Challenges... What are yours and how are you handling them?

I think it might help us and those who follow to list our biggest challenges and how we have coped with them. So please share

Where you are in your journey

Your biggest challenge(s)

Coping mechanisms for the challenge(s)

I'm 2 years, 3 months post op.

My biggest challenge is coping with stress and not using food to do it.

If find that when I make myself accountable, I take better care of myself. For me, this means logging my intake and weighing on a daily basis. 

I had my surgery on August 4th, 2009, and now on a diet of soft food. My challenge is getting the proper intake of protein and water. I'm dehydrated and have bouts of being dizzy. When this happens, I try to stay home and drink plenty of fluid and eat regularly. It really doesn't work that well for me.
 
Challenge: Balancing food and water intake.

I cope with it by being calm and trying to find a routine. I know that this is a process and I stay patient with myself.

Any suggestions?

I'm sorry that I didn't see your post sooner.

When you are in this early stage of the game, it really is WORK to get in your fluids and protien intake, especially since you are now weaning from protien shakes to real food and trying to balance the not drinking 30 before/after a meal. That said, you can do it!  If you can, try to plan what you are going to consume at least a day ahead. Always start with your protien first. Some of things that worked well for me early on included: cottage cheese, shrimp, and chili (Wendy's is great when you need something when you are out and about), If you will look at my early blog entries you may find more. I also found that I could/would drink a lot more if I drank crystal lite or decaf iced tea.

As you said, you need to be gentle and patient with yourself! 

Try logging what you are getting. It really seemed to help me. 

Wishing you all the best!