1st trip post surgery

This past weekend I went with my parents to the UP to visit my cousin. I spent 9 hours each way in the car. Let me say, I am so happy to be home. We went all the way near the Wisconsin border. We ended up getting a hotel room in Wisconsin because it was closet to where we visiting.

Anyway, this was my 1st weekend out of town since my surgery. I am now coming up on 3 weeks post surgery. (In 2 weeks, on Oct 30th, I have my 1st fill. Which means I am on the soft foods & adding textures part of my staged diet. I got to start this part of my eating habits in restaurants. It was a little scary at first. I have known for a while that that I can tolerate mashed potatoes, mac & cheese and applesauce. So I thought since my 1st fill is a week sooner than usual I decided to start adding things like the Dr said to. I was honest about starting the soft textures early and he said that it was OK since I had no problems.

So this past weekend I learned I can tolerate in very, very small portions: burgers, fries, hash browns, toast, eggs (duh!), pasta (duh!), broasted chicken, and pasties (with gravy). I was happy know that I can tolerate bread. I never thought I would miss salads so much!
It's not easy to eat healthy when you are traveling but I am certainly eating less. I tried to order off the kids meal when possible. Also, I shared as many meals as I could with my parents & cousin.

Not that I didn't have any problems. It is extremely hard to change your habits. I am catching myself over and over again taking drinks and bites that are too big. When that happens, I try to chew really good and take several swallows. Of course that happens after I have swallowed too much and start feeling uncomfortable. I have been able to keep from getting sick by taking sips of whatever I had with me and trying to get out any of the extra air.

I have to keep reminding myself of what I should be doing. Like sizes of the portions, bites, and drinks I take. From now on when I go shopping I will start getting a dish or 2 that are more suited to my new portion sizes. Like dessert dishes & small juice glasses. It is definitely going to be different eating at work with this band. I am going to have to be much better about taking my lunch. The eating slowly part could be a bit tricky as far time factors into work and break times.

Speaking of work. It's time to dust off my name tag & find my parking sticker because Princess Jenn is going back to work tomorrow. I wish I could say I am excited to be getting up at 5:30am again. I like getting a paycheck so I am going to get my ever shrinking behind to bed.
Goodnight!