Day 36 - 5 Week Post-Op

I just returned from the surgeon's office for my 5 week post-operative appointment. I got some cool elastics in two little bags. There are the rabbit (large) and chipmunk (small) bands to change out and remove for two hours each day. I can brush my teeth and experience freedom during this time twice daily. I made a little diagram so I don't forget what teeth they are on. Next Tuesday will be my 6th week post-operative visit, and hopefully my bands will be removed at that time. I may have to wear them only at night after that for a bit, but that is fine with me as long as they are off during the day time hours. For this week my diet will remain the same, although I won't be wearing bands 100% of the time, I'm still on the liquid diet.

Doug brought over the movie Bridesmaids to watch tonight and it looks real funny. We both like going to Wally World to pick up fun $5 dollar movies but sometimes the selection isn't the greatest. If you want some awesome funny movies at a cleverly low price, check out comedy movies and see their full selection. Also available are comedy television shows. You can even sort through various producers such as Walt Disney or Paramount if looking for a select title. You search by lowest price, highest price or best deal too. The website offers funny movies and sitcoms so next time you're seeking out a movie or show, be sure to check them out. I know during my recovery from surgery my movie watching hobby has increased significantly.

Doug and I playing on the computer, waiting at the surgeon's office.

My surgeon also feather-dusted my face with my eyes closed to see how my regaining-feeling was coming. He thinks it's probable that I'll gain all my feeling back. I say that is good news! Feeling is nice, I would like my feeling back but it's fine right now and I'm dealing. I'm not totally numb by any means, just tingly in the chin and lower lip.

Eating was a breeze tonight. Mom made her awesome veggie and pork stir-fy, and I made some seasoned rice. Try blending that all together with some warmed up apple juice, and you got yourself a delicious meal! Oh, but don't forget the garlic, I did and then had to re-blend it. Garlic is key flavoring, not that mom's stir-fry isn't delicious but when it comes to blended food think flavor, flavor and yes, flavor.

Did I mention Douggie made "homemade boxed Ghirardelli" brownies? That may be an oxymoron, however they were delicious. He said they're homemade because he added in extra chocolate and olive oil. That's my Douggie, he's creative and a wonderful from-scratch kind of cook. I took the brownies, added a scoop of chocolate ice cream, whipped cream and cold milk and had myself a tall glass of 500 calories and enjoyed it to the last drop.

I mention all this food because it's considerably easier to eat since today's visit. My bands are in place as a gentle means of holding my jaw but they really aren't doing a whole lot. They are weak bands and get stretched out easily, that's why I have a couple of bags to change them out when needed. This also makes food go into my mouth in a much quicker, easier, less-messy fashion. I think I made a new record and guzzled mum's stir-fry in less than three minutes. I also got more fake Ensure today too and I suggest you try it if you haven't already, it's delicious.

Since these new bands are so weak, it's apparent that my jaw has become quite strong once again. It's holding its own well, and the doc says my bite is looking "pretty good". I consider this an excellent remark because he's a serious perfectionist and pretty good is high up there for such a well-thought-out, genius type of man. That's why I have the bands on today. Other surgeons may have let me loose a few weeks ago but I'm glad I'm still banded up and playing it safe to avoid any unnecessary negative outcomes.