Thank You and Questions

Hi, all! I have finally caught up with reading all of the posts on the CT message board since before my surgery. I didn't want to just go to the current ones because I didn't want to be out of the loop on what's happening to any of my friends here. It will take much too long for me to post individual responses to everything I've read (especially since I need to go have some protein and fluid), so please accept this as a heartfelt thank you to everyone who expressed concern/interest in me and my recovery and especially to those who came to visit me in the hospital. Tomorrow is 2 weeks since my surgery and my follow-up visit with Dr. A. is Tues. at 4 p.m. (I saw that Erminia's is at 11 a.m. -- Beckie, what time is your's?) I've been weighing myself at home and am happy with what I see, but will wait to share until I have the official figure on Tues. I find that some days I'm more tired than others. Sometimes I wake early and other mornings I sleep late. Some days I find myself dozing off frequently and others I manage to stay awake for hours. It pretty much seems to alternate days... if I sleep less one day, I need more naps the next and then I'm awake more the day after that. I'm getting my walking in, but find that the fluid and protein intake seems to be directly related to how awake I am... if I sleep more, I have less time left during which to drink. So much for my update. Now for my questions: How soon after surgery did you feel up to a long drive? (Not just in your neighborhood.) I'm wondering if I'll be up to driving from Hamden to Middletown myself for my appointment on Tues. (35 minutes without traffic and about 30 miles). For Dr. A's patients -- How long did you wear the binder? And did you taper off (say maybe wear it only while awake for instance) or did you go right from 24 hours a day to not wearing it at all? I expect to be advanced to purees as of Tues. afternoon. From what I've read, most people seem to start with a scrambled egg with maybe a little cheese melted on it. (Sounds real good to me right now.) But what is the most common choice for the next pureed meal? I know everyone is different, but what have most people found to be pouch-friendly for those first meals after advancing from liquids? Although I have been saving all sorts of suggestions for foods to eat during that stage, I'm not sure which foods might be easier to deal with during the 1st day or 2. Also, are there any spices or herbs that I should avoid? As far as attendance at future events, my inclination is to go everywhere, weather permitting. So, Deb M., I'm planning to attend the 1/17 meeting at Middlesex Hospital, but dinner after will have to be somewhere I can get something of a pureed consistency. Linda W., I'd like to join you for Heather's shower (if there's still room left in your condo)... I'll e-mail you about it. Joanie M., count me in for bowling... I'll e-mail you so that I'm included in the official count. Speaking of the bowling party, are we guaranteeing the bowling alley a minimum number of people? Do you want money from us beforehand, just in case? Hugs to all, Debby

Hi Debby Welcome back to Ct Message Baord!!! WE missed you!! I can't wait to find out about your 2 weeks apt from Dr A. I drove myself to see Dr Aranow from 45 min myself and have no problem with this. I wear my binder for two weeks and sometime wear it once a while after 2 weeks to support my stoamch. Great I will see you at Heather s baby shower party and bowling party too. Also I will go to post op meeting at Middlesex hosptial on FEb 1 st at 700 to 800 pm too. Take care Hugs Kathy K

Hi Debby! I am scheduled for a chat with Dr. A at 3:30 so I will most likely see you there tomorrow. I can't wait to see the official number either. Has the tape on your incision even begun to loosen? Mine is firmly planted there and has no indication of wanting to come off! HAha. I have been driving already... I went to Middletown twice now and a couple other short rides here and there. No problems. You should be fine driving tomorrow. I can not wait to have something other than creamy soup (strained) or protein shakes... I think an egg will be like a thanksgiving turkey right now!!!! I was also wondering about spices with foods and things... Also.. I am a pickle fanatic... curious about them as well. The B word... I am not much of a fan of the binder. I wear it faithfully day and night and my lovely white socks as well. Fashion statement to say the least! LOL! Anyway, he should tell us we can take the binder off tomorrow. It will actually feel strange to not have it on as it gives me a little sense of security and protection of my stomach. Well, hopefully we will run into eachother tomorrow. Have a great day! Beckie