lisaanewme67

The Gas-x pills have more potency if you are able to swallow them (they are small)

Thanks, Shrinking Peach I will try those Gas-x pills. It is time for me to replenish!!

Way to go! I actually have a love hate relationship with the scale.

Lol, Definitely... Thank you @Djmohr.

A bright spot to look forward to in the days ahead.

Yes it is!!! I'm on a 5-1/2 week Postop High, lol

SItting at 5 months out, the high is still there for me. Keep up the good work and let us know if you need anything.

Thanks @Smye & ShrinkingPeach... @jane13 I am doing everything right EXCEPT moving enough. I am trying so very hard to step that part up but eating and hydrating, I am hitting my mark.

Well done on hydrating & eating - the moving will get easier (as you mention). I didn't have 'normal' energy until about 2 months out.

THANK YOU Smye, I feel sooo much better with you telling me this. I am taking all of my vitamins, resting when I can after a hectic day at work, kids, commute home but just am wiped OUT and then the guilt that I can't get anything else done. I beat myself up the way I did pre-surgery about doing more moving. NOW I understand and it makes so much more scense.

Also Smye your smoked chicken...

I sure hope you like them, do let me know what you think. For the smoked chicken - do consider adding 1 Tbsp to the rub, it's sugar, I know, but it's used as a spice and adds roughly 1 g carbs/serving while improving the flavor greatly. Good luck!

Add a tbsp of sugar to the rub? If so, ok I will, it is fine. I will definitely post and let you know. I've never been a fan of cauliflower in the past but now that I see how much it can be used for in delicous recipies, I can't wait to add it.

Thank you both... You guys and other veterans have given me such inspiration during this whole journey. Even in the middle of the night being able to go here for inspiration and strength has gotten me through some trying times.

Congratulations! Keep it up lisa!

Thanks Smye!

YESI know the feeling, lol I am 5'2 as well. I am excited that soon, I may be able to shop in the petitte section again and my capris won't look like flooded pants!!! I have a great seamstress that have taken in some of my work pants & jeans in the waist for the time being. Maybe you may be able to wear those favorite capris for a little while longer if the price isn't too much to have them altered.

@Imbo12182 Thanks, I picked my surgery date for earlier in June so that I will be a little more recovered for the 4th. I had an option for later in June but declined. Fitting in my jeans was/is a GREAT feeling seeing all of my hard work paying off. Thanks for your encouragement and Congrats to you as well!

Yeah!! NSV!

Happy 4th to you, too!!! Planning ahead is a big key to being successful.

July 2, 2015 - Think Thin Thursday - Do you have a plan for this upcoming holiday weekend? Remember, it is much easier to make good decisions ahead of time than it is in the moment. Save yourself the burden of having to make spontaneous decisions by planning your weekend in advance. From: http://www.beckdietsolution.com/daily-diet-solutions/

We are going to a big family, I mean BIG family picnic/swim party. I volunteered to bring beans so at least I know there will be something there I can eat! It's funny I really don't see food as the focus of the party anymore. I'm more interested in the swimming and fireworks now! I may change my mind after I see and smell all the food but for now I'm perfectly happy with my beans! Everybody have fun, and remember you can have fun without food being the focus.

Great Idea and have a blast!!! I was talking to a friend about how I noticed pre-surgery even before I made this decision how food ran my life, literally. It is so easy and effortless. Not to mention the money that I am saving. I do miss my ocassional wine, beer and/or drink at times but I find myself not even thinking about that anymore either and still enjoying myself.

Oh I love it!! They will want to know how you are loosing weight! Just tell them hard work!

@sparksrn and that is the TRUTH it is hard work. When they say oh you "look like you loss weight", I say thank you, I have and smile - - that is it. Nobody ask how.

Oh I would answer them by saying "Thank you, I've been working really hard at it" It's not easy and you need credit for all the hard work you put into it!! To many people think you just go have surgery and the weight falls off! Ha! I wish! I've lost 22.5 pounds so far but everyone at my work knows I had surgery (very small office) and everyone has been so supportive! I don't really see a difference yet, and they aren't making any comments yet.

I was a little afraid to try alot of this stuff but it has been fine. All of it is listed under soft foods Phase II in my packet. I hope you can start tolerating other thing soon. Keep me posted and Great work so far. I think 22 pounds is awesome workt!!

I'm gonna try some Cod tonight! I need protein and it seems that should be ok with most docs.

Yes as long as it is moist. Not too much seasoning. Do you like Mrs Dash? I use the traditional (they gave me packets in the hospital after my surgery). It does help. Yes you NEED that protein. I always feel better once I have some protein.

I've been back a couple of weeks now and I feel like I'm taking the whole house with me! Just remember your protein and vitamins and you'll be fine! Take it easy for the first week or so, you may find you get tired much easier. Rest at home as much as you can.

Thanks Daisee68, It has been a wacky day so far... First woke up with extreme constipation (Never have experienced this during my entire 3 weeks off). Now my first day back, morning of its here. I have been taking my stool softner daily but I don't think I have been hitting my fluid mark so I have learned the hard way. Also, after dropping my son off at the train, I discovered that I left my phone at home. Can't leave that at home, my 10 year old daughter starts summer camp today. Thankfully I left my house very early today. So I had time to go back and get it. Been feeling nauseated but it has passed now. Its almost over so 3-more days to go.

Thanks Sparksrn. I will take your advice and take it easy. Happy that Its only a 4-day week. I do feel like I had to pack like I am going away. Thankfully I took time out to do all of this last night. I appreciate your advice and great job to you!

I just 5 weeks and I said to my hubby it feels like yesterday I was anticipating all this!! and now its flying!

I am 3 weeks today and went back on Monday (desk job). Still I was tired and left early each day. Today was actually much better. So take it easy. Don't push. DRINK DRINK DRINK! I have really had a hard time with that this week and resorted to setting a timer sometimes to help. Plan out your food and take lunch and 1 or 2 snacks (I am still using shakes for snacks). pace yourself. It will take a few days to get back in to it. I'm planning on resting a lot this weekend and then hope to be full force by Monday. Good luck!!

Wow @Daisee68. THANKS for the advice very GREAT tips. I too have a desk job but it is very high paced. This week people are on vacation I anticipate Monday to be busy, Tuesday and Wednesday laid back (several surgeons out). Thursday so, so but we will see. My biggest concern is food and getting that in so your timer suggestion is great. I am going tomorrow to find some lactose free protein shakes because the Premier shakes has been tearing my stomach up. Thankfully short week next week. I do plan to take it easy and focusing on me (something that is different). I generally work through lunch, forget about breakfast, water, etc. Not anymore. I am LEAVING my area for my 1-hours. Toting my water bottle, and protein shake.

Good luck returning to work @lisaanewme67. The first few days can challenging. @Daisee68 gave some good advice. Leave early if you need to or maybe even only work half days a couple of days. I have a desk job, too, and still got worn out by about 2p. Beef jerky is a favorite snack (if you're on solids now) and I keep it on hand at work all the time; hate the sodium aspect, but it is filling and satisfying. If you can throughout your work day, get up and walk a few laps around your desk or around your office. I set a reminder on my Outlook calendar to pop up ever 90 minutes to remind me to get up and MOVE...yes, it helps because if I didn't have that reminder I can sit here for 2 hours without moving and then am real stiff and achy when I do get up (arthritis is NOT my friend)......so, along with DRINK DRINK DRINK......MOVE MOVE MOVE. Enjoy the short work week as much as possible, and your holiday weekend over the 4th.

Yay! I am glad to hear that.

If I miss taking my iron supplement for about 3 days in a row, I start feeling sluggish, even though I took my multi and other supplements. The B12 helps me a lot, too.

@MrsSugarbabe, what is the name of your iron supplement? Our team requires that we take B 50 and it has made such a difference in my life. Thanks for the reminder!! It is easy to get off track. Remembering all of the food, protein, vitamin and water requirements is a full-time JOB, lol.

Your better than me, I quit after about a week. Just couldn't handle it anymore and I am in no way a risk for blood clots! I'm 24 days post op now and I've learned a lot. Still tired and sore but I'm getting there!

You got this girlie!

Thanks Ladies!! We are Champions... I am so proud.

Yeah! Making progress!

It's only going to get better from here! Congratulations!

Congratulations! And to you Sparksrn as well!

@spraksrn, Thanks very much feeling great. working to get my protein, water and meds in. I hope you are well so proud of us all. @Djmohr I appreciate your encouragement, always. Thanks for finding the time to inspire us newbies and offer your wisdom.

@Smye your support is invaluable your posts are uplifting!

So how are you doing?

I am doing awesome. Adapting to my new journey. Feeling Very Blessed! How are you? Thanks for reaching out.

Still a little sore on my left side, and I have a dimple in my stomach under the incision on the left, is that normal?