Hello I'm going to set my surgery date in a couple weeks. And I'm so exited. But I'm curious to know how much time did you guys need to take off work? Let me know.thanks.

My FMLA paperwork states 6-8 weeks. But I am a mail carrier and am not as fortunate to have a sit down job. So I am going to take a minimal of three weeks and then go from there. I know that alot of people say that they start to feel better quickly, but in my line of work, its best not to go back until you are 100 percent sure you can handle to the job

Ok. thanks for the insight everyone. I guess to start off with I will take a good week off. And see how I feel after that.

What kind of protein shakes do you recommend?

I absolutely hate the Body Fortress protein from Walmart! Its gritty and taste bad. Gladiator tastes great but costs twice as much. I blend with water, ice, all natural peanut butter and a half a cup of strawberry yogart. I find milk makes the shake too thick and foamy.

Thanks. I'll try that.

I have lost 50.5lbs in 6 weeks so I must be doing something right.

I suggest buying Quaker instant oatmeal in large container. ( it's cheaper than the individual packets and is sugar free)

Reduce the serving directions from 1/2 a cup to a 1/4 cup of oats and add Water until it covers the top of the oats. (you can't eat a 1/2 cup or you will burst ha ha)

Microwave for about 80 seconds and keep an eye in it because it may overflow.

Once it's cooked I added 1/4 cup or so of low fat sugar free strawberry yogurt to sweeten and just a pat of butter. (I also added 2 tsp of milled flax seeds)

That was my Breakfast every day and sometimes dinner. It tastes great, warm and soothing.

Good luck