Hey Doodlebug,

I can completely identify with what you are going through. I just had the remainder of my teeth(19) removed and got the temporary Immediate Dentures about 3 weeks ago. My teeth were very bad and out of the 19 teeth left, I think only 3 did not need some kind of work. Financially I was in no position to get them fixed and do not have dental insurance so this was not an option for me. I had received a chunk of money from a family member and use it to get my teeth pulled and get dentures. I was so looking forward to being able to eat a meal and drink without pain not to mention being able to smile again without being self-conscious. The new dentures, even though they are the temporary ones (will get the permanent ones in about 6 months) are 100% nicer than my own teeth and I love them, but....the day I had my teeth out I weighed 112 pounds, today - 3 weeks later - I weigh 106 - because I am unable to eat anything with consistency. For the first 2 weeks all I was able to eat was Jello, Pudding and soup broth. I did buy some of the instant breakfast drinks just to put some vitamins and minerals in my body as I really cannot afford to lose too much weight - I have a problem maintaining that weight due to other medical problems (Epstein-Barr Virus and medications) and I am also on Pain Management for 3 herniated disks and 2 bulging disks in my lumbar back and the medications I am on just do not do anything for my appetite so I need to really make an effort to eat.

The other day my husband and I went by an Arby's. I have not had Arby's in so loooonnnggg- I figured it was soft right - its only thin roast beef and a soft roll- That was the first time I had tried actually biting into food and chewing anything with substance - God it tasted soooo good - it was like heaven. But, at the same time it was very painful to try to chew and could only make it through about 1/2 of the sandwich. All the while I was very self-conscious about eating out at a restaurant and the food kept sticking to the roof of my mouth and I had to eat very deliberately - but it was so worth it.

Since then I have slowly been trying to progress my diet - I made meatloaf and mashed potatoes and that went even better. I have been eating lots of soups and stews even if it is just the potatoes and carrots. I made pasta with hamburger and stewed tomatoes last night and that was awesome. So slowly it is getting better.

Sorry for the long-winded post, I just wanted to let you know that it does get better and just to take your time and it will all come together and you will be eating steak at a nice restaurant with your husband in no time. I know I cant wait to get to Outback and have their tenderloins and candied sweet potato.

Good luck and God bless
Tina