I used to have the same gritty oat issue until I started soaking them first. I'd toss them in a bowl with some almond milk overnight in the fridge, and by morning they blended up super smooth. Dry oats always left me feeling like I was drinking sandpaper, haha. Also, blending a bit longer definitely helps—my old blender needed an extra minute or two to get things silky. Might be worth experimenting a bit before your surgery day rolls around...
"I'd toss them in a bowl with some almond milk overnight in the fridge, and by morning they blended up super smooth."
I've tried the overnight soaking thing too, but honestly, I didn't notice much difference. Maybe my blender is just ancient or something? I ended up switching to instant oats instead—way smoother and less hassle. They're pretty cheap too, especially if you grab the store brand. Might be worth a shot if soaking doesn't quite do the trick for you either...
I've had mixed results with soaking oats overnight too. It might depend on the blender, but also the type of oats you're using can make a difference. Steel-cut oats never got smooth enough for me, no matter how long I soaked them. Instant oats are definitely easier, but if you're looking for more nutrition, rolled oats blended with a ripe banana or avocado can help get that creamy texture. Worth experimenting a bit to find what works best for you...
I've had my share of oat struggles too, especially when I had my wisdom teeth out last year. Steel-cut oats were a no-go—ended up gritty no matter what I tried. Rolled oats blended with banana was honestly a lifesaver. Avocado sounds interesting though, never thought of that combo. Might've made things smoother... Anyway, hang in there; experimenting beforehand definitely helps ease some anxiety about the recovery diet. You've got this!
Totally agree about steel-cut oats—they're tasty normally, but after oral surgery? Nope, way too gritty. I actually found chia pudding super helpful. You can prep it the night before, and it's smooth enough to eat without chewing. Plus, mixing in some coconut milk or yogurt makes it creamy and filling. Avocado sounds like a smart move too, wish I'd thought of that combo earlier... Good luck with your surgery, you'll do great.
