Mashed potatoes lost their magic for me after the first day, too. But honestly, I never really got into the avocado thing—maybe it’s just me, but the texture felt weird when I couldn’t chew. One thing I actually liked was cold applesauce (the plain kind). It sounds boring, but it was soothing and didn’t make my mouth feel greasy like some other soft foods. As for the wedge pillow, I still can’t figure out how people stay propped up all night... I always end up sideways somehow. Tiny spoons are a game changer though—totally agree there.
As for the wedge pillow, I still can’t figure out how people stay propped up all night... I always end up sideways somehow.
Funny you mention the wedge pillow—I actually found it more annoying than helpful. I’d start off upright but by 2am, I was basically curled up at the foot of my bed. What worked better for me was stacking a couple regular pillows and wedging myself in with a rolled-up towel behind my back. Not perfect, but at least I didn’t wake up with a crick in my neck.
Also, applesauce is solid, but I weirdly craved plain Greek yogurt (the full-fat kind). It felt more filling and didn’t have that greasy thing mashed potatoes sometimes do. Avocado just tasted bland to me after day two... guess everyone’s mouth has its own “comfort food.”
Haha, I totally get the wedge pillow struggle. Mine would just slide around and by the end of the night, I’d be half off the bed anyway. I ended up using a big ol’ body pillow and kind of hugging it—felt a bit ridiculous but at least it kept me propped up (sort of). I think whatever keeps you comfy is fair game.
Greek yogurt was my go-to too—super smooth, plus it actually tasted like food instead of just “mush.” Couldn’t do applesauce for more than a day or two, though. I tried those protein shakes everyone recommends but they made my stomach weirdly gurgly. Did anyone else have that issue with the shakes or is that just me being a wimp?
Also, did anyone try ice packs at night? I kept forgetting and then wondered if it would’ve helped with swelling or if it’s just one of those things dentists say but no one actually does...
I tried the ice packs but honestly, I’d wake up with them halfway across the bed or stuck to my pillowcase. Not sure if they helped much, but it made me feel like I was doing something productive. Protein shakes totally did a number on my stomach too—thought I was the only one. Greek yogurt was a lifesaver though, especially when everything else tasted like hospital food.
Greek yogurt was a lifesaver though, especially when everything else tasted like hospital food.
I couldn’t agree more about the Greek yogurt. It was one of the few things I could actually tolerate, and it didn’t make my stomach act up like those protein shakes did. I tried ice packs too, but they never seemed to stay put. Honestly, I found that just gently rinsing with salt water a few times a day made my mouth feel cleaner and soothed some of the soreness. It’s funny how the little things end up making the biggest difference.