Question:
I'm 5 days post op and i'm craving a saltine cracker. Would should I do.
I'm supposed to be on broth, water, jello for 2weeks post op. — Perla K. (posted on January 18, 2004)
January 18, 2004
One of the things my support group suggested was to take a bite of what I
was craving, chew it to mush..then spit it out..I did it a couple of times
and it really seemed to help my head hunger cravings....best of luck to
you
Peg L
lap rny 4/9/03
311/192/-119
— Peg L
January 18, 2004
Sounds stupid...but lick it. LOL This stage is the most difficult, hang
in there and do what you need to do to get through it.
— RebeccaP
January 18, 2004
Before I answer this, I must really stress that you take it up with your
Dr. first. That being said, my Dr. allows saltines right out of the
hospital...we're put on a soft diet even in the hospital. As for saltines
as part of a soft diet, the reasoning goes that even if it's crunchy, if it
immediately dissolves when put into water, then it can be included in the
soft diet. But again, you should ask your Dr. first as they all have
different requirements.
— Le P.
January 18, 2004
I'll go Rebecca one better. Chew it up and spit it out, without swallowing
it. You don't need this kind of bulk in your new pouch at five days out.
It might be just fine, or it might be hellishly painful, with you hurling,
or clutching your stomach wondering why you did this to yourself. So
either skip it, or lick it, or chew it up and spit it out. (And remember,
this stage does not last forever, thankfully!!!
— Suzy C.
January 18, 2004
Maybe it's the salt that your body needs. Try some beef bouillion cubes
(dissolved in hot water, of course!). They are extremely flavorful and will
have the salt your body may be craving. Shelley
— Shelley.
January 18, 2004
Oh so have a laugh on me. I was a week out and licked off the salt on a
french fry. I even ate egg drop soup.
— diannapullen
January 18, 2004
Dianna, during that liquid phase, I licked everything. LMAO So, you
licking a fry is nothing... I knew I wasn't hungry and that I shouldn't
eat said item, but I just wanted the taste. So I licked it. Bad habit, I
suppose...some would say it is avoiding your issues instead of taking them
head on. But it is very difficult in the first couple of weeks. I still
say do what you have to to get through it. And now I am over two years out
and doing just fine. Rebecca
— RebeccaP
January 18, 2004
I did the chew and spit a couple times when I was on liquids. It helped
with the cravings. Once I even (shame on me) took a bite of my GRANDSON'S
cheeseburger, chewed like crazy, guilt kicked in at "cheating"
and fear of hurting myself so I spit it out. My cravings pretty much
simmered down after that and I survived til I got to go on purees.
— **willow**
January 18, 2004
when i was doing puree i would put 4 saltines crushed up in my chicken
broth....kind of like mock chicken soup.
— franbvan
January 18, 2004
I wouldn't worry too much about it.... try licking one, or chewing it and
spitting it out or heck just take a bite of one and swallow it, as
crackers get very mushy anyway and wouldn't do any harm.There are worse
things you could be craving.
— jennifer A.
January 18, 2004
Well if your going to cheat cheat responsibly. A whileago someone a week
out cheated with beef jerky. The beef wasnt the only jerk around but it was
actually very sad. The got a leak, burst their new poch and had emnergency
surgery with the surgeon picking pieces of beef out of their inside they
nearly died. Lots of people cheat but soft strained stuff is better.
Although not cheating is ideal.
— Sam J.
January 18, 2004
I was on pureed foods for the first 2 months, but the nutritionist
specifically allowed saltine crackers. Basically just let them melt in your
mouth. Don't swallow them dry. I chose the whole wheat saltines. They were
great for spreading on a little peanut butter or pureed tuna. Check with
your nutritionist, but I have a hard time seeing this as
"cheating."
— Jim F
January 18, 2004
Hi, I had my surgery on the 7th, and I have to be on liquids for 6 wks. I
too have craved saltines, as well and meat and I dream of having a
sandwich. I have done the chew and spit and it does help. After my first
post op check and removeal of the drain tube I was told I could have
anything that I could sip through a straw. I can have an Campbell's cream
soups and do not have to strain them. I would think that if the cracker
was crushed in broth that would qualify, but I would not swallow anything
without asking my doctor. This is too important to mess up. Best of Luck,
I just keep telling myself it only temporary.
— Carolyn B.
January 19, 2004
Try this instead of a cracker. Get some chili from Wendys put it in the
blender and blend it until you cant anymore...make sure its completely
liquid and then microwave. It was suggested by my surgeon and it helped
with cravings. Best wishes to you
— debmi
January 19, 2004
I am a little concerned. I am 2 days pre-op and my doctor is giving us
meal plans that have us totally back to solids within 14 days. Has anyone
else done this? Basically, it is clear liquids for three days, whole
liquids for 3 days, pureed for three days, soft for three days, then
solids.
— triland
January 19, 2004
I craved saltine crackers from about 5-7 days out and what I did was wait.
I was able to have them in week five and I most certainly did enjoy them at
that time. With my surgeon week five was the soft food stage. I have to
admit that even though I had the cravings I really appreciate the careful
and slow process that my food was improved because it really helped me to
heal without incident. I am six weeks out today and will probably be very
careful of texture (hardness) of foods for some time yet.
Sandra
— Arizona_Sun
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