DUMPING SYNDROME

My digestive system is adjusting to not having a stomach. One thing that happens is called Dumping Syndrome where food just skips through to my small intestine without much digesting first. It causes cramps. This is supposed to get better over time but certain foods are better than others. Yesterday I had avocado on toast from Blue Ribbon Bakery with olive oil, salt and pepper.

DAL

Ruby made mung bean dal, with jasmine rice, cilantro chutney and raita for Myrna, Goldie, Phil and I. Eating is going OK, but I need to learn to reduce my portion size to accommodate my new digestive system, I get hiccups after eating which are uncomfortable. The place where they cut me open is healing, stitches come out on Wednesday.

MATZOH BALL SOUP

I've been released from the hospital and am recuperating at Mindy's house. Last night, Sally (who is from Jamaica) made a delicious batch of Matzoh Ball soup. Myrna, Goldie, Mindy, Lucy and I enjoyed it while discussing Orthodontia.

HOSPITAL FOOD

Yesterday I ate "soft food". Carrots, tiny chicken pieces, mashed potatoes, a slice of bread and some apple sauce. Ruby and Ford were there while the doctors removed the tubes from my abdomen that had been collecting fluid. It hurt. After that I was released from the hospital.

CHICKEN BROTH

After you have your stomach taken out, you're on IV fluid for a while before you can try food. I started yesterday with some chicken broth. It was about a week since the surgery, the longest I've ever gone without eating. Next, I'll try some some soft food, and if that works, they'll release me from the hospital. I've gotten lots of flowers, cards and visitors which makes me feel very loved. Thank you.

AMERICA! BILL CALLAHAN

NATHAN'S HOT DOG EATING CONTEST

I'm recovering from surgery in the hospital. They took out my stomach (and spleen and part of my pancreas which I guess is no big deal) and I'm healing well. Tony, Kim, Maple and I watched Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest yesterday for July Fourth on ESPN.