I'm back...

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day.  We took it pretty easy.  Brian's feeling great and since he's been eating more protein the last several days, he has a lot more energy.  Believe it or not, we went to the Gator Game on Saturday and he did really well.  He made the mistake of not eating any protein for breakfast or lunch so he was dragging by the time we got home.  He's really been enjoying soup instead of broth!  We've even been able to get really creative when we eat out. For instance, at Cracker Barrell, he asked for a small cup of the broth/soup from Chicken and Dumplings. Today at The Smokin Pig Bar B Q he had brunswick stew and we brought home his left overs and he pureed them and it was delicious!  He wasn't able to eat a lot of it because it wasn't very soupy at lunch but he enjoyed it for dinner.  

One challenge he's had is staying hydrated. He's often been thirsty but isn't able to drink a lot. He has to take sips all day long and after being in the heat that's frustrating.  The other predicament is that he's to wait 30 minutes to an hour after eating before he can drink anything as well he's to stop drinking 30 minutes prior to his meal. So if it's salty or spicy he's out of luck. One sip won't hurt but as he starts eating real food, it's important that you not fill up on water as well as being important to not wash the food and nutrients through your stomach too fast and then risk eating too much because you're not feeling as full.  

He has had some emotional issues. For instance, one night last week, he said he was wishing he could just sit down and eat. He was actually missing eating. Today, he mentioned that at lunch he really wanted to order some ribs and wings. He then said, I can admit it, that 'person' has not left me yet.  He said he wasn't hungry but he could've eaten it!  That's part of the frustration early on in the life style change. It's a must! We can no longer physically eat like that.  So it's been interesting to listen to his perspective and struggles.

For those of you who don't know, my surgery was postponed due to insurance requirements. I won't go into all of the details but the bottom line is I will be able to have mine the first or second week of October! I'm very excited.  Watching Brian go through all of this has been good for me.  He's had a remarkable recovery!   He led worship yesterday and has pretty much returned to regular, routine activity.  No fever or nausea at all.  It's been incredible!! I uploaded a picture of us from Saturday.   

Ok now what everyone wants to know....he's down to 334 lbs!  41 lbs lost since July 29th.....22 lbs lost since surgery day last Tuesday August 31st!!! It's just falling off of him!!!