So scared to be on solids. Always worried about a leak

[Nanagrrl3 24]

I had surgery 7 weeks ago and I’ve seen my surgeon twice since then. I was cleared to start regular food at 4 weeks (week 1-clear liquids week 2-full liquids week three pureed/soft). I did have beef once when I was cleared for solids,but I don’t think I should have. Anyways I’m paranoid that I’ll get a leak. I’m still kind of scared to eat and most of the time I eat I get really scared, because my appetite came back and sometimes I eat too fast.Any advice or reassurance? Every time I search in this forum for the exact food I ate and read everyone’s responses before I eat. And then I see people saying they found a leak like 2 months after surgery and it really freaks me out.

[catwoman7 11,212]

Leaks, when they occur, are more likely to occur very shortly after surgery - so you're probably beyond that. Plus they're really not very common - esp this far out. meats like beef (and chicken/turkey breast) can be hard for many of us at first because they're dry. Softer types and cuts should work, though - fish, chicken thighs (esp with some kind of sauce) - or maybe well-cooked beef (like in a long-cooking stew) will probably go down better. If not, just back up and stay on soft foods for another week or two and then try again. Some people's stomachs are ready to progress faster than other people's stomachs.

[Mike Long 52]

4 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

Leaks, when they occur, are more likely to occur very shortly after surgery - so you're probably beyond that. Plus they're really not very common - esp this far out. meats like beef (and chicken/turkey breast) can be hard for many of us at first because they're dry. Softer types and cuts should work, though - fish, chicken thighs (esp with some kind of sauce) - or maybe well-cooked beef (like in a long-cooking stew) will probably go down better. If not, just back up and stay on soft foods for another week or two and then try again. Some people's stomachs are ready to progress faster than other people's stomachs.

@Nanagrrl3 I’m 4 weeks post op tomorrow and I was cleared for full solid foods after 3 weeks. I have been overly cautious about eating the entire time. While I haven’t had any issues with food coming up or pain/discomfort, I have no desire to eat and can seemingly only eat tiny bits of food. I get full really fast. I totally agree with @catwoman7 that we’re all very different and to try soft foods like fish or soft meats with sauce. Fish has a ton of Protein and very low calories. This is a mental struggle that only people who have had this surgery can know. I can’t wait for the day when I feel hungry, can eat without worry and move on. I really wish I knew when that would be. Good luck!

[Nanagrrl3 24]

5 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

Leaks, when they occur, are more likely to occur very shortly after surgery - so you're probably beyond that. Plus they're really not very common - esp this far out. meats like beef (and chicken/turkey breast) can be hard for many of us at first because they're dry. Softer types and cuts should work, though - fish, chicken thighs (esp with some kind of sauce) - or maybe well-cooked beef (like in a long-cooking stew) will probably go down better. If not, just back up and stay on soft foods for another week or two and then try again. Some people's stomachs are ready to progress faster than other people's stomachs.

Thank you so much you’re the best!

[Nanagrrl3 24]

47 minutes ago, Mike Long said:

@Nanagrrl3 I’m 4 weeks post op tomorrow and I was cleared for full solid foods after 3 weeks. I have been overly cautious about eating the entire time. While I haven’t had any issues with food coming up or pain/discomfort, I have no desire to eat and can seemingly only eat tiny bits of food. I get full really fast. I totally agree with @catwoman7 that we’re all very different and to try soft foods like fish or soft meats with sauce. Fish has a ton of Protein and very low calories. This is a mental struggle that only people who have had this surgery can know. I can’t wait for the day when I feel hungry, can eat without worry and move on. I really wish I knew when that would be. Good luck!

Thank you !