Ready for Change

Date of surgery: 8/7/12

Pre weight: 252

Today's weight: 202

What are you eating/how often/ how much? 3 ounces of Protein first then vegetables (cooked) or fruits if I have room. 3 meals a day and 2 Snacks. VERY small portions! String cheese' date=' Dannon light Greek yogurt, berries, grapes, soy nuts, beef Jerky, sweet potato, cottage cheese, fish, crab, oatmeal on occasion, are my favorites right now.

How many calories a day? 600-800

Are you hungery? Not usually. Only if time gets away and I miss a meal.

Are you working out? Walking 5 days briskly. Just got a kettlebell and a Lauren Brooks DVD and will do this 2-3 times a week.

How do you feel physically/ emotionally? I still feel tired at the end of my week. Doing very well emotionally.

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I stayed off the scale until my first follow up 9 days after being discharged from the hospital. I then decided to weigh myself once per week on Thursday mornings. It would be too easy for me to obsess about the "number" instead of focusing on Protein and fluids. I do track my food, Fluid, etc with My Net Diary. I have lost at each weekly weigh-in so far. I'm following my surgeon's diet exactly, no cheats. I want to get to goal on schedule so I can maintain. I am focused and determined to make this work for me.

It depends on SO many factors. I have requested off 2 weeks. I am day 5 post-op and could not imagine work tomorrow. I have a drain and just don't want to deal with it at work. I would never be able to get my fluids in at work just yet and Doc said dehydration is the main thing to avoid. And I've lost at least 2 nights of sleep at the hospital (very sick roommate) and I'm exhausted. I think you know your body best and you may very well be able to stick to your plan. That said, have a plan B.

My surgery is 8/7 too! I'm surprisingly calm and "zen" about it. I'm going to keep positive, do everything they tell me to do, and clean my house really well

I keep remembering what the psychologist said about my after-surgery life, and she's a European trained pastry chef. Savor good food in small bites and portions--smell the food, really look at it, chew it well and eat slowly--you will be eating like you are French! I can buy the very best quality, healthy foods because the quantity will be SO much less. I am SO excited and ready for my post-surgery life!

Please let me know if you need anything!

I am in Albany working with Dr. Trivedi at St. Peter's. No date yet, but I am in the home stretch with my clearances. I am embracing the process and am looking forward to getting a place on the loser's bench!