So, I’m at the end of week three and I’ve been transitioning to more regular foods. No more pureeing, really.
I know this is still technically the puree phase, but I’ve found that getting soft foods and chewing thoroughly has been fine. My Pouchie has given me ZERO grief. I’ve also begun taking capsules without issue. The only time I’ve felt reflux is when I missed a dose of Prilosec, so I DO recommend taking that shit twice a day for six weeks like the Dr suggests. I’ve been cleared to try pills in addition to capsules. They are fine.
I’ve been eating these things**:
– soft scrambled eggs
– cottage cheese
– canned veg, which is already cooked and soft: spinach, rutabagas, greens, beets, mushrooms, squash, carrots and green beans (no peas or corn)
– refried beans (with cheese, salsa verde and sour cream)
– hummus, salmon dip (Ritz crackers are fine)
– meats: braunschweiger, canned chicken, canned salmon which I like more than tuna
– ricotta, which has LOTS of protein: 7 gm per 1/4 cup!
– Spaghettios were digested fine, but they are NOT tasty. Very bland. Tossed it.
– instant potatoes were fine, but VERY filling. Not doing this very much.
– mac and cheese was fine. No issues. Not eating this much, but it’s a nice break from straight up chicken.
– canned fruit (reminds me of my childhood!)
– of course yogurt, the occasional smoothie and protein shakes (which I restrict to ONE per day)
**NOTE: I’m not gorging on any of this. I eat protein first then add in a bit of veg for variety. I know canned veg has sodium, but it’s not like I’m eating much of it. The canned chix and salmon have nominal sodium. I’m listing ALL the items I’ve been trying, but that does not mean I’m eating gobs. FAR from it.
I’ve been averaging about 50 grams of protein a day, and yes, I know that needs to be more like 80 grams. I’m working on it! I’ve found that I can only eat about 1/2 cup straight up protein at a time – slowly. Add to that my complete lack of appetite and it’s hard to get in the protein I should. I try to have straight protein (meat, chix or fish) three times a day, plus one 30gm protein shake. Yesterday I got about 68gm, which I’ll call victory.
I don’t know if I’m an anomaly or what, but my Pouchie has been fine with moving on to real foods. Only occasionally I’ll feel like it’s overworked or too full. I’ve had no puking or pain, just the occasional FULL feeling. Which I suppose is normal. They told me that “irritation” might happen with starting to take capsules, but I’ve had none of that, either. I’ve not been pushing to get back to real foods, I’ve just felt ready. So if I feel ready, I give it a go. So far, so good.
I don’t really know if my overall experience is typical or atypical. The surgery wasn’t bad, I didn’t have gas pains, I did not take pain meds after I left hospital, I’ve not had any stomach issues, all my incisions are healing nicely except one that is lagging behind. I’m not even at week three and I’m almost back to normal. Is that weird? I’ll have to ask Veronica. RE: Veronica says YES that I’m an usual case, so keep this in mind when comparing yourself to me.
Since I feel like I’m a bit of a quick mover, I’ll again give the caveat: Your Mileage May Vary. I can’t say whether anyone else will have such an easy time or will move along as quickly as I have. Just listen to your body and go with the flow.