During surgery for a fractured jaw, the jaw is often wired, necessitating an essentially liquid diet over the weeks during recovery. The jaw may be wired for up to eight weeks. Due to the patient's inability to chew, all foods must be of a consistency that can be sucked through a straw or administered through a syringe. Meals must be carefully planned to ensure adequate intake of calories, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Proteins
Crucial for healing from surgical procedures, adequate protein intake is the most difficult to achieve. Protein-containing foods that can be blended well are all dairy products including milk, yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese; soy milk; eggs; creamy peanut butter and other nut butters; soft soy foods such as tofu; and well-cooked meats containing no skin or bones. Use protein powders to increase the caloric and protein content of milk, smoothies, shakes and other beverages.
Fruits and Vegetables
Any cooked or canned vegetables or fruits without skins or seeds are acceptable on a wired-jaw diet. Use soft fruits that are easy to peel and blend such as peaches and bananas to make smoothies or to eat plain. Baby food fruits and vegetables are also allowed, provided the consistency is thin enough to go through a straw.
Grains
Grain products provide carbohydrate and should be included whenever possible. Grains that blend well are well-cooked rice and pasta; cooked cereals such as oatmeal, cream of wheat and grits; and couscous without added nuts.
Beverages and Supplements
All beverages are appropriate for a wired-jaw diet, as you can drink them through a straw. Nutritional supplements are available in a variety of flavors and styles, and can increase calorie, protein, vitamin and mineral intakes while following this diet. Examples of nutritional supplements are Ensure, Muscle Milk, Boost and Carnation Instant Breakfast.
Sample Meal Plan
Breakfast: Smoothie--Blend 1 cup peaches, 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup orange juice and ice.
Morning Snack: 8 oz. drinkable yogurt
Lunch: Blend 1 medium banana, 2 Tbsp. peanut butter and 1 cup milk.
Afternoon Snack: 8 oz nutritional supplement
Dinner: Mix together in blender--2 cups cream of chicken soup, 1/4 cup well-cooked chicken, 1/4 cup mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup cooked vegetables.
Dessert: 1 cup ice cream blended with 1/2 cup milk
Cooking and Meal Planning
If you do not have a blender or food processor, purchase one, as you will need to prepare most foods using these appliances. Cut food into small pieces before blending. Adding liquids, such as broth, gravy, juice or milk can ease the process of pureeing the food and add nutritional quality; use equal parts food and liquid. If food contains chunks, strain it prior to consumption. Make large batches of whatever you are preparing, and freeze or refrigerate for later so food is readily available when you get hungry. Because the wired-jaw diet may be less satisfying than your usual diet, eating every two to three hours will help prevent hunger and meet energy needs.
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