Firsts...

Today was a day of firsts.  I went to the doctor for my first post-surgical appointment, and I have lost...drumroll,please...20.5 pounds! Yay!  Including the five I lost before surgery, I am down a total of 25.5.  It’s a pretty good start, I think.  I knew that I had lost some weight—after all, I’ve been on liquids for two weeks, but still—20.5 pounds! 

First number two: I got to eat mashed potatoes!  My friend Dorothy, who has been kind enough to drive to Cary the last three times I’ve gone to the doctor, needed dinner, so we went to TGI Friday’s, where she had the sizzling cheesy chicken, and I ordered a side of mashed potatoes.  Never mind that I had about two spoonsful and had to stop—those potatoes were delicious! (And inexpensive--$1.99 for the side, and I have at least two more meals in that take-home container!)  First number three: I bought some watermelon cubes tonight—my snack portion was two cubes.  It was cold and sweet and delicious, and I savored every bite.  

It is actually early for me to start “pureed” foods; I wasn’t scheduled to start them until Saturday, but my doctor was impressed with my progress and the fact that I haven’t had *any* nausea or vomiting.  Those of you who know me know that I have to be *dying* to vomit in the first place—ugh…just HATE it.  He said that I could start adding one food at a time, including refried beans (love them), soft scrambled eggs (dislike them) and hummus. (I’ve never had it but made of chick peas, it’s filled with protein.  Guess it’s time to try it…)

One complaint I haven’t shared with you is that I’ve been rather weak and fatigued the past two days.  Turns out that I’m right on schedule for *that*, too.  Dr. Enochs says that the two-week mark seems to be the time for these feelings as it’s about two weeks out of surgery that the body begins to use its protein reserves.  This means I need to step up the protein.  I need to take in 50 to 60 grams of protein every day.  Now that might not seem like a lot, but remember—that’s in 2 ounce increments!  Good thing that unflavored protein powder can be added to just about ANYTHING!

It’s been an incredible two weeks…thanks for sticking around--I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me next!