12 days before surgery

[Guest guest]

I can't believe it's almost That Day. Every time I eat something

crunchy or go for a workout, I try and really savor every part of it

because I know I'm gonna miss it.

I've been exercising like a maniac trying to get myself into decent

shape before the surgery. Lots of running, Spinning, swimming,

Pilates, and weight training. My doc and my dietician are really

pleased with me (I am too. I lost 20 lbs since Valentines day and

got down to 26.7% body fat!). I think I've been concentrating on

exercise so much to take my mind off the pre-surgery anxiety.

My dietician says I should make sure I get 75-100 grams of protein

per day after surgery, so we're really stocking up on the Mori-Nu

lite tofu (very blendable), peanut butter, and Genisoy protein

shakes (which I already use for breakfast anyway) & Genisoy plain

protein powder. I'm gonna tell my mom that whatever shakes/soups she

makes, to throw in the plain protein powder and also Konsyl

(psyllium husk--for fiber). (I hope all that will also have the

added effect of making the liquid diet more filling/satisfying. I'll

let you know.)

My mom & grandma arrive next week to help take care of me & my

daughter (she's 3). I'll be glad to have them here. I've got the pre-

surgery consultation with the MLD guy lined up too.

I've been trying to prepare my daughter for the whole surgery thing--

reading the illustrated pamphlet on orthognathic surgery to her,

reading kids' books about hospitals, that sort of thing. lin

Goes To The Hospital is a big hit. I'm trying to get her to

understand that I will look different, and won't be able to pick her

up... that sort of thing. She's not quite weaned (sorry if this is

too much detail), though we're down to just a few minutes at

bedtime, and by now I'm pretty ready for her to quit anyway, so I'm

using the surgery as the point where the milk bar closes down for

good. Easier to explain it that way than to discuss when I'll be

able to get off which medicines.

I'd been imagining wanting to go for walks around the block a few

days after surgery. Reading people's post-surgery posts has been

kind of a reality check.

Wish me luck...

Rhonda