A Dry Run.

[Osk]

Hello all,

Last night I cooked dinner for my family, as I often do.  What was different this time was that when they all sat down to eat pork chops, I had a vanilla yogurt.  I don't even eat yogurt normally, this was my first one.  Overall, it wasn't bad.  Dinner is an important part of family time so I wasn't going to eat elsewhere.  I thought it would be weird just eating that while everyone else had a plate of food.    It really wasn't that bad.  I figured as I get closer to the surgery this is what my normal life is going to be for a while.   Soon it's going to be two weeks of liquid diet, followed by the post surgery diet of sort foods for a while then much smaller portions of approved items. 

Does anyone who's been through something similar have comments they could make?  One thing I am worried about it how this surgery is going to effect my family dynamic.   Unfortunately meals and food has always been a part of family outings and events.   I know it always will be, but for me, well...I am unsure what this means for me.

Thanks,

Osk

[Bookworm]

I can only tell you my own experience. When I ws preparing for my surgery I attended many family events and outings and handled it just fine. I would always be certain to have something I could have and many times it was just water or a protein shake. Just prepare and you should be fine. If you can, come to the Support Group next Tuesday and bring it up. You will get some very helpful info. Hope to see you there.

Diane

[Osk]

I'll be there, I've been going the last few months and have been finding it very helpful.   I even find myself looking forward to it.

[Jewels]

Hi Osk,

I was on liquids for several weeks before the surgery and had several family events that I did just fine at. I actually felt more in control at the family events. My family were very supportive and encouraged me to do what I had to do.
I am going to stress one thing I did very wrong and it took it's toll on me. I felt that it would be easier on me to NOT eat with my family at dinner time so I ate my protein shakes and SF puddings alone in another room. We have always strived to have dinner as a family I'm sure you know the drill with 2 parents working full time and kids in various sports and activities it is not an easy task to acheive sometimes but we always made it a priority.
I was fine for the first couple of weeks and then my surgery was postponed. The disappointment of the postponement was bad enough but not being with my family was devastating. I realize now as emotional as I was about the surgery, the thought of more time without my kids made me a wreck. I was a real mess. Poor Sophia and Dr Buchin may never be the same after my emotional rollercoaster ride...LOL The time it took to get my situation corrected and the surgery resheduled was only 12 days but to me it may as well have been 12 years because that is what it felt like to me.
Since you are family oriented I really suggest you stay with your family, eat that pudding, shake whatever but enjoy being with your family. I am almost 2 weeks post OP and I am so happy to be back with them at the dinner table.

Good luck with your surgery!

Julie