Hi Dianadunk,
Welcome to the Wrapped Club at Healing Well!
We're so glad you've joined us! I found this forum as I was looking for information when I was close to the decision to have surgery. Thank goodness for this forum...it gave me the courage and information I needed to make the decision to have the surgery. I didn't really have a choice, since my asthma was out of control as a result of reflux.
My surgeon put me on liquids in the hospital, soft foods at home, and on Day 5 when I saw him for a post op visit, he put me on solid foods that could be chewed to a liquid. That gives you a tremendous variety. At this stage in your recovery, it's expected to not be able to eat more than a tiny amount at a time.
Your stomach is swollen, and my surgeon told me that the swelling is interpreted as fullness.
Also, when telling me that I could eat solid foods, he actually brought up mashed potato as an example of a soft food that can get stuck at the wrap site.
If you make sure that you take small bites of solid foods, and chew, chew, chew until it is liquid, you shouldn't have any problems at all. If whatever it is you're eating doesn't chew to a liquid, spit it out.
I think some surgeons don't trust their patients to be aware of their eating, and expect they'll forget and swallow something that will cause problems. I never had an ounce of trouble following the eating protocol I described. When you go to your surgeon, see what he/she says about
what you should do.
Bread should be toasted, and if you want beef, use a slow cooker, and cook it to oblivion. If you can't chew it to a complete liquid, don't swallow it.
Expect your swallowing/spasms to get worse before it gets better. Your wrap will be at maximum swelling at week 2, then begin to resolve and get better.
Don't drink ice water, as it can cause spasms. Warm tea can help food go down and calm down spasms.
Good luck with your recovery! You've definitely come to the right place.
Ask questions...anything you're worried about
. It's likely someone here has experienced it.
Take care,
Denise