Back from a vacation/business trip

[Guest guest]

Howdy all,

Much has gone I see since I left for Mississippi a week ago. Penny, Sandy

and Hopie - I am thrilled to see that you are all on the other side and are

doing well. I will pray for Kitty Rourke who is still in the hospital, bless

her.

I am only three and a half weeks out from surgery. I was concerned with how

I was going to handle my eating during this time. Fortunately, I had started

eating soft foods right before I left.

The first three days were easy and so was the flight there. I had Gatorade

and a banana in my purse. I also nibbled on a 3/4 oz. bag of granola chunks

I got on the plane. No problems. At my friend's farm in McComb, she had

apple sauce, soup, cottage cheese and yogurt for me ) I went to a

Picadilly cafeteria and got some mac and cheese (that sat very well).

The next four days I spent in Vicksburg for a class. The hotel angels were

smiling on me because I ended up with a small refrigerator in my room. Off

to the grocery I went and got yogurt, low-fat crackers, more Gatorade, some

non-mayo chicken spread (it also sat well too), and a banana. The restaurant

had grits on the breakfast bar ) - saved again! I usually had soup for

lunch. One night for dinner, I ordered some mac and cheese and took a chance

on a side order of cole slaw -- it wasn't full of mayo and I was very please

to note it went down well. These weeks are times of great and fund

experimentation!

Now folks, I know I am eating a little on the early side of the rules, but

Doc R. told me since I had the beginnings of liver damage, he didn't want me

losing too fast. Be gentle with yourself and only do what you feel is right

for you and remember that the guidelines are spelled out quite well in the

manual.

I had a great time in Mississippi (no, I didn't go gambling -- but the next

time I am there, I am taking a paddle boat cruise)! I thought the trip went

well. I am pleased that I was able to eat with no difficulty.

Today's support meeting went swimmingly. Kathy Goodman did a fine job of

moderating. We had a mix of pre and post ops and it was fascinating to hear

about everyone's experiences. I was also pleased to fine that the tuna fish

salad (1 T.) that I ate at lunch sat well.

For you pre-ops (this letter is going to both lists), if you need to contact

me, just send me a private e-mail and I'll be happy to tell you about my

surgery.

My love to you all -- happy spring!

-Ginny (in ville for only a few more days) Ivanoff

MGB: 3/1/00, was 348

now: 321

" The creative is the place where no one

else has ever been. You have to leave

the city of your comfort and go into the

wilderness of your intuition "

-Alan Alda