Jaw surgery is often performed to correct a fractured or misaligned jaw or for cosmetic reasons. After jaw surgery, many patients must drink a liquid-only diet for several weeks while the jaw is held in place with wires. Consuming a liquid-only diet takes extra time and effort. Weight loss is often unavoidable. According to the Oral Facial Surgery Center, your diet should focus on low-volume, high-calorie and high-protein liquids.
Surgery Basics
Most fractured jaw injuries require surgery, but minor injuries may simply require a soft diet and pain medications, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Jaw surgery may also be done to correct teeth and jaw alignment. Moderate to severe fractures often must have the fractured jaw wired to the opposite jaw for additional stability. Rubber bands keep the jaw positioned in place. More advanced surgical techniques involve placing screws into the jaw for proper healing and positioning. General anesthesia, nasal intubation, small oral incisions and intravenous fluids are often administered during the surgery.
Post-Op
After jaw surgery, you will notice swelling near the surgical site. Keep your head elevated and use ice compresses. Sleeping with your head elevated about 45 degrees reduces fluid accumulation near the jaw, reports the Orthodontic CyberJournal. Do not consume any beverages until all anesthesia has worn off, which will take several hours.
Liquids
Most patients must drink liquids for several weeks after surgery. A blender or food processor purees and softens food into a liquid state. Milkshakes are not the only thing you can enjoy. For breakfast, mix together fresh fruit and warm cereal and sweeten it with honey. Thin mashed potatoes with with sour cream, butter and milk. Creamed soups are a high-calorie lunch or dinner dish. Commercial supplements are often recommended, such as Ensure, Boost or instant breakfast drinks. Avoid drinking low-calorie beverages such as tea, soda and coffee, which don't provide adequate calories and nutrition.
Soft Foods
Soft foods such as soft meats, grains and a variety of fruits and vegetables are often recommended several weeks after surgery. According to Dr. Frederick Steinbeck, D.D.S, M.D., even if your doctor says you can have soft foods, you should not chew, so try pudding, mashed potatoes and mashed hard-boiled eggs. Meats you can try are soft ground beef or ground chicken. Mix tomato sauce, melted cheese or pureed vegetables with your meat for variety. You can also try well-cooked pasta and soft bread moistened with sauce or gravy.
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