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Beginning weight 296. Surgery weight 286 (lost 10 lbs on pre-op diet), 3 days post op weight 273. (13 lbs since surgery - total 23 lbs lost) Recovery and healing is going good. Liquids...liquids... and more clear liquids. I can actually take regular size drinks now instead of baby sips. I don't gulp and do take one or two swallows at a time.. but it's feeling wonderful. I'm having less and less pain at my incision sites and can walk around and do light (very light) housework for 10 to 15 minute stretches at a time. I'm able to get in 50g of protein (unsweetened and unflavored powder in 12 oz. water each time). I'm drinking 80 oz of water, around 30 oz. of beef, chicken or vegetable broth, 100% juice jello, gelled broth, and an occasional zero vitamin water. I'm not a fan of sweet protein shakes. I don't mind them, and I'll drink one occasionally and they taste great, it's just that I'd rather have something not sweet. I like fruit and fruit juice okay, but prefer savory, salty, creamy, sour and sometimes spicy tastes. Anyway, that's why I got the plain protein powder to mix in water. I found it on Amazon - Now Sports brand of Whey Protein Isolate. I'm glad I only have two days left of clear liquids. I'm craving something more "full". I look forward to fruit smoothies, creamed cottage cheese, yogurt, and creamed soups. I can use my protein powder in any and all of my "full liquids" so I'll be sure to get my 80 grams per day goal met that way. I'm keeping my food journal and going to make it a habit. I'm still feeling very optimistic and positive and happy every day. I'm so glad I did this!!! When it comes time in my sleeve diet progression that I can add all of the ingredients, I plan to use my morning smoothies to get a great nutritional boost every day. I may have one for a snack each afternoon too. I have a magic bullet so I can make a small powerful blast of nutrition. I'll put in fresh frozen spinach cubes (using fresh spinach blended with a small amt of water then put into ice cube trays to freeze), with a couple frozen strawberries or blueberries, banana chunks, peaches, pineapple, etc. (usually I pick two fruits, sometimes three) Then I'll add barley grass powder and veggie/fruit concentrate powder, chia seeds, protein powder and epa oil. Occasionally I may put in a tbsp of fresh peanut butter, almond butter, avacado, coconut oil, or cocoa powder. Yum.. I can't wait. I've got several soups frozen in individual serving size all ready for when I start my pureed stage... plus frozen cooked chicken left from when I made all my broth... and I'm going to get my crock pot going when it's time to make more mushy veggies and things to puree. Awww.. now just to be patient with myself as I walk day by day in the moment and do what I need to do to get to each new goal. That's the hard part. I love the planning, list making, preparing, etc. The fulfilling part of reaching goals is so motivating. Every time I get to mark something off my "to-do" list, or write down a goal accomplished or realize I need to begin working on the next phase - I just smile and remind myself that YES, I can do this... I AM doing this...and I am going to keep moving forward. The challenges, set-backs, revising, unexpected interruptions, changes and knock downs are there to make me stronger. I usually don't see it that way in the midst of the "problem" or "issue" or "failure" and can get downright depressed and feel sorry for myself. But that's only temporary. Failure is NOT final. Success is mine because I keep getting back up and shaking off the bad stuff - I'm stronger and more focused than ever.

My doctor sounds like CG's. I always say listen to your own doctor and dietitian because they all have their rules and ideas. But we all know don't cheat on your before and after surgery diets until you are told you can have the food.

I am very proud of you for writing, "what not to do". I was told no driving for about 2-3 weeks after surgery and being a passenger for not more than 1-2 hours for 3-4 weeks. It is sad you learned the hard way. Just remember about not lifting anything either until the doctor gives the ok. Each doctor has their own views. Feel better and stay cool in this terrible weather.

FIVE DAYS OUT: LEARN FROM ME/ DON'T FOLLOW IN MY FOOTSTEPS: SO, I am five days post surgery and two days without my pain pump. I am feeling better than I have felt in years. Although sore from surgery. Per post surgery instructions, I am supposed to walk some each day. Not a long marathon, just a little walk. In other words, just like most surgeries, get up and move every so often. So I decide to get some fresh air. When I get outside, I walk a little and I look at my car. It hasn't been turned on in six days. I go to turn it on and that's when I get the worse idea possible. Let's go for a drive. Why not, I am not walking or standing, I feel good, and I have watched all the TV I can stand. That drive turns into a trip to the store and a walk around. Yea you guessed it. About halfway through, my stomach was hurting and I started to sweat. Lessoned Learned: Outside from Being Very Sore today and Now being watched by family, friends, mentors, and spies, Two weeks of rest means exactly that Two Weeks of Rest. A LITTLE BACKGROUND; This is the first major surgery I have ever had. I do not write these things for people to follow. My blog is just a journal about my learning experiences and things not to do. I am healing remarkable well and should continue doing so borrowing the fact that I make less and less mess-ups. I have had stomach pain all my life: nausea, cramps, spasms, gas, reflux....the whole gambit. My tolerance level is very high. So, I am learning what's good and what's not. Please take this column in the humor that it is intended. Oh and feel free to fuss. I probably do deserve some lecture.

first of all i would like to say congrats, and this is an awesome thread and very encouraging, and thanks for sharing the ideal about taking your blender and protein powder in snack size bags, keep up the great work..

Wow you are doing so good!! Way to go girl! I am almost 3 weeks post op right now! My morning sugars are in the 112 range right now! I had my first lowest sugar ever at 73 range--and I felt good! I didn't feel weak or headche-y. I was on insulin and glipizide pills NOT anymore. I only take metformin 1000 mg 2x a day!

What a victory - good for you! You also have a special victory in your supportive family. Your boys cheering you on through a workout is so sweet it brings tears to my eyes. Keep jogging your way to onederland!