In the past, we have spent so much time think about food, preparing food, driving to get food, & just eating food. Now that we are on this journey (still pre-op in the liquid diet phase) it seems we have lots more free time. How is everyone spending this extra time? What are you doing now with the time that used to be occupied with food?

My lunch hours at work consist of my few minutes of getting in my couple of ounces of protein then I either take a long walk, read a book in my car, go shopping for cute clothes that I can wear now, crochet, get my nails done, etc. I have lots more time for all the things I love to do. Thats just when Im at work. When Im at home, I have a studio that I make stuff in and get lost in there for hours. Even in front of the tv I try to keep my hands busy so I dont snack out of habit or boredom. My husband and I recently went on vacation and we occupied our time hiking, snorkeling, zip lining, etc. Food wasnt a priority, making memories were.

I am in the process of clearing out every drawer and cupboard - this will culminate in tackling the attic before Christmas! I just didn't have the energy to spend long periods doing this before but I am finding it very therapeutic now that I have more time....

I never really took a lunch, have always eaten at my desk. So that stays the same.

At home, I cook for the kids, then go on a cleaning frenzy. My laundry baskets are ALWAYS empty, my house is spotless. I've rearranged almost every room/closet.

I decided just today I need to clean out my desk at work. It's filled with snacks (mostly healthy), but I just don't touch them. I'm looking at my desk now..and I have 1/2 a sandwhich I took 2 bites out of, half a protein bar I nibbled on and a few grapes. Food just doesn't matter. I LOVE IT! I no longer spend all my time wondering what I'm going to eat.

Now I have to figure out what to feed the kids!!

That is a really good question. I spent the last 7 days or so just keeping busy, getting things cleaned, arranging a to do and how to do list for co-workers, wrapping up loose ends with volunteer obligations I would not be able to get to. Time on the phone with family and friends. I spent ALOT of time on here!!!

Read alot of Lovecraft (that may not be what you want to do!).

I also began to read "The Power of Habit" by Dughil - a MOST recommended read!

It was the holidays too (I was sleeved 1-4-12) and I was decorating packages and such, Christmas outings made it easier.

Get out if you can. Look around for things to do in your area. Plan a "walk map" of some places you want to go see once you are felling up to it, etc. Pull down your old exercise equipment, dust it off, oil it up, fix your bike, etc.

My last day was absolutely not what I had planned for it to be, so getting all the last minute things done first saved me alot of frustration (I even ended up having to get a new eye exam and glasses on the evening of the 3rd, I broke my glasses and then broke my back up pair).

Good luck!