hello!
I am one week post-op (read: close enough to clear liquids to still sympathize
)
a couple of things really helped save me during the all liquid transition - and there does come a point you get a rhythm to it all and it's not so bad
1. drink all the broth you want, and then drink some more. (chicken is BEST by far)
2. Don't hesitate to ask a deli or soup place to give you the chicken/whatever soup of the day minus chicken noodles, etc "Just the broth please" I wouldn't do this now b/c of fear of dumping but in pre-op broth is broth is broth (I asked my nurse abt this too by the way lol)
3. sf popsicles really are a huge help when you just want something, anything to CHEW on... they are wonderful.
4. slow down your pace and rest a lot. I would end up coming home and going to bed early during that phase.. less fuel meant I was more tired.. and I did enjoy getting some extra sleep
other random things that helped me included
getting cool flavors of lip gloss and putting them on obsessively (no, not licking them off LOL, just the "oral stimulation" felt nice)
doing nice, touch-oriented things for myself like putting on lotion, painting my nails, extra time with makeup and hair, taking baths (which you won't get to do afterwards for awhile so stock up on the joy
)
BOOKS! I read a lot to keep my mind busy - video games, etc works well for this too
