Re: Good Morning...............Hi Again.....derrickdfpilot

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thank you for writing.... Fortunately, I don't think my experience is

the norm... my OS mentioned that people with my coloring tend to be

more " fragile " and that it will just take some extra time.... He

didn't seem to concerned about the possible second surgery. He has

always been very honest and upfront with me, so I am sure that is why

he mentioned it. Right now, after several days off the bands and on a

softer diet, the jaw seems better. I had upper and lower done. I

haven't observed any problems with my lower jaw at all- just with the

upper not yet being solid.

The restricted eating is really hard because when I was cleared to

start eating what I could manage, I jumped in with gusto. That

probably didn't help my cause, but I was told it would be ok... I am

having a hard time going back to eating total mush after weeks and

weeks and weeks of it. So, I am being very gentle with my chewing!!!

But just can't give up some of my new re-found foods. I am trying.

I do a lot of breaking small pieces and putting them into my mouth to

suck on and melt and then swallow without chewing them much. There is

only so much pumpkin pie a girl can eat!

The nutrition shakes are disgusting! I drank boost, and would combine

half a bottle of boost to a LARGE glass of milk and that was totally

tolerable. Then, I'd drink the second half with another large glass

of milk. I also really actually Liked carnation instant breakfast.

Maybe you can try that? SO, if you like milk, I would definitely try

that... no reason why the shakes can't be drowned out by another

taste. Let me know how that goes.

I don't know what else I can suggest for you. (Frown) I wasn't wired

shut. I had a hard time with anything blended... maybe it was my

blender? Maybe you can make this recipe very liquidy and try it. I

hope so because it was quite tasty:

I made mashed potatoes.... but added in one or two eggs for protein,

then LOTS of milk and butter, and blenderized the potatoes until they

were very, very smooth. Then I heated up a serving with more milk and

butter and melted in shredded cheese (the cheese might make it too

thick for you). Anyway, then some salt for a final touch and it was

really tasty. I guess then use your " food delivery system " . I ate

this every day for 6+ weeks. If you haven't noticed, my diet

consisted largly of milk . If you don't like milk, I don't know

what to suggest! This is the saltiest thing I can think to suggest.

It was better this way than just plain mashed potatoes. I salted it a

lot.

Let me know how everything is going for you.

This time will pass... it can be really trying... I found the

problems trying to eat to be very demoralizing at times, BUT it will

pass. Try to get your sleep. Sleep is incredibly healing not only for

your body, but also for your emotions and mental outlook. YOu will

have days that will go wonderfully... you will have milestones and be

able to see progress. It just takes time and patience. I found

this website invaluable not only for all the support and feedback,

but also simply for the total mental distraction it provided me from

myself and how i was feeling. Movies are also wonderful that way. I

would forget myself. Hang in there!!! I am sure your healing will go

smoothly. Don't stress about it... just give your body time. And feed

your mind positive thoughts.... as totally hokey it sounds, your mind

believes and listens to what you tell it.

Take care,

Katja

> katja,

> i'm so sorry about the slow process your jaws are taking heal. i

had my

> surgery just over 4 days ago. they are now wired and right now,

the 6 weeks

> they are supposed to be that way seems like galaxies away. it's

such s

> struggle not being able to open my mouth even for the most simple

of tasks

> ... like swallowing water. i had a mandibular osteotomy done

(lower jaw)

> and i'm a little worried that it won't heal quickly enough. the

shakes i

> drink boarder on digusting. it takes in a whole hour to drink a

cup of

> shake and then i need to find somewhere quiet to curl up in to calm

my

> nerves down from all the nastiness. i know i should probably have

a more

> positive outlook on the recovery, but optimism just doesn't want to

be apart

> of my life at the moment.

> what type of foods are you eating? and how are you getting them

down if you

> can't chew? any salty recipies out there for me to try?

>

>