I hope you are doing better!? How are you feeling?

They would not let me post it all, it was too long Here is part 2

Everything got much better for me from puree stage forward. I am hoping it is the same for you. The swelling seemed to go down a little, allowing me to eat 3oz, which is where it has stayed. There are some good soups made by campells called Slow Kettle Style. It has a good amount of protein per serving. You could blend it up and it is good.

I still suffer from constipation. I have to take something every few days. That s not new though. I used to just eat lots of fiber, but can't really now.

Any way I can help at all, give me a holler! It does get better, hopefully soon for you!

I am so sorry that you had a tough time! Is the lactose intolerance the reason for the diarrhea? Do those lactaid drops help, or are you no longer doing dairy? I don't know what I would do as my protein shakes are made with milk and I eat string cheese too. UGH, that must be so hard.

I am eating pretty much everything at this point. I do have a lot of restriction and can eat 3 oz at a time. I really eat mini meals all through the day, as well as drink 1 shake per day. I get between 800-1000 calories a day, usually closer to the 800, and usually 70-80 grams of protein. Much of that is from the shake which has 36.5 grams when made with milk. I use Jay Robb egg protein shake mix and it is very mild in flavor, not too sweet. It got Dartmouth's blessing. I eat fish, scallops, hamburger, etc. I have not tried bread or pasta and don't think I will anytime soon. For me, the secret to eating these things is to chew them like crazy until they are total mush. The one time I didn't, I puked. If I overfill, I almost puke. Not fun. That has only happened once.

How are things going for you?? Did all go smoothly?

After reading your message I'm starting to get worried. I haven't gotten an official insurance approval letter. Am I supposed to? This is really starting to bother me. I just assumed they had already gotten approval since they gave me a surgery date. Do you know who I would call to ask about this?

I'm sorry the wait is getting longer for you. I guess I'm confused about the whole process. Why have us go in to these classes and meet with the surgeon if the approval hasn't been completed?

No, I go back on Friday for another pre-op meeting. My insurance has not made a decision yet, and I think a denial is likely. They have until Friday to make a decision (15 days from submission). This is a weird kind of holding pattern. How are things with you? Did you get an official insurance letter approval yet?