SueB

I can understand your fear and all I can say is this surgery is a miracle. I had it 2 years ago and it changed my life. My husband had it one year ago and it has changed his life too. The first few months are tough, the healing from surgery and head hunger can really cause strain, but sugar-free Popsicle and good support will help get you through. My husband was supportive of my surgery, but it wasn't until he had his surgery that he realized how difficult it was for me to be around him when he was eating like he was. We're both on the same page now and I always joke with him that I'm a cheap date. If we go out to eat we split a meal and usually bring home leftovers that he takes for lunch the next day. We've found it's much easier to eat at home and food no longer consumes our lives. My favorite saying is our food is now about quality not quantity. Good luck, you'll be so happy that you did it, I promise that you will.

It's common to be tired and weak, remember that you've had a major surgery. The vitamin B12 will definitely help, be sure to get your protein. I remember getting tired again at about 3 months post surgery and it also lasted a couple of weeks.

Every doctor has a different theory, which is why some people have shorter transition periods between liquids, soft foods and solids. I was trying to coach a friend who had surgery but I found that everything I recommended, based on what my doctor had me do, was totally forbidden by her doctor, such as milk and sugar free carnation instant breakfast. Her doctor totally forbids protein shakes of any kind.

I frequently do a protein shake with milk, frozen cherries and sugar free almond syrup, sometimes I'll do 1/2 milk and 1/2 yogurt. I bought one of those sports bottle blenders and extra bottles, when I take them out of the dishwasher I just add a scoop of protein powder and in the a.m. all I have to do is add milk, some frozen cherries and a dash of syrup blend, switch tops and then I'm out the door. I also like those shaker bottles with the little wire ball that you can buy at GNC or VitaminShoppe. I use those for milk and a packet of sugar free carnation instant breakfast, sometimes I'll also add a scoop of protein powder. Instead of the 1/2 english muffin, try some instant oatmeal with peanut butter, it's really good.