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Sure, Missouri Lee, I'll eat your dust -- if it has protein in it! Good find, girl. I'm glad there are several articles on this topic being published. Waay overdue. I think physicians must be required to get Continuing Education credits to maintain their license in the same way that teachers are required to do. Doctors are not taught how to communicate with patients well, if at all. A lot of work to be done in the medical field to get them up to speed!

I asked my surgeon how many patients don't make it out of surgery. He said EVERYONE makes it out of surgery! They are not going to operate on someone who is too much of a risk or medically compromised. And I have the greatest respect for the anesthesiologists who keep us appropriately sedated during the procedure. Share your fears and concerns with everyone connected with your process. They will ally your fears. They understand. I also realized that all the hoops you must jump through are building confidence for both you and your surgeon that there will be a good outcome - they want success as much as you do. Every clearance you get just boosts the confidence level. Perhaps you can talk to a therapist about it, or perhaps they would prescribe something to help you relax if it is truly debilitating. You don't want to get in the way of your own journey.

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-august-1-2018-1.4769487/how-fat-shaming-from-doctors-is-leading-to-misdiagnoses-for-obese-patients-1.4769569 This is an interesting article -- lots of education needed by physicians.

1. Can take larger sips of water without pain. 2. Can drink colder liquids. 3. Stage 4 foods include pureed soup, tomato juice, blended soft fruits, applesauce, ground chia and flax seeds, cottage cheese - the added variety is so welcome. 4. Cravings continue for bread and sweet carbs. Current dilemma is I don't feel full - ever. Should I stop expecting to feel full? Is that a sensation I need to forget about? I wonder if I'm eating too slow. Can anyone comment?

https://www.livestrong.com/article/404539-muscle-cramps-in-the-legs-and-nutritional-deficiencies/

You have great "rules" for yourself, Creekimp! I will try to incorporate some of those. In our class we were told our weight loss is 80% diet, 20% exercise. Post-op we are to walk 10min 4x daily. After that, as the healing continues, just keep doing a little more than the day before until we can do the exercises of choice. Flexibility and stretching are important first. Things like yoga may be too much stress on the healing stomach and incisions initially. And of course, if it hurts, STOP. Your New Rules are not as humorous as Bill Maher's, but they are wise!

Missouri Lee - I'm sure you've tracked when the cramping comes, after certain activity, only at night, etc. but I've had muscle pains greatly relieved by moist heat. if you don't have a bathtub to soak in, put a damp towel in the microwave and wrap your leg in that to see the effect. If nothing else, it sure feels good! You've explored other possible vitamin deficiencies that could contribute? Sometimes it not the dosage, but the timing of them in conjunction with other vitamins. I cannot take calcium for at least 2 hrs after my vitamin+ iron - the iron won't be absorbed by the system. What does your medical team have to offer for this conundrum?

I'm also a borg now, with two titanium knee joints. Haven't had the toe fusion as yet. Interesting issues, these leg cramps -- only in the calves?

Hi Missouri Lee! I'm curious if those leg cramps are like what joggers might get from lactic acid buildup in their calves and they have to lean over to stretch the hams to release it. Are you injesting more dairy now with the whey protein, etc? My med issue was what to take in place of Celebrex for arthritis now that NSAIDS are a no-no. Then my dr said Curcumin - now FDA approved for arthritic pain. It's tumeric, related to ginger. 1 teaspoon per day or purchased capsules. I'm researching it now -- of course!

I had read (livestrong.com maybe?) that our systems can process about 8-10g protein an hour. It seems logical to me to spread the protein intake throughout the day, hence the 6 small meals per day plan my hospital advocates. I just put protein in everything I injest. By end of day I've hit my required 65g daily. I, too hate having my day parceled out into do this with this, and do that with that. But it's temporary, and we all find a rhythm that works for each of us. Had my 1st surgical post-op appt 10 days out from surgery. I was told that in 3-5 weeks I could expect to stop losing weight for up to a 14 day period - that it is normal, and it's just the body adjusting and catching up to itself - so not to worry. I'm glad they said that, or I'd be really upset and confused!!! So far I'm averaging about 1# per day wt loss.

My summary after 1 week: 1. Room temp and warm fluids tolerated best. 2. New stomach did lots of "growling" but rejected nothing. 3. Nausea meds gave me a headache and made me dizzy. 4. Hunger still lives on! Surprised -- didn't expect that at all! 5. Cravings for a graham cracker on day 5, then club crackers on day 6. 6. Advice? Don't try to rush things - slow and steady gets you there. Stay ahead of hunger with proteins. 7. Regrets? Wish I had added 1 tsp Benefiber to each protein drink to avoid constipation. 8. Haven't managed 64oz fluids daily - only up to 48oz 9. Naps are wonderful. 10. Making grocery list for things I can soon have - cottage cheese, V8, creamy soups, spinach added to smoothies, applesauce, etc How does this compare with other experiences after one week?

I use Unjury - my program recommends - but it’s not cheap. They do offer a starter kit so you can try everything.

Your last sentence just answered your Q in my thinking. Make the 2hr trip for almost guaranteed clearance, or risk denial going somewhere else?

Holy smoke, I am awe-struck. You are an inspiration, dude and I applaud your diligence! AMAZING!!!

Ditto. 3 days post-op and I feel weak, dizzy, tired. I just take a nap. Body's gotta do its thing. I try to up the protein g tally each day also - body needs the protein to heal.