Afraid To Eat.

[honeydue29 38]

I had surgery on 11/6/12 and today I'm allowed to start my purée stage but I'm afraid to eat. I have the plan my surgeon has for me but I'm still scared. I think food is going to get stuck or something crazy. How do I get pass this?

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[LosingItForMe2011 320]

Hello Honeydue...well your doctor provided you with eating stages because each stage prepares your pouch for the next plus also prepares you on how to chew your food well and what the texture has to be before you swallow. So think of it this way...you got the clear liquid and full liquid stages under your belt. You're now allowed puree'd foods because your doc feels you're ready. So....pick your first puree'd item and have it for say...lunch. Stick with your liquid for Breakfast and do the puree for lunch. Sit at the kitchen table, use a baby spoon so you don't take in too much at once. Do nothing other than concentrate on the meal in front of you. Take the first spoonful.....savor it in your mouth while putting down your spoon.....swallow when ready. Wait a minute.....try again. You should be able to get in about say 1/4 cup but, you'll probably have to build on that. Not everyone can get 1/4 in at one sitting. Go slow, and listen to the signs your body gives you. If you feel like the next spoonful is going to be too much...don't take it even if you haven't taken in 1/4 cup. It's ok......put it away and go back to it later if your hungry again. The whole idea is to go slowly. Also just one new food at a time...just like a baby. Some foods your pouch will like....some foods it won't. You'll know when your pouch says no. For me sometimes just the smell of something and I know there is no way I can eat it.

You can do it...don't be afraid..just one small bit at a time.

[honeydue29 38]

Hello Honeydue...well your doctor provided you with eating stages because each stage prepares your pouch for the next plus also prepares you on how to chew your food well and what the texture has to be before you swallow. So think of it this way...you got the clear liquid and full liquid stages under your belt. You're now allowed puree'd foods because your doc feels you're ready. So....pick your first puree'd item and have it for say...lunch. Stick with your liquid for Breakfast and do the puree for lunch. Sit at the kitchen table' date=' use a baby spoon so you don't take in too much at once. Do nothing other than concentrate on the meal in front of you. Take the first spoonful.....savor it in your mouth while putting down your spoon.....swallow when ready. Wait a minute.....try again. You should be able to get in about say 1/4 cup but, you'll probably have to build on that. Not everyone can get 1/4 in at one sitting. Go slow, and listen to the signs your body gives you. If you feel like the next spoonful is going to be too much...don't take it even if you haven't taken in 1/4 cup. It's ok......put it away and go back to it later if your hungry again. The whole idea is to go slowly. Also just one new food at a time...just like a baby. Some foods your pouch will like....some foods it won't. You'll know when your pouch says no. For me sometimes just the smell of something and I know there is no way I can eat it.

You can do it...don't be afraid..just one small bit at a time. [/quote']

Thanks so much for your advice. It's really helpful.

[laura619 3]

I can totally relate to your fears! It was exciting to advance to each food stage...but scary. I think LosingItForme's response is EXCELLENT! just exactly what I would say...and I would add....the fear factor is okay....it will help you to keep your portions small...but just don't let it overtake you as you stick to your doctor's plan. Take is slowly slowly slowly....and just make sure you are getting your fluids!! most important! I drank (and still do when I'm having a hard time) Isopure drink with 40 g of Protein as part of my liquids just to ensure the protein Intake was adequate!

You can do it!!

[LosingItForMe2011 320]

You're welcome Honeydue...and laura is correct...any Liquid Protein you take in counts towards your Water intake according to my MD. Each MD is different but, most do count it as part of your liquid total.