workers can do to spread the word about the
things we all need to do to stay healthy, the better
we’ll all feel, and the easier it will be for the NHS to
cope with an increasing population.
So what is the dietitian’s role in post laryngectomy
care?
Eating after the op
Anyone who’s already undergone lary or trachi
surgery will know how important their dietitian is
to their recovery. After the op, you’ll have been
fed through a feeding tube to ensure you get the
right mix of nutrients in that all-important first
stage of recovery. In many cases, patients actually
need to regain a bit of weight that they might have
lost leading up to the op when their throat may
Then it’s on to softer foods with a bit of
substance – eggs are a good starting point, then
some nice soft pasta; maybe even thicker soups
and casseroles. The dietitian will help you to
choose the right range of foods to support your
convalescence. As time wears on, that will expand
to include a fuller range of flavours and textures.
The good news is that your ideal diet will be much
the same as anyone else’s: one that’s rich with
fruit, vegetables and whole grains – all the sorts
of things that’ll make you feel fuller, fitter and
healthier. Of course, saturated fats are out and salt
and sugar intake will be well down too. But don’t
worry, we can all afford a little slip from time to
time!
“Learning to eat again can be a funny, rewarding,
messy, frustrating business. Don’t worry, there’s no right
or wrong way – just the way that works for you.”
have been severely sore or undergoing radiation
treatment. The dietitian will ensure that you get
the right amount at the right time and aim to get
you back to (or as close to) your target weight as
possible.
Fortunately the vast majority of patients recover
sufficiently well to disengage the feeding tube
and get onto liquid foods, before getting back to
some heartier fare. In the first instance that might
just be your own liquidised dinners – but they
can provide a good range of nutrients and give
you a bigger range of taste. The dietitian will also
recommend plenty of nice soft foods including
porridge, soups and yoghurt; even tasty treats like
ice cream and soft puddings – anything that slides
down easily.
People do often find that their tastes have
changed quite substantially post op; in which case,
the dietitian will work with them to recommend
some new recipes to add to the repertoire. You
might suddenly find stronger, fuller tasting foods
get a bit more appealing.
Learning to eat again can be a funny, rewarding,
messy, frustrating business. Don’t worry, there’s no
right or wrong way – just the way that works for
you. And you can count on your dietitian to help
you. It can actually be quite rewarding trying all
those old familiar foods that suddenly taste a little
different, and experimenting with new textures
and flavours too.
The dietitian has a pretty hard job, but it’s a
rewarding job for them and you. Bon appétit.
?
Summer 2010 | THE VOICE
11