General Guidelines

This page came from my notes and information as a patient of Dr. Cowan.

Chew everything well until it is the consistency of pureed food. This is very important for your comfort and safety.

Do not overeat!

Cook meats to the point of tenderness. Do not overcook. Medium rare is ideal. Beef is sometimes less well tolerated than other meat.

Avoid drinking liquids half an hour before and one hour after your meal. You need the available room in your stomach for nutritious food.

If you feel full from the previous meal, do not force yourself to eat. Eat a small amount of chicken soup or some nutritious liquid until the food has moved through your stomach.

Never go long periods without eating. Eat a small amount of something, especially first thing early in the morning. Toast or crackers can be used, until you can eat a more nutritious breakfast.

You must not skip meals throughout the day when you are back to eating more normally.

Choose high protein and high complex carbohydrate (starch) for your meals. Remember, you will only absorb a small percent of what you eat, and the foods you eat must provide needed protein and not "empty" calories.

Don’t be discouraged if a certain food suddenly causes a problem. Try it again in a week or so and you may be able to tolerate it.

If you don’t want to go to the bathroom often, don’t overeat. Overeating fats, sweets, milk and milk products may cause a lot of loose stools or diarrhea.

You must take a protein supplement, ProMod (a protein powder). If the protein level in your blood is too low, you will be less able to fight infections.

There is a reason for each of these guidelines; they have proven to be helpful and valuable. Take time to read and understand these suggestions, and ask questions if needed.