justbrez

Last check in complete. Ready for surgery on July 10. Down 14 pounds from liquid diet. Horribly constipated from protein drinks but otherwise feel great.

Three weeks out and still struggling with liquids. And nausea in the mornings. Hoping for improvement soon.

Also look at low calorie options. When salt cravings hit, I go to a cup of low sodium broth or Unjury chicken soup. Sweet-popsicle. Makes it so much easier to get past the cravings.

So ready for pureed food tomorrow!

If it's any consolation/comfort, there's really no way to prepare emotionally. Just know that you're taking a courageous step towards a better life.

Day 10 and finally feeling healthy again. And noticing the changes in my body. While my belly is VERY colorful with bruises, it doesn't hurt and it is not swollen.

I had a headache, too. About a week out. I think it was because calories were too low - 300 about.

Luckily, I'm a beader. Have gotten lots of bead embroidery done for my fall/holiday shows. I also make felted scarves, but with temps in 90s and 60% humidity, going to wait for cooler weather. Hard enough to stay hydrated in the house!

I get the flavor pains. I'm finding my sense of smell is much stronger! And I have the memory of the flavor. I keep telling myself that it's okay. I love the smell of lilacs, but don't want to eat them. It's kind of nice to just enjoy the smell and know there's no calories or guilt involved.

I carb loaded with white grape juice the night before.

Dr. took off my bandages at my one week visit. Still not using soap on my incisions.

Much better day today! 60 oz of protein from a combination of shakes, yogurt, and egg custard. Actually had an appetite and baby tummy handled it well. Still having trouble with liquids, but managed to get down 25 ounces of water and a popsicle. Feel so much better being hydrated!

Anyone having trouble getting past 2-3 ounces of protein? Or drinking water? I'm getting about 36 ounces of liquids down in 12 hours. Dr. wants me between 40-60 by the end of week 2. And at least 60 grams of protein. I'm having to force myself, which makes baby tummy hurt. Or dump. (Not fun). Trying to find a balance so I don't get dehydrated or hurt. Day 7 post-op.

As I'm doing the last minute house cleaning before my surgery tomorrow, I'm also thinking about how to continue my mental and emotional prep and support. Mentally, I know I won't be eating the same, even the same foods. After two weeks of protein drinks, I can't imagine ever wanting sweets again! But, to limit temptation, I 've set up my own cupboard in the kitchen. Everything I need is/will be in there. Even bought pretty vintage tea plates to eat on. ($4-10 at antique stores). I like to make "inspiration boards" to have in my bedroom and office. Going to work on these this evening, adding pictures of all the things I want to do with this "new" body. Emotionally, I've added lots of downtime and quiet time to my schedule in the past few weeks. Want to keep that up! Spending time in my garden and doing my art is also a big help. What are all of you doing/thinking about?

Fourth day post op and VERY grateful for popsicles. [emoji3] Having a hard time with protein drinks. Like swallowing a egg that just sits in my tummy. So focusing today on bone broth, water, and popsicles. Pain is minimal. Bruising spectacular from blood thinning shots!

Home sweet home! Surgery on 10th, home today (12th). Minimal pain, except if I swallow too much too fast. A sip really is all my baby stomach can handle. [emoji57]. Massive 8 inch hematoma from the bloodthinner shots. Yikes! But just had a shower and now snuggled in the recliner, to spend the next few days sipping, sucking, and walking. Hope everyone else is doing well!

Twelve hours post surgery. Not going to lie, I feel like I've been hit by a truck. Sore all over. But limited belly pain. Yes, still glad Ai made this decision.

I am ready. Somewhat anxious, but trying to remember that surgery is only one step in this process. Woke up at 7:27 and thought - in 24 hours, I'll be in the OR! Gulp! Well, not gulp, since I won't be able to anymore. [emoji57] Going to spend today doing laundry and cleaning, staying as busy as possible. Or, maybe sit and stare with numbness. This all feels very surreal right now.

Got permission to start yesterday. Spending the day drinking lots of water, short walks, and resting. Probably a bit dehydrated from working out in the heat the past week. Just want to be in the best condition for surgery.

Go you! I just turned 55. Also looking forward to all of the things it will be so much easier to do physically.

Thanks. Now on day 11. Almost there. Hunger not an issue. Concentrating today on adding fiber to fluids. I'm used to eating lots of fruit. My body is not reacting well to lack of fiber. [emoji856] Constipation = ouch.

I'm a week pre-op, in the middle of my two week liquid diet. Have been dealing with LOTS of emotions. I'm all over the place! Without food, I'm being forced to listen to myself, what my body and spirit need. I'm a felter and beader, so have been doing lots of these to keep busy. But also sitting in my garden, watching flowers and birds and chipmunks. And taking naps when I need to. (Not sleeping well from getting up to pee so often [emoji4]). I figure I'm getting a baby tummy, I'm also re-learning how to live.

Just finished day four. Did a shop today and got some flavorings to add to the shakes. Tried coconut tonight in chocolate. Yummy. Highly recommend having low salt broth if you can. I need something different from all the sweet. We ARE doing this! [emoji4]

I am so with you. My nearest and dearest know, because I trust them not to give me unsolicited advice/comments, because this is what they've practiced in 25 + years of friendship. This is MY journey. I know what's required and how seriously I must take this. Scary, yes. But in my 55 years, I've done lots of scary things and survived, even excelled. I expect this to be no different. [emoji173]️

My surgery is also on July 10. Day 4 of pre- op diet. At hospital for labs. [emoji15]. Only telling people I trust to support me as I'm feeling fairly emotionally and physically shaky. Focusing on how much my life will improve after surgery. I have a long list of things I'm excited to do - travel, hike, learn to fence, swim, ride horses, tie my shoes without a struggle. [emoji4]