Im trying to think what eating was like 5 months into my recovery. I was attending my sons wedding and we went on a cruise straight after. Which makes it sound as if I was back to normal, doesn’t it? I don’t remember having to chew a lot. I do remember being frail by today’s standards.
Eating was different certainly. Small portions. No white bread. No liquid with meals (which is still the case, 2,777 days or 7.5 years on). Desert one hour after main course (which again, is still the case today). Everyone is different, of course, but the consensus seems to be that a new personal normality establishes itself gradually over the first two years. With energy levels increasing over an even longer timescale. I was still having an afternoon nap four years after surgery.
So there are lifelong changes, but really, the alternative…
Dumping syndrome! Now there’s a topic I could write a book on. I know how to avoid it but still I take risks and push my own boundaries and rarely get away with it. So if you want to hear about my experiences and what I’ve heard from others, I’d be happy to share the (sometimes graphic) details.
So why do you have to chew and chew. What happens if you don’t?
keep posting and we’ll share our experiences if appropriate. Most of all stay positive and keep a sense of humour.
I can eat everything .even white bread. Just find that I'm chewing and chewing before I swallow in case it stickjs .suopose its a small price.my energy levels are good ..I'm back at work etc.. not a good idea to try chat whilst eating .I'm reading this back and thinking ' what am I complaining about?' I'm lucky
Glad to hear you are doing as well as you say. You are obviously younger than I was, either that or you really love your job! I had been retired a year when I was diagnosed.
Maybe there’s an element of nervousness when you eat after what you probably went through leading up to your diagnosis? It was a bit of a joke in our family that you should chew your food 32 times before swallowing. It’s not a bad principle but others can get frustrated with the effect it has on the length of the mealtime!
We survivors have much to be thankful for. For me I am forever thankful to have greeted my grandchildren into the world. Wishing you well for your continued recovery.
Hi Newguy, good to hear you are doing well post-op. Very much like Brent I don't recall the need to "chew and chew" and also similarly to Brent I have to swerve white bread (weirdly unless toasted!) ; cakes and other sweet stuff are also a no-no especially if eating out...I also do push the boundaries if eating at home!!! What a small price to pay though all things considered!
I wish you well on your further road to recovery...just over five years for me now since op and was recently discharged from the care of the UGI team...very lucky indeed!
