I just got home from my 2 week post op appointment and I’m pretty dang happy right now! I wasn’t sure when they’d give me the green light for puree since I technically started the full liquids the Thursday after surgery. HALLELUJAH! I did it. I got through 2 full weeks of liquids and let me tell ya… this was not easy. Each day I sat there trying to come up with an idea for something that would bring me more comfort. It didn’t matter what I came up with, it was still a liquid and what my body truly wanted was FOOD.
Nothing can replace the feeling of chewing food. We literally release endorphins from it. The liquid stage is not only physically taxing, but mentally and emotionally. If you’ve never done it, you simply won’t understand. If you’re a support system for someone who is, just be extremely empathetic and help keep them preoccupied to pass the time!
I decided to make a scrambled egg for my first meal. I only added salt and pepper to keep it nice and bland. To my surprise, it’s going down quite well. I’m so proud of my new baby tummy. It’s so daunting the first time trying puree and especially a new food! You have to remember so many things like what you’re mixing into it, how big your bite is, how much you’re chewing, how long you’re waiting in between bites, oh and don’t forget… no drinking with your meal.
I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited to go grocery shopping before – well, besides when I was a kid and I’d secretly stick the banana stickers on my sisters back, in hopes of the alarm going off as we went to exit the building – more so out of curiosity (don’t ask). I’m going to look through my saved TikToks and Pinterest recipes and make a list of things to go get. I’m looking forward to the ricotta bake, the refried beans with enchilada sauce, Wendy’s chili, and of course the chicken/tuna/crab salads! Oh man… I’m a happy girl!
If you’ve yet to have the surgery, don’t let me scare you out of doing it! Sure, the liquid phase sucks @ss. but it’s ALL worth it. That first week is easy anyway – you’re not even hungry, you just miss eating. My best advice would be to make sure you’re prepared and have a variety of liquid options! If you’re anything like me and you love soup, go pick out multiple cans of soup at the store. Just keep in mind you’ll have to strain them all! You’ll want to aim for low fat or your tummy won’t be the happiest with you! Just remember there is a light at the end of this tunnel! You just have to get through this and take care of yourself along the way.
The doctors said I was doing great and everything looked good. We took the tape off my stitches and they look SO much better than I was anticipating. What a relief! They don’t want me riding my bike quite yet in case I hit an unexpected pothole or something lol… but I will be soon! For now I’ll continue with my daily walks and feeding my body nutrients to get it nice and healthy/strong again. I’m feeling hopeful for the future. I needed today’s bit of sunshine.
As always, if you have any questions or simply want some support in your journey, feel free to reach out! <3
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