Metal Mouth Message Board

I'm having surgery at the end of October, and I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row, as it were...

I'm prepared to have low energy, but I'm concerned about being able to get around easily. I usually commute almost everywhere by bike, riding at least 4 miles a day, and I'm concerned about not being able to bike after surgery (both due to low energy and fear of hitting or jarring my jaw). I'm within half a mile of a train stop, and a few blocks away from some buses, but they won't get me everywhere I need to go. I have some money saved up that I could use on a car, but I've been putting off getting one because, well, why spend the money if it's not necessary?

So, question: would a car be extremely nice to have after surgery? Or should I expect to have enough energy to deal with public transit/lots of walking? How soon after surgery could I commute by bike without fearing for the safety of my jaw?

Other question: I'm getting worried about losing too much weight, since I've always been suuuuper skinny, I've never been able to take in large amounts of calories in a sitting before feeling too full/sick, and I also can't eat dairy, which seems to be highly recommended for caloric density. I've been trying to beef up before surgery by drinking nutritional drinks with my meals, but so far no effect. Any good ideas for gaining weight (and maintaining it after surgery) for someone who's extremely lactose intolerant?

Hi,

I had ddouble jaw surgery about 5 weeks ago. I caught a train from my hospital to home straight after surgery,but I had someone with me,theres no way I could have travelled on my own. I was in the hospital for 2 days,and when I emerged into the daylight I was nearly blinded by the brightness having been indoors,i had to shade my eyes - that coupled wuth being lightheaded due to all the pain relief,I really needed someone to hold onto. Also,there is no way I could have driven myself home. There shouldnt be a problem afterwards with walking/public transport...all depends on your own strength,im sure you will know whether youre up to walking around at the time,or whether you actually want to go out so soon after surgery!

I wouldnt worry to much about the weight thing. Im quite slim,and hardly ate in the first couple of days after surgery,due to the discomfort of swallowing. But after this,I made sure I got enough energy from soups(blended using fresh veg and stock cubes then topped up with hot watewr) ,milkshakes etc ,smoothies,fruit juices(all eaten through a syringe)..I probably eat less now than I did in the early days,things seemed easier when eating with a syringe,now i dont really need liquid foods,but its so difficult opening my mouth to get any amount of food in that sometimes I cant even be bothered to eat. Which is bad,but if im hungry and not in the mood with food,I always have packets of build up milkshake handy,which is filling. I have stopped blending now,but I have done blended meals such as pizza,burger and anything else you could imagine...just add a bit of hot water and throw it all in the blender! Ive probably lost a few pounds but not lots.I guess its to be expected really,so dont worry too much - if youre hungry,you will find a way to get the food down you!
Good luck!

p.s ...im 5 weeks post surgery , like i said, and sometimes i go to break into a run to chase after my little boy - but the impact on my jaw from running feels a bit painful,you may feel the same thing if youre riding and going across bumps or uneven roads ...all these things you will be aware of after surgery so you will be able to judge how active you can be yourself i guess ...

There are plenty of nutritional shakes you can buy that are lactose free. If you are already a light weight, I think you should try your best to gain a few lbs. prior to surgery and drink as much supplement as you can after surgery. Remember the body heals a lot faster when it's properly fed.

My surgery was 2 weeks ago. I find I can easily walk, but wouldn't run. I'm still quite swollen so the circulation is felt in my jaw area. I think you'll be fine if you can bus and walk everywhere. Not sure about bike riding. But I was out walking around day 6. When I say walking, I push my toddler in the pram about 4 km return trip to the shop, about 2 miles I think? I could easily walk more but I have no need.

Also, I found I couldn't use a straw, and still struggle. I've been drinking my thick soup from a cup, smoothies from a cup, in fact all my meals come from a cup!. I found it hard to press my lips together and get enough control for a straw. It must be a personal thing.