In the past week, I’ve touched on all the negatives of my post-op condition.
There are a few positives, though. Some I was expecting, such as dropping some weight. Others, I was not, such as my body’s reaction to food.
The return to eating solid food has been an incredibly slow process. Not only do I still have some pain in my throat, I also am unable to open my mouth all the way, my jaws get incredibly tired from chewing, and because I’ve been “choke-swallowing” (a term the ENT used), I really have to focus on swallowing properly so nothing gets stuck. Additionally, my stomach’s capacity has definitely reduced in size, from not being utilized.
While it is incredibly frustrating (because after a week of Gatorade and applesauce, I would love nothing more than to fall face first into a platter of very unhealthy cheese fries), I am choosing to see this as an opportunity to restructure my relationship with food. It’s extremely difficult to hit the reset button on things like eating, so when chances like this come up, where one has a little extra “help”, it seems foolish to not take advantage.
Since consuming food has become such an exhausting endeavor, I am absolutely no longer tempted to have snacks. Not only am I not particularly hungry for them, but the effort required makes it seem not worthwhile. For some reason, my cravings have been for fresh fruits (especially watermelon), so if I can manage a little extra eating, I head straight for the fruit.
Another change is that I have been choosing my meals more carefully. Because my portions are much smaller and more infrequent, I need to pack in as much punch as possible. We’ve been eating out quite a bit because we have family visiting and I’m not up to cooking huge meals, and I find myself choosing and focusing on proteins more than carbs and side dishes. I’ve never been much of a meat eater, but I’m acquiring a little bit of a taste for the stuff. I’ve been able to eat some blackened mahi, soft pulled pork and cut up hamburger patties, all of which have given me energy and filled me up. While pastas and breads are soft and easier for me to chew, I am still having some difficulty swallowing them successfully, so I haven’t had much of a taste for them.
The one thing I really want is a big, fresh salad, with lots of veggies, but I’m kind of scared the lettuce will get stuck going down, so it will be a little while before I attempt that particular challenge. Soon, though. Soon.
I still have about a week before I can start seriously exercising again, which I admit, is stressing me out in the calorie-burning department. I had to order some new clothes since I have a lot of things that are starting to fall off me, and I’d like to continue in that direction. It will be easier once I can get going on some workouts.
It hasn’t been easy, but I am glad for the chance to get my eating habits back on track. The tonsillectomy, while frustrating in many way, has given me the ability to sit back and reevaluate the way I see what I am putting in my mouth and what I am using to fuel my body. Don’t get me wrong. I still have a date with those cheese fries at some time in the not-so-distant future, but they will definitely be a one-off.
Do you try to make the best of not-so-great situations?
Are you a glass half full or half empty kind of person?
I like to think that the glass is half full, but in reality it’s half empty.
But in saying that you could say 50% water %50 air = 100% so the glass is always full.
Have you thought about smoothies? I mean it’s summer (where you are), so put in as much veggies as you can (like kale or spinach) into a blender with added protein powder and you’ll be hitting your macro’s for sure.
Matilda recently posted…Blogilates Challenge
LOL! Some deep thoughts for the morning.
I hate smoothies. Part of it is texture, part of it is that I hate drinking calories (unlesss it’s wine or beer). I would much rather chew. I don’t really enjoy milkshakes, juice, or anything like that. Makes it difficult. I do eat a lot of fruits and veggies on their own, so I’m ok on that front, but I just can’t bring myself to drink a smoothie.
Every time I read about your recovery, I relive everything that I went through when I recovered from this surgery. Like I said, I would do it every year if I had to, just to skip the infections I was getting, sometimes twice a month.
I just tried to hit as much protein as I could. Then a few weeks later I was able to eat smaller portions of real food, like cheese fries.
Amanda @ There Are 2 Sides recently posted…5 on the 4th
Oh, man. I don’t know if I would say I would do it every year. This has been a rough go!
But, hopefully, this is the last post about it. I just found it really interesting how some other good has come from it and how I’m able to use it towards my fitness and overall health goals. 🙂
I try to be “glass is half full” but it can be hard sometimes.
I’m so glad to hear that you’re feeling better, I hope the next week flies by for you!
Kristin Smith @ A Mom on the Run recently posted…How to Eat Spaghetti
You’re pretty positive.
🙂
runswithpugs recently posted…food, reframed
Sounds like a good reason to go clothes shopping! Hope you can swallow easily soon!
Tina@GottaRunNow recently posted…Running by Effort in a 5 Pocket Skirt
I just got a few dresses from Old Navy in the mail today. It’s a pretty good feeling.
runswithpugs recently posted…food, reframed
I’m definitely a glass half-full kind of girl! I’m happy to see your post focusing on the positive side of your surgery. I’m sure it’s been a LONG recovery, but it’s good that you are looking at the bright side of things now. Hope you feel better and better each day!
Debbie @ DebRuns recently posted…Motivated to Run
It’s eternal!!!! I was prepared, but I don’t know that you can ever be prepared entirely.
If I wasn’t positive about it, I think I would be curled up under the blankets, unable to function. It has not been fun. Necessary? Probably. But not fun.
runswithpugs recently posted…food, reframed
Glass half full ALWAYS!! I practice that every day for sure and am looking for the most positive of each situation. Sounds like you are getting on the mend and will be enjoying the healthier foods, which is great. I know when really “cleaned” food and went super clean over a year ago, I have never felt better and you are right, after some time we don’t miss the junk 🙂
I am so hopeful to get some fresh, raw veggies in the next few days. I think I may finally be able to swallow them! So looking forward to it!
I’m just catching up on all of your posts. I’m so sorry your recovery has been so rough! It sounds like you’re taking it all in stride and getting in as much as you can. I’m glad you were able to enjoy the fourth a bit and enjoy some pampering at the salon! I’m sure I’d be a much bigger baby about it.
jan recently posted…13 Goals for 2013 Update
Oh, don’t get me wrong. I was a pretty big baby last weekend 🙂 Thank goodness it was just a one time thing. With a five year old, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to be down for long. By this weekend, I hope to be back to 100%
It’s frustrating I know but no worries, you’ll get right back at it in no time! Hope you heal quickly!
I can be both a half empty and a half full glass type of person, I think it just depends on the situation. But when I’m not feeling good at all, I’m such a baby. I’d totally be a half empty glass person.
Maria @ Lil Mys Ninja recently posted…Get Custom Fitted by Kindrunner!
My brother-in-law said the same thing about being back at it. I hope you all are right. Tomorrow will tell!