Week 2 -3

By week 3, day 21 you should be feeling much better. Although you’ll still  be on a liquid diet and loosing weight for body has learned to heal and manage eating lesser calories.  By this time expect to be back to normal actives; work, school, driving, taking care of family.

It’s important you maintain a good sleep regiment. Your body is still healing and will get tired by mid-day. Naps will be your best friend. Remember, the body is amazing and will heal quickly, but you have to ensure you are providing it the rite nutrients even on a liquid diet.

Purchase a lunch pale for food items you can eat on the go. It will be a lifesaver when there’s no food option available of you.

Have a strong support network and know that in six weeks or so you’ll be back to your “new” self!

Hope this tips and recommendations were helpful.

Week 1: Liquid Diet

The list of foods and kitchen wares will make surviving a 6 week liquid diet managable:

1. Always, Always, Always keep your surenges for eating on hand.

2. If you don’t already have a blender, bur one. Having an extra one on hand is great for cooking food in bulk.

3. Cream of Wheat will be your best friend

4. Ramen noodles (week 1/ broth only) will be very satisfying.

5. Jello - Cold, chilled jello feels great on your acing mouth..purchase allot and eat often

6. Applesauce - soothes the throat and tastes great!

7. Ensure - Provides all the vitamins and minerals you need. Especially when on the go

8. Thin based soups - my favorite, Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden (broth only) and homemade chicken soup.

9. WATER…H2O!!..4-6 bottles a day depending on your weight and size.

10. Strainer, clear containers for labeling food and a recipe book for smoothies.

Week 1: Pain Relief

Day 1-2: Your first 24-72hrs  following surgery will be bearable. Immediately following surgery, medical staff will do everything to keep you comfortable; pain meds, provide plenty of fluids, and make sure your able to eat plenty of calories on a liquid diet. Once you are discharged, I recommend having someone near by for home care. A family or friend that can stay with you for at least 2 weeks.

Day 3-7:  Once day 4 comes around expect pain, swelling, redness and difficulty breathing. I recommend sleeping upright (this will be your sleeping habit for at least 1 month). The couch worked best for me. Make you sure you purchase/have the following:

- Pain Meds:

You may not feel like your in pain, but you will be…if you don’t keep track of when you take your meds as you could take up to 3-4 pills at one time.  I found using an alarm to keep track of my doses worked best. 

- 2 sets of gel or liquid ice packs like the ones picture in blue:

A medical supply store will have the comfy cloth inserts to hold up the ice packs. These will remain wrapped to alleviate swelling all day and through the evening. 

- Cooling Wraps:

Like the ones shown in blue. They are light weight, great for during the day or night and easy to apply.

If used regularly, these items will help to minimize any pain.