Preparation time!

Well, I am getting more and more excited and anxious by the day. I only have 16 more days to go and I am trying to get everything ready, both at work and home so I can "rest easy". I have begun buying samples of protein drinks and I have another question to pose to my friends... When I first come home, should I be eating pureed foods right away or am I mostly eating chicken broth, jello, water and protein drinks etc? When should I start eating pureed? I have baby spoons and my little cups. I have gotten rid of my drinking jugs with straws. I am now searching for the best flavored lip glos LOL Also, how much PAIN am I in for. I have heard everything from a mac truck hit me kind of pain to not to bad. And what about the juice in the hospital? Should only drink the apple juice? Thanks for your helpful answers. See you at the meeting on Saturday, 7/17/04 on vitamins. I will be fasting (day #1) but I will be there!

Terre, First the disclaimer: everyone is different and has different results! I was on liquids 2 days when I came home from the hospital. started pureed the third day. very small amounts at first. I drank protein drinks for most of my liquids those first few days. I wanted to get in as much protein as possible. It took 4-5 days before I even came close to 60 oz. I had very little pain. For me, it was more like soreness. Once I got home, I only used the pain meds twice and that was more to help me sleep instead of for pain. The hospital will give you sugar free juice to drink. I believe you have a choice of apple or cranberry. That and ice chips was enough for me. eating was actually the farthest thing from my mind. Ken

Thanks for the info. I won't worry anymore about the juice in the hospital either. My husband and I were thinking I better bring my own from home but I guess the hospital has had more experience with us now. Knowledge truly is power and I feel better knowing what to expect and how to prepare. Terre

that is true Ken ... and here is the other side of it .... i have been on clear liquids for 4 weeks now BUT i had trouble too and as for as the pain that will be up to you ... the more you move around the faster the pain will leave. and i would say do what your dr said. my dr has phase's we use 1,2,3,4 it is about a 2 month time. I should be on 3 now but my body wanted to act up lol ... GOOD LUCK. MEL

Hi Mel, I hope you are feeling better with each passing day. Thanks for the feedback. I will be seeing you on the loosers side soon! Terre