Ok, I need someone to be honest with me and tell me what to expect. I am so excited about this.:thumbup:

I just got approved too!! I am so excited. Actually, feel a little like... OMGosh, am I going to be able to do this????? A little bit of emotional overload. But I know that I am ready! Good luck to you too! I am hoping to have my surgery on the 11th or the 18th.

Hello all, I, too just got approved! I must admit that I have mixed emotions- I am so afraid. Please pray my strength...

This is my third day after surgery. I feel good except for leg pain - more like muscle. I just talked to my doctor and they said it could be due to not enough fluids. They also told me what to look for concerning blood clots. Anyone else having this probelm? I would like to talk to someone recently out of surgery.

I'm 9 days out of surgery. I just ate 3 ounces of yogurt and then 45 min later pureed some chili and ate that. Am I messing things up? I need someone to talk too.

I was the same way when I got scheduled for surgery. I was so scared/excited/anxious/elated/anxious. Usually, I don't have any worries about surgery, but this one scared me. I think the reason I was so afraid was because: I didn't know how much pain I'd be in. I didn't want to "mess" it up. I didn't know how much of a difference it would make, and I so wanted it to be the "help" that I've needed. Even when I was in the O.R and they were putting me under I was still so afraid...not like me at all. However...there was nothing to worry about. It was no biggie at all! I will say this; the GAS was worse than the incisions. I don't think there's anyway to get around it, but GOD, it was horrible...and, it stayed around for a good three days. I think the two weeks after surgery are the hardest for most people becuase you're on liquids; broth, jello, fruit juices and italian ice...that's it! But there's ways to get enough protein with liquids so that you're not physiologically hungry. I think it just depends on how badly you want it. My doctor could put me on liquids for two more weeks, and I'd do it...I wouldn't be crazy about it, but I'd do it. That's how badly I want a change. I'm only 4 days post op, but I'm doing great! I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Good Luck!

I'm 12 days out and doing great. I have had yogurt and chicken broth today and feel full but my head is telling my I am hungry. How do I learn the difference between real hunger and cravings?

O.K, here's what I do; and I can only tell you what works for me, and hope tha it helps you, but you know, everyone is different. I monitor my protein very carefully. Because you can't eat as much food, you're going to have to pay close attention to what you are eating.

The problems with protein...which is what keeps you from getting physiologically hungry, is that it's very "up in the air" as to how much adults really need. However, most doctors agree that around 50 to 60 grams for an average sized female. You should as your doctor how many grams of protein you should be getting on a daily basis, because suggested protein amounts vary with the size and weight of a person. Once, you've done this, make sure that you're getting "lean" protein. If you monitor what you eat, and make sure that you're eating healthy and your nutritional needs are met then "physiologically"...you're not hungry. You "may" think you are, but you're not. I also make myself do something else whenever I think about eating,and I know there's no way I can be hungry. I'm an artist, so let me just say; I've been VERY productive lately. If you're like me, then chances are that you're working on breaking a lifetime of unhealthy habits, and no doubt you can do it, but it just takes some getting used to. I'm 46 years old, and all those years of bad eating habits don't go away without a fight. It's a struggle, but it's not longer a losing battle. We've been given a second chance. Sorry I've been so long winded...I just get on a roll. Oh, and those Special K protein powder things you can put in your water? 10 grams of protein, very low in calories, and they're yummy. The iced tea ones, you can pop in the microwave and drink hot...very good in the morning, when things are a bit "tight." Hope this helps.