McLynz

I can't stand the chewable vitamins, I've tried many kinds and its the texture that gets me. Can I crush them and mix them with something and still get the same benefits? Everyday I dread taking them, leading to me skipping them sometimes which is not good at all! Any suggestions are appreciated.

I am 4 days post op and have 2 more days before i am cleared to a full liquid diet. I am have been living on SF jello, SF Popsicles, strained chicken soup, tea, and water. Not allowed protein shakes yet. I am desperate need of some variety. I was thinking of making the old Weight Watchers vegetable soup recipe and straining that. Any other suggestions? I'm dying over here... Lol

I never had one in mind either, and I thought I was the only one!! I will be happy with being able to buy clothes in the "regular size" section again and checking all those things off my goal list. The numbers don't mean a whole lot to me.

Confusing paperwork from insurance company... Opened my mail tonight to find paperwork from the utilization management department ( whatever that is) of my insurance company and a small bit of panic set in as I read it over . The surgery date that I was told was July 8, but this paperwork says July 19. I know it's only a few days difference but I must admit I am feeling so disappointed right now. Of course I will be calling the doctors office first thing in the morning..... But I know I won't sleep very good now worrying about it. I want to get this done... It has been a 10 year process for me back and forth, having the courage to attend seminars and give surgery serious contemplation , then talking myself out of it time and again. Now that I have finally accepted that I am fully ready to accept the lifestyle change that is required and have the courage to proceed, an extra 8 days seems like an eternity! Hopefully, all my fret is for nothing and its just a typo. Lol Seems ridiculous to vent about this minute detail in the grand scheme of things ahead, but I know someone on this board will understand!

Hello Central Valley surgery buddies! I'm also going to ALSA in Fresno, Dr. Higa is my surgeon. Have been impressed with quality of service this far and I have heard great things about the quality of care at Fresno Heart Hospital. I am both excited and nervous for the big day ( July 8) to arrive. Has anyone attended any of the support groups at ALSA?

Thanks for your replies. I never thought that the doctor may not even clear me to go. Sounds like I will just play it by ear and listen to my body. I think it will tell me what is right for me at the time.

Those of you that are post op, what has been your experience with hair loss after surgery? Even though I have read over and over again that 3-4 months out, it will stabilize... It is one of the side effects that I worry about often.

I have a mandatory overnight retreat for work scheduled 2 weeks after my surgery and I am scared to be away from home this soon after surgery. Am I being too optimistic to think that I will be able to make it through? Obviously, the common meals will be a problem, but I can make arrangements to get past that part. I am worried about my energy level and getting sick. I know that everyone's recovery is different, I was just hoping for some insight from others. I bounced back from a C section fairly quickly... Not sure if that's comparable at all... And it was 14 years ago. Lol

Thanks tsworkinger! Great to know we are surgery buddies! Losers bench... Here we come!

Hi all! I just joined the group tonight but have been reading all the posts for awhile. My surgery date is also in July... July 8th. Thanks to all who have posted all their stories and advice so far, it has been a great comfort and help. I am ready to embark on this journey, as it has been a long road for me to make the final decision to take this huge step , but I am confident that I will be successful. Looking forward to sharing stories, tips, advice, and words of encouragement with everyone!