Follow up appointment #1

First of all, I want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who cares enough to read this blog. My visitor counter has passed 100, which is huge and exciting for me. (That's 100 visits, not unique visitors). Thanks for the support -- seriously.

Today was my 1-week follow up appointment at my surgeon's. The nurse, Diane, is awesome. She had me fill out questionnaires about my pain, food and liquid intake, meds, and *drumroll* the hospital / nurse care. I gave a pretty scathing report. I complained about pretty much everything and answered "No" to every Yes/No question on the damn thing. (Example: Did nurses answer your calls within an appropriate amount of time? YES/NO). When I met with Diane, she told me that the Bariatric wing I was in usually has ratings of about 8-9 on a scale of 1-10. (I put 4-5). Unbelievable.

They are satisfied with my eating habits and fluid intake, although I'm only consuming about 50 ounces a day when the goal is 64 oz. I don't even think the average person drinks 50 oz a day, so I'm not too worried. The surgeon took one look at the bruising around my stitches and told me to come back Monday to get them taken out. Fun!

Oh, and funny story: On the way out, I saw a man who had been through a lot of the pre-op meetings and support groups and weigh-ins with me. I asked if he had his surgery, he said he had it on April 2, we congratulated each other. Then I asked how the hospital was for him.

Him: "Horrible. Absolutely horrible. Those nurses...*shakes head*
Me: Same here! Did they give you the questionairre? Tell them so they don't think I'm crazy!
Him: Oh, I already filled it out. God that was awful.
Me: Well, we made it!

Then we said good luck, and we are both going to the "emotional eating" support group meeting in the middle of the month, so that is cool.

So the food plan for the future, in case anyone is wondering.

Now (Post op week 1): Pureed proteins, sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles
Next week (Post op week 2): Whole normal textured proteins (OMG chewing!)
Post op week 6: Addition of vegetables and salads, with dressing
Post op month 4: Addition of fruit
Post op month 6-9: Addition of small servings of whole grain starches, if my pouch can handle them. (Some people's never can. We'll have to see).

I am just so excited for next week when I can chew! I'm going to make yummy marinated grilled chicken breast first. Then I will go to Hibachi with EJ and get hibachi shrimp and scallops! Something to look forward to.

I think the diet will be fine once it's not liquid-only. I think this is the hardest part. Thanks for rooting me on everyone!