You're absolutely right - but you know, I had no idea that I HATED myself!  I'm near tears even writing this because I want to live, experience, and go all out.  As a wildlife photographer, I live for the wild.  Much of that is waiting and watching, but still, I so love to walk!

I was told to take it slow - and I paid dearly for my abition yesterday.  I'm so excited to feel alive, to WANT to go out in pubic (and yes, I'm basking in compliments!), and even dance.  I'm one of those people who lives in the moment and goes with it with all I have.  Pacing myself is difficult.

A friend recently mentioned, that for me, pacing myself will be the hardest part of this entire ordeal.  I also think that since the hernia was causing so much pain - and the removal of part of my stomach (also a constant source of pain), I'm feeling better almost immediately.  I have energy I haven't had in months and REALLY want to jump on my bike, go dancing, go for a five mile hike with my camera, and, and, and...

Has anybody else experienced this?  I know just from looking that I am one mass of bruises - and I'm not even close to the protein consumption.  Eating is painful and I'd rather drink.  I opened one of my protein shakes today.  Already I can see I will need to depend on those much more than I had hoped.  More than likely I will alternate between those and water - at least for a while.  I did manage an ounce of yogurt, several of water, and a couple of the chocolate shake.  Even I can see that the food I am ingesting won't keep an anorexic alive (years ago, I used to be one - then switched sides) and I've no desire to go down that road.  I'm planning on calling the dietician early tomorrow to discuss some of these issues...but that song with the line "I feel good..." is rocking in the back of my head!!!!!!

Kathy

Had my surgery on June 2nd and am back home.  Yesterday I over did it a tad by going for an hour and a half walk (I never claimed to be a genious folks, lol), but in the process realized I was dehydrated.  Have to watch the lemon juice I so enjoy, so switched over to water.  (blisters in your throat can force change, lol)

I am quite sore, but my dog, bless him, has been terrific with me.  People were shocked to see me walking with a walker (other health issues, here - with the surgery, I needed additional help) and walking my 90 pound dog.  He doesn't pull or anything, so I had few doubts he'd misbehave - I was right.

Today, I went in and chopped my hair.  It went from past my waist to shoulder length.  I then purchased hair accessories, new sunglasses, and wearing smaller clothes, went for a walk.  It's amazing how many folks stopped me and told me I seemed vibrant - even radiant - and admittedly, the few pounds I've lost have helped my mood as well.

I still have energy, but given I've no desire to end up back in the hopsital (I'm not able to meet my food or liquid intake yet - but am working on it), I'm attacking one of my closets today.  I'll bring things a few at a time to the living room and sort them while watching some sort of program - and will feel at least like I am doing something.

They did have to remove part of my stomach and the hernia gave them a few problems, but I'm back home now!  Still not online much (in fact, today is the first time I've been online), but wanted to say I'm glad to be home, glad I got my hair cut, and believe it or not, I'm actually considering makeup!  I'm going for the professional look now - go figure!
Kathy

Yeah Billie, congratulations....it's a great feeling isn't it?  I'm excited for you 

Your welcome :<) Congrats on your success _ I couldnt agree more- I include him in my prayers:)

ugh, that sucks i have a massage client that night. when is the july meeting (is it the same day of every month?)?