He will be on a very restricted diet 2 weeks prior to surgery and 2 months post surgery. The Clinic provides a diet regime for 2 weeks pre op. Protein, veggies and limited fruit.
Post Op:
2 days clear liquids
Day 3 to week 2 - full liquids
Week 3 to 4 - Purée'
Week 5 - 8 - soft
I am roasting marrow bones and browning cubed chuck for a base of a beef/veggie soup. The veggie are onions, garlic, celery, carrots, leeks, turnips, bell & jalapeno peppers, fresh tomatoes - blanched, peeled and seeds removed and green beans.
I will strain and filter the broth and reserve the meat and veggies (packed separately) all frozen in serving size packages. He will have the clear broth to start with then I can gradually add pureed veggies and beef to the broth.
I am also making a chicken, celery soup. We usually add a little rice. I will add cauliflower instead. Process and store like the other soup.
The chicken will be great for chicken salad - alone, stuffed in avocados or tomatoes or in a lettuce wrap.
I have 20 heirloom tomato plants. The plants ravaged by the horn worms are showing some recovery. I do not expect full production from those plants but they are not a total loss. I will have LOTS of tomatoes to stew and freeze for lovey tomato basil soup.
George is out of town today so I can make this big mess in my kitchen and get everything packaged and stored before he gets home.
George had an aortic heart valve replacement in '08. He is on Coumadin and a greater surgery risk than most. He is also Diabetic.
This surgery is drastic. We have consulted with his Family Practitioner and his Cardiologist. Both say that the surgery is less risky than his obesity. There is also a high probability that he will no onger be Diabetic after surgery.
This is not an overnight process. He has to have 6 months of monthly evaluations with his Family Practitioner, a Psychiatric Assessment, clearance from his Cardiologist including procedures for getting off of the Coumadin, a meeting with the Clinic Dietitian, a 2 week clinic proscribed diet prior to surgery and a 3 hour training session prior to surgery.
We are both excited and anxious. My primary job is to keep George up beat and positive. I get really

I can not get my mind around their problem. One look at my love is enough to tell anyone that drastic measures are needed.
Sorry for the rant. We have enough to deal with without negativity.
If you have any belief in any higher power please include both of us in your prayers.
