i have a date and a Holiday Question

Finally, After being denied twice... I got approval unexpectedly... Honestly, I'm not sure how...but who cares...
My date is 12/3/2010 at UNC...

My question...this close to christmas...what should I expect dietary wise around the holidays...

Dear Gale,

Congratulations!!!! What a lovely, unexpected, early Christmas gift! That's just wonderful. Every program has it's own protocol regarding foods, but it seems to me that I recall that UNC is rather lax on theirs, so they may let you have whatever you tolerate. I know that Duke allows soft foods any time after 3 weeks, so that would be anything that would be soft enough to be cut with a fork. Tender roasted turkey would certainly qualify. Some programs allow things like mashed potatoes, but they are so heavy in carbs that they might not be something you would want to do. I had wedding that I went to about 1 month post op and I had roast pork loin, a bit of mashed potatoes and some carrots. You will only be able to eat a couple of ounces at best, so you'll have to go easy. While it seems counter intuitive, you may want to steer clear of deviled eggs because they tend to get 'stuck' easily. 

I'd talk to Karen in their office and see what she suggests. 

Wishing you all the best,

I am so happy that you finnally got approved!!! Your dilagence paid off. I had my surgery 12/14/09 and it is a very difficult time to have it. That being said I would still do it over and over again if I had to. It is unfortunate but we talk about, plan, taste, clean up from and smell food more over those 3 weeks than any other during the year. I was on liquids for 3 weeks so it was all the way through the holidays. The one great memory I have is my mom making me homemade turkey broth that actually tasted like eating turkey.

I am 120 pounds smaller and healthier and all the food struggles were worth it. Be patient with yourself and cry and scream when you feel like it!!!!!!!

I wish you all the best
Audra

Oh and I guess the score if Fat man 100 and insurance company a big fat 0.

:)
Audra

I had my surgery @ Duke on `12/19/07 and the hubby had his @ UNC on 12/10/08.  So both of us went thru the holidays shortly after our surgery.  Since Duke require 3 weeks of liquids, i had no decision to make regarding what to eat during the holidays, but @ UNC... hubby was told, just eat what you want... go home and eat mac & cheese!!!  I wasn't allowed to eat any kind of mac for months!!!  and still don't tolerate it really well!!!  Unless they've changed @ UNC, that's probably what they will tell you too.   So just be careful no matter what they say @ UNC!!! 

Since you'll only be able to eat a very small amount (much less than a quarter cup), just stay with very soft, easily digestible foods. 

Good luck to you and congrats on getting your approval!!!  I know when this is all over, you too will think it's the best decision you've ever made!!!