Please feel free to comment or suggest. I'm using this primarily as my record...

I started my preop diet 1/5/10, had surgery 1/14, and today is 1/18/10 (Happy Bday, Dr. King). I've lost 16.6 lbs. I guess it's not that amazing when compared to the other losses I see, but for me, it's amazing! I know that the last 20 lbs I put on really seemed to put me over the edge in terms of my health. I discovered that I have severe sleep apnea, had acute GERD (reflux) and other problems. I remember the joy over learning I had sleep apnea, because it meant there was actually a reason and a solution to my constant fatigue. I thought it was just fat.

I am sick of the liquid diet, though, and actually concerned that I'm not getting enough calories. I've heard that your metabolism just slows to a crawl if your body thinks food is scarce, but it is hard to increase my calorie count and follow instructions, so I am favoring the latter. My protein drinks (Isopure and Pure Protein) only have about 150 calories for 40 grams of protein, and I am supposed to consume them in small 1-2 oz amounts every 15-30 mins. It's easy to forget. And I am still full of burp bubbles. Ugh. So I am on protein, yogurt, broth, water, s/f jello or pudding, and low-fat creamed soups.

It was hard to walk today because we had a powerful rainstorm. No more significant pain, so I'm off the narcotics. Incisions are itchy! I have been very careful about not lifting and not using my abdominal muscles (I'm sure they're buried under there somewhere). I wonder how long that will last.

It's a lonnnnnnnng way to food. Sigh. It's only Monday, and I have two weeks. If the loss continues in the way that it has I will be thrilled.

There was a "Biggest Loser" marathon on the other day so I watched. Their weight loss is incredible and the show is a good reminder of how much physical activity is an integral part of this process. I don't want to lose momentum.

I tried some Muscle Milk light and loved it, so of course when I Googled it there's a controversy about using it. It seems there's andro...something steroid-ish in it. Bummer. It reminded me of the carob drinks I had as a kid (that I can never find now).

Well,

that's it for now.

Congrats! It gets easier! Keep up the good work!

Thank you! I am so excited. Where are you in your process?