Just dropping in to say hi and reconnect

Sorry I have been off for awhile. my only daughter left this week for the next 2 years if not more in NY. I am having a hard time thinking of her up there in the big apple at only 18. I have spent the last 4 weeks preparing for this, and trrying to set everything up. THis big old house here in Bartlett is now very empty. I suppose now I can concentrate on my upcomming surgery. I have sort of disconnected from even thinking much about it, with trying to get the child to NY. Now that she is gone my thoughts have returned to myself for a bit. I started my 2 week liver shrink diet monday. so far its not that bad, I am finding it very hard to eat that often, though I really dont feel all that hungry. the monotony is going to be the toughest as it is basically the same every day. I did convince every one in my office to go on the diet with me. each day at work now is an adventure trying to see which one will fall off the diet first. so far they have really surprised me. I have found great difficulty in drinking the protein shakes. for some reason I can take one or two good slugs and then they become sickeningly sweet to the point I can not consume anymore. this does not bode well for after surgery so any help you old timers can give me will be appreciated. is there anything like a protein pill? I dont like the bars either. I suppose I can force myself to consume them but it would be nice if they were at least somewhat palatable to me. during nutrician class we tried many samples but were never asked to consume 8 ounces , I find I actually can stand it in a very small dose but consuming a large amount is a no go. I will try to switch to the nectars to see if I can manage them better. For now though my dietician has ok'd me to substitute 2 cups of 1% milk in their place. that wont work after surgery as no protein. but at least it works for the liver shrink. Surgery is comming up fast on the 25th, and I have a major conference 5 days next week, so it will definately be here before I turn around. I have at least come to the realizatoin that getting over worried about the surgery does me no good, so I am doing well keeping the worry on a very back burner. I know its there but God has been so good to me and my family and for the past 2 months I have managed to spend quality time with my daughter . SO if anything should happen (god forbid) at least for myself I will be ready for it. I will try to be on a bit more often over the next two weeks but will be out of town all of next week . It is good to be back and reading everyones posts again.

Hi Joe, here's one, Cottage Cheese is high in protein. Low fat, small curds. Someone said they added about 1 Tbsp of the cheese cake mix and a little vanilla and you have more of a custard and high in protein. I could live on cottage cheese all day long. I love it that much. Try and see if that helps. Salmon is also high in protein. Is your daughter going to NY for school? Don't worry about what you can't control, worry about what you can control. I have two sons, in their 20's, both are now married, one 2 years ago, the other last June. I have a 2 yr grandson by my younger son, and my oldest one who just got married is due to have one any day. I worried about my oldest going into the army at 17, I hated it even though I am glad he got to go and at the military's expense to Eygpt for a 6 month peace mission. I missed him so much, but I new there was nothing I could do. But I sure was glad to see him when he got home. It's a parents right to worry, but I know that God is watching over them. They will be 28 and 26 next week. They had great training in the boy scouts, rotc and army, and they are both Christians. That's all I can ask for. yeah, if I had an 18 yr old daughter, I would be having my blood pressure scoring too high in the worry anxiety area. Best of luck and prayers for your upcoming surgery. Hugs Kathy

Hey Joe, good to hear from you again. Best of luck with your surgery. I hope I get to begin my liver shrink diet soon! I should know from the insurance company by Friday as to whether I've been approved. Your daughter is only a phone call away. Talk to you soon.

Hey Joe! I have been absent myself, so I can relate and I am in the process of moving to the Northeast right now. I am 5 months out, lost about 150 lbs and down 10-12 pant sizes. Feeling great and this was the best thing I ever did for myself! Not to say, it's all great and not tough but feeling better has made a world of difference and part of the reason I feel confident enough to uproot from my beloved South and head up North. You take care and things will be good with you and your daughter's new relocation! Good to see you posting again ... Hope I can get the posts in the NH group to be as lively as this group!