... not a creature was sleeping because OMG IT'S FINALLY HERE!

I didn't sleep a wink last night because there were just too many thoughts to be had. I hope I can sleep tonight. I feel tired enough and I'll go lie down in a bit to see what happens.

There aren't very many times in your life that divide so neatly into a "before" and an "after". Before tomorrow, my life was one way. After tomorrow, it will be another way. That doesn't happen often, and many times it's only tragedy that bifurcates your life in that way. There was before. And now there is after.

That's not the case here. I'm happy that it will. Ecstatic, even. And I'm ready. It's been a year-long process and I've read what that needed to be read, researched what needed to be researched, learned what needs to be known.

But I am still acutely aware that my life will change tomorrow. And that feels really big.

Edited January 6, 201511 yr by anaxila

Congratulations to both of you! The next phase of your journey will be very exciting!

Our surgery dates are a little over two weeks apart and goals are similar. I'm glad to hear you are doing well as far as pain goes. I'm wondering what kind of Protein you are using.

I am not using any protein shakes or liquid protein at the moment, though I do recommend checking out Isopure drinks (available at vitamin shops / GNC) if you're looking for an alternative to shakes. My surgeon does not support liquid protein drinks/shakes in general, though the nutritionist says to use them in a pinch if I'm not able to get protein in "the old fashioned way". So far, the old fashioned way hasn't been a problem for me.

My surgeon starts us on pureed foods right after surgery. For me, that means the Vitamix is getting a serious workout. My current favorite protein sources are:

• homemade spicy chicken taco/burrito meat with salsa
• homemade chicken salad
• cheesy scrambled eggs
• refried beans
• greek yogurts of all flavors
• fortified chocolate milk (1C skim milk + 3T of powdered milk + 3T sugar-free Hershey's syrup = delicious!)
• PB2 (powdered peanut butter or powdered chocolate peanut butter)

I will also run soups through the blender as well, though I am happier with more flavorful options above. Hope this helps!