i am taking the 4 to 6 weeks i really want to heal properly

Need some advice from you post ops. How soon are you planning on returning to work? I am a high school computer teacher and am trying to plan how long I will be out. I wont be doing any lifting. My kids (students) are great and I can sit when tired. Really hoping to go back to work 10 days post op. Any advice?

Hi Brandi... I am sorry you are going through such a hard time with this. Are you taking in the 50grams of protein and 64oz of fluids (including protein shakes)? If you are and still going through these hunger pains.. try to talk to your Dr. THey can maybe move you into stage 3 a little sooner... like some baby food, jello, sugar free popcicles, cream of wheats, creamy soups. Trust me it does seem super frustrating but you can do this!!! Unlike Dori, the smells for me are equally as tempting as they were before the surgery. So I am still having cravings and tempatations but I know that if they go past these lips... I will get sick as a dog and that is enought to keep me away. Also, I just went out to get my very first scale and am down 17 lbs since the 18th so I am so psyched that it doesn't even cross my mind to eat anything other than what I must. Call the Dr. and see what they recommend... for now... try more consistency like sugar free jellos and soups. Good luck honey.. and dont get discouraged... you will be fine!

I told you it wasn't going to be so bad! Glad you are doing ok - we miss you at work...miss that contagious laugh!!! Take care of yourself...your March 2006 surgery buddy! Barbara

Hi Jennifer, Besides the cheap sugar-free popsicles I found Dreyers no-sugar added fruit popsicles plus they are made with splenda. They do have 2 grams sugar but I have no problem with them. The flavors are strawberry, raspberry and tangerine. I drink sugar-free Tropical Punch and tried to make popsicles with them but they turn out like I'm eating ice cubes. Not bad but just not what I want. As for the soups I buy the standard vegetable beef, alphabet, chicken noodle and just strain them before eating. I am also allowed to eat cream soups such as potatoe and split pea. I strain the split pea but not the potatoe. I also try to smash them up pretty good too in the bowl. My hubby made homemade pea soup last night with carrots and onions and ham. I just put it all in my blender and whipped it up. Don't know if the doctor would allow all that but I ate it anyway and had no problems. I will be one month out on April 1st and have learned that I will be allowed to have fruits and veggies. yippeeeeee! No doubt I'll get tired of those too, oh well...all part of the losing process. Good Luck with your journey!