Our Adapted Puree Stage Diet

The purée food stage was difficult. We were having just a little problem with the texture and taste of liquefied chicken and other blended dishes. It was hard to get used to eating that way. As such, we moved fast to other alternatives, which were easier to deal with and still fulfilled all our nutritional requirements.

Relying on Soups

Mostly, we survived on soups during this phase. Tomato soup was a sort of staple as it had a slightly thicker consistency than the rest of the liquids but still smooth to be consumed easily. Its runny consistency made it most favourable to our sensitive stomachs during recovery.

Daily Go-To Meal: Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup became our daily go-to meal. This soup consisted of noodles, sweetcorn, and small pieces of chicken, which in turn offer a balanced mix of nutrients. When we started, a couple of spoonfuls would be all that we could consume before the soup cooled down. There was a lesson to be learned here, teaching us to really take our time and not hurry up with the meals.

Gradual Increase in Intake

Gradually, over the two-week period, we increased our intake to finally be able to consume half a can of chicken noodle soup in a sitting before it cooled. By the slow and gradual approach, our bodies were not overwhelmed, and our newly resized stomachs adjusted without much problem.

Diversifying Our Diet

Once we were comfortable with chicken noodle soup, it was time to start diversifying our options by adding other soups in our diet. Those new ones included Scotch broth and lentil soups, which brought variety in flavour and gave new nutrients. Added some variety and helped us lead up to the next stage of our post-op diet.

Key Takeaways

1. Start Slowly: Begin with easily digestible soups like tomato and chicken noodle soup. These are less likely to cause discomfort and are simple to prepare.
2. Take Your Time: Eating slowly is crucial. Consuming small amounts over an extended period helps prevent nausea and allows your body to adapt.
3. Gradual Progression: Increase your intake gradually. Start with a few spoonfuls and work your way up to half a can or more as you feel comfortable.
4. Diversify When Ready: Once you are comfortable with a particular type of soup, start introducing other varieties to keep your diet interesting and nutritionally balanced.

It was by the end of this adapted puree stage that we were definitely ready to move on to the next phase: soft foods. Such was the gradualness and patience we needed to get through that testing time of the post-op diet; we kept well-nourished and on track for recovery. Please remember, this is our personal experience and not medical advice. For medical guidance, always consult your GP.