scared as hell...but going back to work

It will have been 4 weeks off from work, but I didn't want to use anymore of my time. My status has been ok...been only semi-successful at home with dietary adjustments, drinking liquids...but doing real well with exercise, joined YMCA and have light work-outs of 25 minutes, 15 bike, 10 treadmill. I'm not sure how to keep up getting my protein amounts and all of my liquids in, as far as what should I bring, how do I handle shakes, puddings, etc., know what I'm saying. Any ideas? Al

Al, You are doing great! Geez I am doing about that much exercise and I am over two years out. As far as foods and such this early out try and get into a routine with every few hours eating your protein. I would take cooler to work, pack it with fruit2o and lots of protein foods, puddings, yogurts, cottage cheeese, and one protein shake. Then whatever I felt like eating I would have it to eat....I never knew what I wanted most of the time I wasn't hungry. So it was a push. Write down what you are eating so you can track the protein grams....and calories. It will be a good thing to do now so later on its easier for you to see what you are eating and if you are getting enough protein. I really liked being home in the beginning. I needed me time and it was good. Getting back to work and getting into routine is tiring in the beginning but after a week or so you should be okay. If you get on a schedule with drinking and eating you have the battle licked! Debbie

Hi Al, I hear you about the food/work thing. I was the same way. I had the band and went back after one week off. I was still on full liquids. The RNY diet is probably different but I'm guessing the protein requirements are the same. Chrias has that food store and it sells the best hot chocolate. It's 80 calories and 15 grams of protein. It saved me. The store is open during office hours and there are some free samples so you can try before you buy. The cooler idea is great if you don't have a fridge at work. I take a cooler when I'm out on weekends. You're doing so well with the Y! Way better than me. Good luck, Kathy

Hello Al, You will be tired going back to work. I was lucky to be off for 6 weeks. Just pack a lot of stuff in a cooler to have. Keep track of your protein and be sure to take all your vitamins and get in the liquids. Do you have a job where you can eat/drink in your area? That helps if you can. Do the protein drinks in the morning. I keep a baggie in my desk with the vanilla protein powder I buy from Walmat and sprinkle it in my oatmeal and yogart. That helps getting in the protein. That sounds great that you are doing all that excercising already. Keep up the good work. P.S. We sat behind you at one of the meetings at PMRI (Diane & Denise). You did not have your surgery yet. We wish you well! Why don't you come to some of the Support Group meetings (Concordia Church 2nd Thurs. of month @ 7 pm and 3rd Tuesday of month @ 7 pm at Victory Church). These meetings really help us get different ideas from each other. It's been 2-1/2 yrs. since my surgery and I wouldn't miss them. We would love to see you at the meetings. ...Diane S.