Ashlegal

These have been my favorite: Plus they come in single serve pouches! Oh and this little gadget was a life saver: There are good shaker (blender) bottles and not so great. Amazon has some for less than $10 and are well worth the money.

I have been following your story and it has given me so much hope! Thank you! I don't know if you are on Pinterest but I just found this blog http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ and on her Pinterest board(s) is a TON of great recipes, tricks, ideas and information. Plus her blog is pretty interesting to read. My cousin who had bypass done early last year said that these: https://www.bellplantation.com/ were great ways to add flavor, while keeping an eye on calories and protein. I ordered some from Amazon (they were pretty cheap) and am excited to try them. Glad you are doing well and hope your pain subsides soon.

May I ask why you are going to Mexico? I too live in Arizona and have had no reason to consider leaving the country for surgery.

I too have surgery scheduled for September 9th! I'm betting we both do just fine!

When did you go back to work after having surgery? I am having laparoscopic bypass surgery and was told different things by different people. One nurse at the clinic told me I would be out for two weeks, another said a few days and my surgeon hasn't really said much about it at all. I work in an office, the most I life is whatever drink I happen to have in my hand and am not required to do anything "physical." I planned to go back the following Monday with surgery being on a Wednesday. Does that seem like it is too soon?

I am very freaked about having to give up my NSAID's. Tylenol has never been an effective pain reliever for any ache, ever. So, I don't know what will happen after surgery. I wish you luck on finding something that works.

I have a quick question for you and I hope it doesn't offend; how much weight have you lost since having surgery?

Good afternoon all! First I want to commend the bravery of all you for going through with surgery, openly discussing your journey and being supportive of others. I have been around, lurking mostly, for a few months. I was denied in January and thought for sure, that was the end of that. Low and behold, I was wrong and am scheduled for surgery on Wednesday the 9th of September. Yay! While I feel ultimately thankful for a new chapter in life, I can't help but feel nervous, anxious and am having inner dialogue that suggest I should back-out. Is that normal? Is it a sign that I should wait? I just don't know. I love my Surgeon. He is awesome, super awesome and I know I am in good hands. I don't fear the pain, the potential discomfort or any complications; I fear a piece of me will die. food has always been a central theme in my life. I am the "chef" of the family, everyone turns to me for food advice, recipes or the occasional "I NEED YOUR HELP, I don't know how to make Cookies from scratch!" I also have some of my fondest memories with friends, family, neighbors and colleagues around a table heaping with fabulous food. It is a part of my identity and I'm scared that once I let that go, I'll have nothing. I know that is an unreasonable sentiment as I much more than a fried chicken recipe, a raved about potluck casserole or a delicious holiday treat but I have never been known for anything else. My weight and my food are all most people will ever comment on and I guess that is why having surgery is important. I should be defined by more or have no definition at all. Any suggestions? Thoughts or general advice?