Joni

For me - mushies week 2 to 4, soft wk 4 to 6, then regular!

I will add you too. I am jonitoby there.

Remember this? "Pants on the ground, pants on the ground, lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground!" LOL

They look yummy! I copied a few to try. Can't wait - glad to hear you think they're really good.

I'm 4 wks postop and still tired! Dr says it's normal and can take up to 6 wks or so to feel normal again. Then add the low calories and trying to get enough fluids, well it's no wonder we're tired. Throw in some crazy hormonal changes in the mix too! I would take a shower to try and recharge, and have to rest after cuz the shower took all my energy!! It just takes time.

Just saw my dr today and asked about signs of dehydration. #1 she said is feeling dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up. Drink more fluid!!

Good luck ladies!! See you on the loser's bench!!

That was my biggest fear preop! When my surgeon said he would not do the procedure if my liver was enlarged, I was soo scared and so sure that it would happen to me - it kept me honest for the 2-wk preop diet. I'm so sorry that happened to you, but yes, your surgeon would have been careless if he had tried to continue. Good luck in shrinking that liver and getting on the loser's bench after all!!

No hiccups here and keeping fingers crossed! I asked a dietitian today how many calories, carbs, sugar, and fat I should be shooting for at this point. She told me to aim for no more than 1000 calories (I don't even come close to that), 70 gms of Protein, <33 gms of fat (30% of calories), and they don't give sugar and carb counts (huh?) but to have no added sugar, so avoid food with added sugar in the ingredients. If it is on the ingredients than it is added sugar and should be avoided. And to avoid rice, bread, Pasta, and crackers. And to continue to make sure to take in 64 oz of fluids/day. Anyone else get advice like this?

Well your sleeve will have limited capacity, so that alone will have you cut down on the amount you drink.

what are extreme smoothies? Do they contain sugar?

Welllll, I bought the Premier Chocolate RTD. I could only take 2 sips. Yuck. My daughter likes them though, so I gave them to her.

Dorey - that's fantastic!! Congrats to you and hats off too!! I can't wait to have my clothes fall off me Maybe one day soon I'll be like those young boys with their underwear showing and pants at my knees!

Usually one scoop of protein powder in 8 ounces of fluid will give you the 20-some grams of protein you need at one time. But read the labels carefully as some list it in 4ths or nutrition facts for 2 scoops on label.

Raven - Congrats! Just take it slow and go at your own pace. You're doing great! I'm 4 wks postop today, and it does get easier.

Future - No, you do not have to be an RN for this job; in fact, most are not. DKNA - I think with your RN degree, you would be a highly desirable candidate. You don't need to take a course unless you don't know medical terminology, which you must already. I would simply apply to all the hospitals in your area, although some require in-house training for a period before you go home to work, but I bet you can find some that don't require that. I guess you could start making by making phone calls. That website should have some job postings as well. Or look for transcription services in your area or nationally.

How about transcription? I know a lot of RNs who wanted to be at home and did that. You already know all the medical terminology, and if you can type, you can do it. There are many hospitals and transcription services all over the States that allow you to work from home. Hospitals will pay more than services. I make 20/hr doing it. If interested, you can go to the website of Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) and find out more. Good luck!

LOL - thanks Kellie your definition actually makes more sense too!! Now i get it! Have a great vacation - sounds like you're managing just fine!

I bought the premier chocolate rtd's with high hopes and didn't get past 2 sips. Nope,, nada, not me. My daughter really likes them so they won't go to waste! Good idea, I think I'll have tilapia for dinner.

Sounds good! Thanks Jailyn and Jerry. I haven't started my diary but I will soon. I'm jonitoby.

Will you share your fitness pal name? I'm really looking for mentors in the way of eating, tracking, etc. I follow Lissa and Dorrie right now.

I had my surgery done at University of Michigan Hospital. I start soft food tomorrow. So many people have flown after surgery - I wouldn't worry. Just make sure you walk as much as you can. In the plane, you can walk to the bathroom!

Lissa - you're the best! I was just going to look into the torani syrup and order the big bottles which would have last me 30 years probably!! I'm so glad to hear they sell small ones!!! Where in walmart would I find them?

oh and another trick, try adding 1 TBSP any flavor of SF instant pudding.

I know all about hating protein shakes. I had a heck of a time with them. I went for a period where I could barely stomach them about 2 wks postop. You have to try different ones and play around with them. Mixing with water, milk, half water/milk, I even tried a little less than a scoop so they weren't that strong tasting. And I would go in spurts where I could only tolerate Unjury vanilla in milk. Now I'm on Nectar Strawberry Mousse or Unjury vanilla in orange classic crystal light. Any of the premixed drinks I've tried gag me. I also have Nectar strawberry kiwi which I liked then grossed me out. I'm going to try it again with more water this time. A lot of people also like adding the sugar-free torani syrups to them to change or add different flavor. You need your protein, so please try to experiment.