas (carbs). Otherwise, enjoy food once again!

I see you are in KY and I had my surgery in KY (Louisville). I, too, don't really have a "puree" state, rather soft/mushy foods. It's comforting to see another with a similar path!

2 hours ago, displacedhoosier said:

I see you are in KY and I had my surgery in KY (Louisville). I, too, don't really have a "puree" state, rather soft/mushy foods. It's comforting to see another with a similar path!

Oh, Dr. Tanner is in the same office. My surgeon was Dr. Sweeney.

Thank you all for the great tips! Another friend suggested wet scrambled eggs for my first bites.

I did cottage cheese, eggs and my first meats were deli meats cut super small in with my eggs or cottage cheese. Less is definitely more!! Its that one last bite that can make an enjoyable event absolutely miserable!!

Just take it slow and chew well!