How hard is it  (mentally) to cook meals for your family post-op? I am pre-op..scheduled Feb 25..and I wonder how all you post-ops handle this for the first couple of weeks, months??

I feel the same way.  I've only been on this since last Thursday.  I know not that long.  I'm wondering if I'm doing anything wrong.  I'm so afraid of that.  I've realized today that I'm waiting to long to eat (I mean drink) my protein, etc.  My doc said I could have strained soups and that has helped.  I'm learning that I did eat for the wrong reasons.  I want something to eat, but I'm not hungry.  And it goes back to the fact that you always want what you can't have.  Mind over matter.  The good news is I've lost several pounds since last week.  I was not suppose to get on the scales, but that keeps me focused.  Good luck to you. 

I feel your pain.

Not complaining.  I'm so glad I had this done.  I do feel more in control.

I am so glad to hear you are doing the full liquids with success!  I thought I would die after only 3 days on the clear liquids.  I am still starving on full liquids, but at least I am getting some protein.  Are you doing protein shakes?  I was instructed to get at least 70 grams of protein and 64 ounces of fluid per day.  I am doing that most days without too much problem. 
I know the eye looks pretty nasty!  But it will get better although a bit slowly, and there will be no long term damage.  For many reasons, including scaring your co-workers with your red eye, I think it's great if you can wait an extra week to return to work.  I am planning to go back tomorrow since I just have to sit at a computer.  But, if we have ice on the ground I am so afraid of falling and injuring my surgical area that I will probably stay home.  I have decided for now that my needs are pretty much taking priority over the rest of my family's, so that in the long run I can get healthier and be here for them.
About the sleep - I have had some trouble with it too.  Not so much pain, but just soreness and overall discomfort and hot flashes too.  Unfortunately, the hot flashes just come with my age.  I used my prescription pain medicine to help me sleep.  One tip I have is to wear a silky or nylon nightgown.  It makes it MUCH easier to turn over in bed.  I normally just wear a cotton tee shirt, but I dragged out a couple of old nylon nighties and they really help a lot. 
Thank heavens for our families!  I could not have gotten through this without my husband, and everyone else has  been very supportive.  I have only told a few close friends I was doing this surgery and they have been great.  But, I like my privacy, and don't feel a desire to tell anyone else yet.  Perhaps that is my fear of failure and being embarassed if I don't lose weight the way I expect to lose it.  I have no doubt I will lose weight but I have failed so many times before, I jsut want to wait until the pounds are flying off, and let everyone tell me how great I look and ask what I am doing!
I walked a mile today, and gave myself the gift of getting a manicure as a reward for surviving the first week after surgery!  I hope you will find a way to reward yourself too.  You have really had a hard time but you are hanging in there and finding your way through this VERY challening time. 
Tomorrow I will weigh myself and see how much I have lost in the first week after surgery.  Hoping for 5 pounds or so - but I gained about 9 during surgery so I have no idea what I will weigh tomorrow but I will let you know and we can compare notes!
Have a good night, friend!

 Well, yesterday my family decided I should try to go to the full liquid diet since I had tolerated everyone so well and based upon what others here were allowed to do. I feel so much better with a little cream of wheat and soup. My eye is still totally red, but the family tells me it's getting a little lighter.  I think they're just being nice.  I'm supposed to go back to work on Wednesday; I may try to put it off until a week from today.  How are you sleeping at night?  I don't sleep on my back well and am still too stiff to roll over easily.  I thought about sleeping in the recliner last night! My family has been great during all this - how about your support system?

Jamie, smile and relax..you are doing great..there are a number of reasons that the body hangs onto weigh****er, mentrals, muscle, etc....It will let it go..just keep up the good work and remember to get your water and your exercise! Keep positive thoughts! Chat soon..we are rooting for you!  Laura