So it seems I have swapped that full, glutinous, swollen feeling for a migraine and absolutely no freakin' energy.  Grr.

TJ gave me some Ibuprofen about ten minutes ago and a steamy mug of lemon tea.

He's the best.

Admittedly, I have thought about Robin's Nest two times … now three …and then I laugh at myself with utmost disappointment.

Am I really pouting about food?

Yes.

Ok, I know Robin's Nest isn't just about the 'food' … after all, it is the restaurant that people swoon over when you mention going there … it's the ambiance, the victorian charm, eclectic decor … and then the deliciously, creative, and eruptive culinary experience.

Plus, the gift card has no expiration date.  Perhaps this will be a nice way to celebrate a date night once I reach week 6 post-op.

No, I'm not 'doing it again' by rewarding myself with food … I don't know if I ever really did that. Realistically speaking, my husband and I enjoy fine dining … my old 'normal' may be gone, but that is what this is all about … out with the old, in with the new … a new normal.

Protein first, followed by veggies, then the grains.

Nothing to drink while I enjoy my meal.

See … I'm getting the hang of this … perhaps tonight I should make that chart.  My very own play by play, week by week, summary of what I can and cannot do or have.


The 'planner' in me is itching to do something productive!

Stay tuned!

Two days post-Turkey Day … leftovers calling my name … little did I know it would be my 'last supper'.

TJ and I piled our plates high with green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and corn at about 9:30 last night.  Within 20 minutes I felt like a stuffed tick.

    Disgusting.

         Painful.

              Swollen.

                   Guilty.

"That's it", I told him.

For whatever reason, in that moment I decided I was done.  No more waiting until Monday. No more procrastination and rationalizations.

This morning I held to my word, and as I sit here now I am accompanied by a protein drink, a cup of broth, and a large glass of water.

Brief battles ensue within my thoughts …

"Today was your last day of eating whatever you want … don't you want those pancakes!?!"

"You don't have to start this today … you said Monday … don't make this harder on yourself!"

"Dr. Wasser said to start this on 12/4 … that's more than a week from now!"

"You and TJ had plans of going to Robin's Nest tonight for dinner … you're going to break your date night for this!?!"

Faaahhhhhhh!!!!

Will-power prevails … I've put this off long enough.

Anything else I do right now would be hypocritical.

Besides … I know I have a couple days coming up that will not be following pre-op guidelines 100% … 2 days in AC for a conference and the night of the 11th when I have a dinner to attend.  I won't be going overboard, but I will be realistic. Keeping with non-chunky soups and high protein/low-fat options like fish … chewing them into mush.  I'll bring some protein shakes with me to the hotel in AC, too … that will take some of the guess work out, but for the most part TJ and I have a good handle on what to do and where to go for dinner.

Sounds great in theory … this time next week we'll see how well I pass the first test.