Orchids&Dragons

That's why I'm not giving it a try until I get my other issues sorted out. I'm just watching you guinea pigs figure out the tough stuff so that it'll be easy-peasy () for me when I'm ready!

Slider foods are foods that "slide" through your pouch without giving a feeling of fullness. Some are perfectly fine, like yogurt or protein shakes. But even with healthy foods, you have to be especially "serving-size" conscious with anything that slides. Less healthy choices can be disastrous. Crackers, pretzels, cereal, etc. make you want to drink with them, but once you drink, they slide right through you and make you crave more. Just think about anything that turns to mush when you add liquid.

It's a ONEderful feeling! Congrats!

Why does your surgery date say 2/7/2014? Your surgery was this month

Lent sure was easy this year! Though, I'm not sure that was the point.

It's interesting how some religions celebrate spiritual feasting/fasting (I'm Catholic) and others don't.

Ooooh, I might actually be able to eat them if I put the meat on top. Yeah! (I can't swallow them otherwise)

What are you allowed to have? Maybe we can offer some suggestions

Chicken wing and crustless zucchini pie! (salad plate) That small plate sure can make one measly chicken wing look impressive!

Did you drink a lot of caffeine daily before the pre-op? If so, that's probably one of the causes of your headaches. It can take several days to get rid of caffeine headaches.

Complications are very rare and I'm sure you wouldn't use a surgeon without a great reputation. I'd be happy to pray for a successful surgery and for your peace of mind if you'd like me to. Personally, I knew that the odds of my death were much higher every time I got behind the wheel of a car. I take my life in my hands every day and don't get to sleep through it! Honestly, it will be over before you know it!

I finished the last bottle of wine in my fridge on the first day of my liquid diet!

Me, too! Thanks, Matt!

I confess that I've given up on the protein first mantra for every single meal. I love my fruit and veggies. I have 2-3 meals/snacks a day that are just fruit or veggies. At the end of the day if I'm short on protein, I'll do a shake or whatever, but I just can't go long-term without my green/colorful stuff.

That is a myth that has been debunked.

Looks good!

If you make a shake with 8 oz Fairlife milk (13g protein) and 1 scoop unflavored protein powder (20-30g protein) add some fruit and stevia, you'd be in good shape. Can you handle stevia?

But then you're counting the end of the months, not the start. End month 7 = begin month 8 C'mon, Fluffy, I'm almost your surgery twin and a CPA! Can't get that one by me!

Sorry, Fluffy, but it's the start of month 8!

UGH! I just ate my first apple since surgery. I am sooo nauseous and the gurgling is out-of-this world noisy! And, of course, I at the whole @#$% thing! Devil__1 Eve___ 0

You're one lucky woman!

I have no idea how you handle eating new (aka post-surgery) foods out with dates or business associates. I am so scared to put just about anything in my mouth. Just never know how miserable I'm going to feel!

Sorry to be Debbie Downer here, but while you become accustomed to not drinking during meals, I don't think you ever get to where that is a preference I still have to set timers.

Thanks, but I didn't originate the term. You can find out a lot about it here in the forums. This is one of the things you can start to practice before surgery. Before you eat, really consider whether your body is really hungry or if it's craving something. For most of us, it is really difficult to tell. But think of a starving person on a desert island (true hunger). He'll eat worms if that's all that's available. He can't hold out forever waiting for a party barge to sail by and pick him up. So, for instance, if ice cream is the only thing that will satisfy you, that's a craving. Cravings aren't bad, but you need to learn how to manage them. (Some people can do moderation, some have to abstain from certain foods altogether. It's a personal issue.)

Maybe you could reach out to some of the veterans and ask for advice on keeping your motivation going? I'm sure they've all hit that wall at times.