so is it just that you can't ever chew them enough to make em small enough not to clog? i've eaten a snickers bar, peanuts didn't seem to bother me much. the other day i ate a pecan bar (well, not the WHOLE thing...that thing had like four sticks of butter in it!) but i chewed well, and the pecans didn't bother me much.

i'm kinda bummed bout pineapple. i LOVED fresh pineapple. but it's okay b/c even before my pouch, i'd eat a ton of fresh pineapple and my tongue would start to itch. i guess maybe i was mildly allergic to it?

I still haven't braved eating greens or anything. i'm just a chicken. i don't want to deal with headaches in intubating just now. i have way too much other stuff going on.

It is easier if you integrate foods one at a time in seperate groups at the begining.
Avoid the carb protien mixes with green veggies. Just try the protiens and veggies first, they seem to digest better that way.
I use this method for any "dangerous" foods. Just had a real bad problem yesterday with home fries with skins on!! I am still spitting potato skins out the tube, they just never digest!
I used to use my juicer a lot in the begining to get the nutrients without the fiber, a good way not to deprive your body.
I also use a small chopper for certain nuts (pine nuts again) so I get the taste without the clog!
My blender is my best friend.
Beware of the dark green leafy stuff, murder sometimes. I also opt for whole grains instead of white flour because any white wheat products seem to turn to wall paper paste in me.
Good luck and don't be afraid to experiment with very small quantities.

Hey, I've tried a couple of ways to PM Larry Ettlin whose ideas are great, but I don't think the messages went anywhere. I've never started a PM thread before and am striking out.

Anyway, I'm taking a test (new) catheter to my upcoming dentist appointment to see about drilling bigger holes. Question is, do you think the drilling would work as well on a Marlen 30 as it did for Larry's Medina? I understand the need for a smooth hole but wonder into what shape the hole was enlarged...bigger all around or taller or fatter? And I guess starting just about one sixteenth of an inch bigger all around might work. Or could one enlarge even more? Any ideas? Thanks!

Carol

p.s. Any ideas for eating some yummy end-of-season ripe fruit with fewer clogs are wonderful.

I had pine nuts in some pesto just a few days ago and had absolutely no problem with them. Also, much to my great delight I had a half of Chipotle burrito (I LOVE them) with the black beans and rice and I did chew and chew and chew and everything came out just fine so I have to say that was quite thrilling

I haven't purposefully tried leafy greens either though I accidentally had some shredded lettuce on a sub, I tried to scrape most of it off but it was still a real pain to get through the cath. Oh well, I never was a huge salad fan anyways. I'm still not gutsy enough to eat raw fruits or veggies. I eat a lot of cooked squash and applesauce. All in good time I guess

If you want to try a salad start with the crispy inside section of and iceberg lettuce first. You could probably add a few cukes and carrots but just eat a small salad and remember to chew. I wouldn't add peppers, tomatoes,or anything with skins.

I grill my peppers and tomatoes whole for 1/2 an hour and then peel off the skin easily.
It allows me to enjoy them with out too much trouble. I am a lazy chewer so this works best for me.