In preparation for my new life and new way of eating - I've been trying to learn as much as possible about post op nutrition. I've gleaned that I'm really going to have to focus on protein and have really started paying attention to what's in the food my family eats and just what I'll be trying to have after I'm back on 'real' food after my surgery.

I've noticed a huge difference between the UK information I've been given and stuff I've seen from the US. Here a lot of the handouts I've seen suggest eating mashed potatoes and just adding gravy to items to make them more liquid so they go down easier. In the US, there's a big push for protein powders and I've decided to take a more US approach to eating afterwards.

I guess you could say that I'm taking things into my own hands.

I've ordered 10lbs of protein powder and some micellar (sp, I know) milk that Mom is kindly hauling over for me. I'm trying to find high protein, low carb/sugar foods to have when I'm on more solid food two months after I'm home from the hospital. Things like canned chili - the regular version is so-so on protein, but get the turkey variety and the protein more than doubles.

Currently, I'm looking at foods like canned or homemade turkey chili, soft cheeses, refried beans.. etc. The more protein the better.

It's been very interesting reading..