My surgery is at 9:30 tomorrow morning. I've read everything and 'know' what its like but what can I actually expect? Will I have pain that slows me down and how long will that last? I will say that 10 days on Meal Replacement has changed my outlook. I used to have a large focus on what to eat but being on Meal Replacements has forced/allowed me to focus more on things that are important. For me that is a HUGE change. Any advice out there?

Is anyone else having trouble getting enough protein? The Dr made it clear how important it is but I feel like I'm constantly eating. It is so strange not feeling like I need to go grab a snack.

I'm the same day as Sizz. I didn't make protein or fluid goals yesterday. Today is looking better. Took pain med yesterday twice. Trying not take anything but still a lot of right sided pain with movement and coughing. I'm coughing up gunk today. Hurts like hell to cough. If I sit still, I'm ok. I'm waiting til next week but I can't wait to eat puréed. Never in a million years would I have thought those words would come out of my mouth!

Janey

The coughing is miserable. The nurse had me hold a pillow to my stomach each time I cough and that helped a little. I don't think I've met my protein and fluid goals once. I did figure out that the pain in my chest everytime I took a drink was because I was taking pre-surgery size gulps. Each day is better and I hope it works that way for you too. Don't be afraid to use your pain mess. They can make things easier.

Small sips help. It's a little better today. I'm starting to feel something like hunger. Going to go make Unjury chicken. I really want tomato but I'm trying to get protein too. Thanks all for words of support!

I have met goals for protein but not liquid. Now I'm worried that I've tried to take in too much too soon so I'm starting to sip again. I sure don't want to do any damage. I think they gave me a week or more to meet goals, maybe because of the swelling. I still have a gnawing dull pain mid back. But it comes and goes.

Oh also I walked around the grocery store and I found some soups. My fav was leek and potato. It was real thin and so tasty. Unfortunately I bought some other things that don't really work because of sugar like sherbet. Oh well.

I got some sugar free popsickles and they are yummy. I over did yesterday. I had asked a lawn maintenance guy to stop by and give me a quote and I did too much outside. Wiped me out so I'm taking it easy today. I had asked for two weeks off but then found out my district requires 3 business days between the day you are released and when they allow you to come back to work.

Earnest- so you can't take 2 weeks?

I have to take three weeks, which I don't want to do. I'd like to save my sick leave. My follow-up appointment is on Wed, 2.5 weeks after surgery and I have to wait an additional 3 business days after that. I'm just unhappy I have to use another weeks leave. It is probably in my best interest to wait though, I tend to ignore doctor's orders so this time I'm pretty stuck taking the time off.

I'm taking 2-3 weeks, but leaning toward 3. I just want to be very ready and not a "problem" at work

Sorry, support friends! I am still figuring out how to work this web site. Hope you are both doing well!

I'm doing pretty good! I had some pain, left side back that messed with my mind through day 7. Had my post op and doc said to try Advil, it worked! I don't seem to have that pain anymore. It also felt like a throb but I'm ok now. I must have bought 10 different items to flavor water but can't stand the taste of any of them. The one I love I bought at the docs office and it has 15 gms protein so that helps. It's kind if fruity and creamy.

Good luck tomorrow! I remember waking up from surgery and crying bc I was in a lot of pain but the meds will help and it gets better each day. The gas is more irritating than the surgery but it only lasts a few days so that's a good thing. Just take it easy and you will be good.

Thanks Henna! Monday will be two weeks out and today is the first day I felt awful. We had gone shopping and I suddenly got warm and very tired. I think I was just doing too much. Overall I have felt good and seldom use pain meds. My follow-up appt. is next Wednesday and I 'm looking forward to getting back to work. Thanks for your support.