Trust me, I am definately NOT lucky. I am on a strict protein shake only diet. I can't have soup. I REALLY wish I could. I love soup. I am only supposed to have 4 protein shakes a day and low sodium broth. That's it. Oh wait, I get SF popsicles and jello. Oh yum. :( The only reason I had the lunch meat and cheese slice was because I had only been able to get one shake down that day and needed some protein. I know all the reasons why I need to do this diet but by day 8 part of my brain is like "I don't care. I just need food."
Thanks for the advice, I stopped and got some Isopure today and it is soooo much better than the shakes. It doesn't do anything at all for hunger of course but atleast I'm getting my protein. Yay.

I was near there last spring. At the Keukenhof.  Gorgeous!  I will have to go again this year!  Where else should I go in the Netherlands?  (more outdoorsy than city life)

Think that would be a great idea! If you give some ideas that would be great!  I have never been on a cruise but really want to. I would like to do some of the extra stuff that I can not do now because of my weight.

1st, I too believed that the liquid diet was just to torture me but U must follow the liquid diet it is very true that it shrinks the liver bc your surgeon has to be able to manipulate the liver and move it away from where he will be cutting, sorry. U are lucky that you are not of FULL liquids where no chewing can take place, I have not chewed in almost 5 weeks except once when I broke down and ate a piece of chicken. I tell u bc i followed my liquids my surgeon was excited when he got inside of me bc he said I know u followed the liquid diet bc your liver was so flexible and my surgery lasted a little under the minimum time it should, my DS surgery can be from 3 to 4 hours and mine was a lil under 3 AMAZING.
Now, yes I have had Isopure, my suggestion is to try one before u buy a bunch. I have the Mango something flavor and it is ok it is no snapple. If full protein is not easy I suggest Chike meal replacements in strawberry and vanilla.. really good and it not only gives u protein but fiber and other good stuff. I like Unjury Chicken soup as well.
Some tricks, buy low sodium, low suger canned soup and blend it to a milk consitency u can add seasoning to it and that will help with the hungry in between protein shakes and gives u a variety. ALSO, I have mixed fruit and flavorings to my chike and i thought I was having shakes. I am not gonna lie and say u get use to it to the point u are happy and satisfied u will get use to it. I am so ready for pureed and soft foods myself.
GOOD LUCK

What do you all think?
Would you all be interested in getting together in a year on a cruise or trip to celebrate or 1 year anniversary? We can prpbably make it like a yearly event that is special ONLY to those of us who share january 2010 as the mark to our new lives. We could probably do it like Real families do and each year either a single person plans the celebration or if a people live near they can plan together as a group or something along those lines. If you guys would be interested please let me know, I would volunteer to plan the 1st celebration or we can vote on someone doing it. I think this would be a good way for us to stay connected as we travel this new road together as sisters and brothers!