:whoo:I've almost made it through the first week of preop diet. It didn't start to get tough until yesterday. I especially feel a little more tired that usual. I think it is the change in diet, and the shakes are getting a little boring already. I hope to get another flavor so I can mix things up a bit. I am trying right now to keep focused in the moment. If I allow myself to drift into the future, especially all the way to surgery day, then I seem to get anxious. It seems so far away, and I wish it was sooner. I have a very busy schedule all next week, thank goodness, and maybe that will keep me occupied, and my mind will be busy. I have been sleeping more due to the fact that I go to bed earlier to keep from wanting to get my usual middle-of-the-night snack. Only thing is that I wake up earlier and then I want a big breakfast like I used to do. It seems to be just a habit and not so much that I am all that hungry. Eating is such a 'friend' that it is hard to let go of that ritual. I find myself thinking that I will never enjoy a meal again, that I will lose that social time that is spent with family and friends, and that I will not be able to think of food as a 'friend' again; but I know in my mind that I will enjoy food, just in a better, safer way. It is kind of like letting go of a close friend that has died. It is amazing that I could place so much importance on a thing. After all, food is really just fuel. If we all looked at it this way, maybe we wouldn't have been so enclosed by this thought that I have to have a 3-course feast to be happy. My body can survive very nicely on much less, and I can enjoy or should I say savor the flavors without gorging out. I am curious how others have managed holidays and family gatherings. Hopefully, someone will drop a few lines on the subject. :car:

You'll eventually learn ways to "work around" the holidays. I had mocktails with my Protein Nector as treats on St Patty's and My birthday... For Easter, I just took very very little lamb and some herb potatoes and broccoli and ran it through a food processer... added some broth and instant stew LOL..... If you search on here you can find tons of recipes