Photo: Mat Hayward/Getty
ChefJustin Sutherlandis sharing an update onhis recoveryfollowing a boat accident earlier this month.
In aFacebook poston Tuesday, the restaurateur and Iron Chef revealed that there were “some last minute changes” to his surgery plan after he fell off his boat near the motor on July 3.
“Although my jaw will be wired shut for 6 weeks I have decided to forgo the previously recommended feeding tube,” Sutherland explained. “I am confident I can get the necessary 2500 calories and 160 grams of protein for recovery a day in liquid form.”
He continued, “You know me I’m always up for a challenge and love to prove people wrong.”
TheTop Chefalum added that he planned to reach out to “the chef, nutritionist, and home cook community for some nutrient rich and delicious liquid meal options.”
TheFast Foodieshost said he met with his medical team and would be having surgery soon.
He concluded the social media post, writing, “Thank you in advance and stay tuned for information on how you can help me heal, recover, and beat the system.”
On Sunday, Sutherland shared an image ofthe facial injurieshe sustained in the accident onInstagram.
“‘The pain means you’re alive. The scars mean you’ve survived.’ A ‘few’ more surgeries to go…,” Sutherland captioned a photo of his nose, cheek and eyelid.
After putting out aninitial statementrevealing the accident, Sutherland’s family organized aGoFundMe fundraising page, which shared more about the horrific incident.
According to the fundraiser description, the Minnesota native was the captain of the boat, and as he adjusted his captain hat, it blew off. When he tried to grab for it, the boat hit a wave and he fell off the boat, causing a series of injuries.
“He fell into the water near the motor, and the propeller did a number on his head and left arm. His arm is broken, but his grip remains strong and there appears to be no nerve damage,” the GoFundMe page said. “His jaw is severely broken, but doctors are optimistic that with several more surgeries he will be grinning in no time.”
Along with broken bones, Sutherland sustained several lacerations and is set to be in the hospital “for some time, having had many surgeries so far and facing many more to come.”
According to the page, the online fundraiser was created to help raise money for the steep medical bills as Sutherland did not have healthcare coverage at the time of the accident. With a goal of $500,000, the GoFundMe has reached over $223,000 since it was posted on July 5.
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In May, Sutherland’s culinary enterprise expanded outside of the Twin Cities, when he opened Big E’s in downtown Portland. He is expected to open his new restaurant Northern Soul in Minneapolis later this month.
Sutherland continues to operate multiple restaurants, including the Handsome Hog, Obachan Noodles and Chicken, Chickpea Hummus Bar, Pearl and Thief, the Gnome, Side Chick, and Woodfired Cantina.
He will release his new cookbook,Northern Soul, on August 30.
source: people.com
