Angel/Re: maybe it's not going to be so bad after all???

[Guest guest]

Hi Angel,

I had a Lefort 3-piece and was able to eat soft foods as soon as I

was sent home from the hospital. Although the first few days home I

stuck with the fluids because the soft foods made my stomach hurt.

I am surprised about the chewing because I would think that your OS

would want the jaw to heal a little before starting to allow you to

chew. But, every OS is different. I would still say count on soft

foods for at least the first few weeks. I am still eating soft foods

at 5 weeks post op. I tried to eat french fries, etc. but it just

made my jaw to sore. Don't feel bad because I stocked up on

everything also and really didn't need most of it. I still have all

of the Zip-N-Squeeze bags, jawraps, Chicken noodle soups , etc. I

have barely used my blender my mom bought me. I save that for those

margarita's etc..(haha)

That is great news not having to have upper jaw surgery also. This

should speed up your recovery! Best of luck to you on Monday! I

will be sending you big virtual hugs when you are wheeled down to

the OR!

Best Wishes,

--Caboose

> I saw my OS yesterday for my final visit before surgery Monday,

> August 8. I was really beginning to freak out, but I felt much

> better after our visit. My doctor is sooooo sweet and patient.

He

> relly has an amazing calming presence. You feel like you're his

> only patient.

>

> Turns out we're not going to do anything to the upper jaw, as

> my " crooked smile " is caused by my gums or my lips since all the

> measurements of my face are right on target. So, I guess maybe

I'll

> look into all that later on. He's going to advance my lower jaw 5

> or 6mm and reduce my chin a little bit because the advancement

makes

> my " strong " chin look too prominent. I know this is unusual, but

> that chin disguised my short jaw all these years!

>

> He said the surgery will last about 3 hours. I will spend the

> night in Surgical ICU, then go to a regular room Tuesday, and go

> home Wednesday. He said that my teeth will be banded but not

> extremely tight. He said I should be able to open enough to

drink,

> and I can begin to eat soft foods (even if they require chewing!)

> when I get home. I was surprised by this. I was expecting to be

on

> a completley liquid diet for at least 2 weeks. I've already

bought

> a fancy blender, a hand-held mixer, strainers, liquid vitamins,

tons

> of protein powder, zip-n-squeeze products, baby spoons, and

> basically everything anyone suggested! Now, I'm wondering if I'm

> even going to need it. Was anyone able to eat really soon (day or

> two) afterwards, or is my doctor just a little too optimistic?

>

> Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

>

> Thanks

> Angel