# Recovery Plan
## Welcome & Overview
Dad & Bella's
Recovery Plan
Your guide to healing and nutrition after gallbladder removal. You've got this β and you've got us.
The whole crew π
Cady's Wedding β a beautiful day, together π
:icon-heart-pulse:
| Section |
| --- |
| π Medications |
| π₯£ Meal Plan |
| π§ Hydration |
| π§ Brain Games |
| π Healing Heart |
| π
Daily Rhythm |
## Love & Support
We're All Cheering You On
From every corner of this family β we love you and we're right here with you.
| Name | Relation | Message | Photo | Second Photo | Card Color |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sugiee | Grandkid | Get better soon, Grandpa! I need you to play with me again. I love you SO much! π |  |  | sky |
| Westyn | Grandkid | Grandpa, you're the strongest person I know. Rest up and get well β I miss you! π |  |  | blue |
| Allene | Wife | My love, you are so much stronger than you know. I am with you in every breath. Rest, heal, and feel my arms around you always. π |  |  | rose |
| Megan | Daughter | Dad, you've always taken care of everyone else β every single one of us. Now it is your turn to be still, to rest, and to let us pour all of that love right back into you. You are so deeply loved, and we are all right here with you. 𧑠|  |  | amber |
| Cady | Daughter | Daddy, you're a tough old bear and this is just a bump in the road! Take it easy, eat your soup, and know I'm thinking of you every single day. π» |  |  | emerald |
| Desiree | Daughter | Dad, we need you around for a long, long time! Please rest, follow your plan, and let Bella take care of you. We all love you so much. π |  |  | purple |
| Bella | Caregiver & Friend | I've got you every step of the way. Your meals, your meds, your comfort β I'm here. You are not alone in this. Let's heal together! πΏ |  |  | teal |
## Family Memories β Part 1
Every Moment Worth Fighting For
These are the memories waiting on the other side of recovery. We can't wait to make more.
| Photo | Caption | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  | A golden sunset at Lake Tahoe π
| The sky turned every shade of orange and pink that evening. One of those moments where no one said a word β you just sat together and took it all in. |
|  | Flower crowns & lilacs β a perfect day πΈ | Bella and Allene, crowned in lilacs, grinning like they didn't have a care in the world. Pure joy in one photograph. |
|  | Laughing together on the bench π | That easy, comfortable laughter that only comes from people who truly know each other. The bench, the shade, the best company. |
|  | The biggest hug π€ | Some hugs are quick. This one wasn't. The kind that says everything without a single word needing to be spoken. |
|  | Crafting together β pure joy π¨ | Hands covered in glitter, laughing at whatever went sideways β this is what Saturday afternoons are made of. Creativity and good company. |
|  | Car selfie fun β road trip vibes ππ | The best conversations happen in the car. Windows down, music up, nowhere to be except right there together. |
|  | Dinner out together β smiles all around π½οΈπ | Good food, great people, and that warm restaurant glow. The table was full of laughter from start to finish. |
|  | Garden harvest time β look at those beets! π₯ | Dirt on their hands and beets bigger than expected β the garden came through big this year. Proud smiles all around. |
|  | Bella, Westyn & Sugiee β picking beets πΏ | Three generations in the garden, pulling beets like pros. Sugiee was convinced she found the biggest one. She might have been right. |
|  | Watching Sugiee own the yard with that water gun π«π | Nobody was safe. Sugiee had the water gun and zero mercy. The laughter that afternoon echoed through the whole neighborhood. |
|  | Adoring baby Sugiee β so much love πΌπ | The way everyone gathered around her, just absolutely smitten. From day one she had the whole family wrapped around her tiny finger. |
|  | Twirling in her element π | Completely in her own world, spinning and laughing. This is the energy that lights up every room she walks into. |
## Family Memories β Part 2
Every Moment Worth Fighting For
These are the memories waiting on the other side of recovery. We can't wait to make more.
| Photo | Caption | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  | Hands on heart β autumn gratitude π€π | Standing still in the cool autumn air, hands over heart. A quiet moment of thankfulness for everything this family holds dear. |
|  | Her happy place β in the pool ππ | The second she hits the water, her whole face changes. Splashing, floating, absolutely fearless β this is where she belongs. |
|  | Always smiling together π | It doesn't matter where they are β these two always find a reason to smile. That warmth between them is impossible to fake. |
|  | Curled up on Grandpa's lap π΄π | Safe, cozy, and completely at peace. There is no better nap spot in the world than Grandpa's lap, and she knows it. |
|  | The world-famous grumpy face π€π | The pout heard 'round the family. Nobody can hold a grumpy face this adorably for this long. It always ends in laughter β eventually. |
|  | The tiniest little cutie β | Teeny, tiny, and already completely in charge of everyone's hearts. Look at that face β how could anyone say no? |
|  | Truck bed crew β the best seat in the house πβ€οΈ | Piled into the truck bed like it's the most natural thing in the world. Summer nights, good people, nowhere else to be. |
|  | Hugging by the big tree π³π | Under the old tree, wrapped up in a hug that says everything. Some places just feel like home β and so do some people. |
|  | Laughing in the sunshine βοΈ | Heads thrown back, completely lost in laughter. The sun was bright but nothing outshone the joy in this moment. |
|  | Spinning in the field β pure happiness ππΊ | Arms out, spinning in the open field with no reason other than it felt good. This is what happiness looks like when it has nowhere to hide. |
|  | Cheek to cheek π | Pressed together, smiling at the camera like the whole world is good. Because in that moment, it really was. |
|  | Eyes closed, hearts full π€ | Not every beautiful moment is loud. This one is soft and still β two people just grateful to be exactly where they are. |
## Brain Games & Memory
Brain Games
Gentle exercises for your mind. A few minutes a day helps clear the anesthesia fog and bring back that sharp mind we know is in there, Dad. π§
Watch the pattern, then repeat it
Watch carefully... π
Tap the same colors in order!
Not quite β try again! π
The pattern was:
Pattern length:
Unscramble this word:
Type your answer...
That's right! The word is
The word was
good try!
What number comes next?
Look at how each number changes from the last
Type the next number...
That's exactly right! π
Not quite β the answer was
Which one doesn't belong?
That's the odd one out!
The odd one was
Which word matches this definition?
Hint π‘
Check β
All Games
Play Again
Reset
correct
## Recovery Timelines
Recovery Timelines
What to expect depending on the type of surgery performed.
| Surgery Type | Going Home | Normal Activity | Full Healing | Icon |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Laparoscopic
(Minimally Invasive) | Most people go home the **exact same day**. | Return to desk work and light activities within **1 to 2 weeks**. | Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about **4 weeks**. | :icon-activity: |
| Open Surgery | Requires a hospital stay of **2 to 3 days**. | Because the incision is larger, it usually takes **4 to 6 weeks**. | Heavy lifting and intense physical activity restricted for at least **6 to 8 weeks**. | :icon-bed-double: |
## What to Expect
What to Expect
Understanding the natural healing process.
When to Call the Doctor
Watch incisions for signs of infection. Call your surgeon if you develop a fever, worsening pain, severe nausea/vomiting, or redness, swelling, or drainage.
:icon-stethoscope:
When in doubt β call
| Category | Icon | Point 1 Title | Point 1 Text | Point 2 Title | Point 2 Text | Point 3 Title | Point 3 Text |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pain & Discomfort | :icon-bandage: | Incision Pain | Abdomen will be tender. Managed with prescribed or OTC pain relievers. | Shoulder Pain | Common after laparoscopic surgery due to CO2 gas. Walking helps dissipate this gas. | | |
| Digestive Changes | :icon-activity: | No Gallbladder | Bile now drips continuously directly from the liver into the intestines. | Bowel Habits | You may experience loose stools, diarrhea, or bloating for a few weeks. | Diet Adjustments | Start with clear liquids and bland foods. Gradually introduce a low-fat diet. |
## Daily Rhythm & Movement
Your Daily Rhythm
After surgery, structure is a lifeline. A gentle daily routine gives shape to days that feel uncertain β and helps your body heal the way it needs to.
Daily Schedule
Movement Milestones
Movement is Medicine
Short gentle walks are one of the single most important things you can do after surgery. Even 5 minutes helps prevent blood clots, reduces shoulder pain from gas, and speeds healing. You don't need to feel up to it β you just need to do it.
| Time | Icon | Activity | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Morning | :icon-sunrise: | Wake gently β sip warm broth or water before anything else | Give the body 20β30 min before eating. Let it wake up slowly. |
| Breakfast | :icon-coffee: | Small, bland breakfast β oatmeal, toast, or applesauce | Half a normal portion. Eat slow. No rushing. |
| Mid-Morning | :icon-footprints: | First short walk β even just to the mailbox and back | 5β10 minutes is enough. Shuffle steps count. This is non-negotiable. |
| Midday | :icon-sun: | Small lunch β rice & chicken, or soup, or crackers & broth | Keep fat under 3β5g. Rest after eating β don't push through discomfort. |
| Early Afternoon | :icon-bed: | Rest β nap, read, watch something comforting | Sleep is when the body does most of its healing. This is not lazy. This is medicine. |
| Late Afternoon | :icon-footprints: | Second short walk β a little farther than this morning if able | Add 1β2 minutes each day you feel up to it. Progress is real. |
| Dinner | :icon-moon: | Small, warm dinner β fish, plain pasta, or baked potato | Eat at least 2 hours before bed to help digestion. |
| Evening | :icon-heart: | Gentle wind-down β call a daughter, watch something warm, breathe | Let the day slow down. You have done enough. Call Megan, Cady, or Desiree β or just sit quietly and let yourself feel whatever comes. Rest is next. You've earned it. |
| Week | Movement Goal | Lifting Limit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Week 1 | Short walks around the house β rest every 30 min | Nothing over 5 lbs (about a bag of sugar) |
| Week 2 | Walk outside for 10β15 min once or twice daily | Still under 10 lbs β no reaching overhead |
| Weeks 3β4 | Gradually increase to 20β30 min daily walks | Up to 15β20 lbs β listen to your body |
| Weeks 5β6+ | Return to normal light activity β short errands, gentle chores | Normal lifting returns β ask surgeon before anything strenuous |
## Medications & Warning Signs
Medications & Warning Signs
Know what you're taking, what's normal, and when to call for help β no guessing.
Go to the ER Right Now
Don't wait. Don't second-guess. Call 911 or go directly to the emergency room if any of these happen.
Call Your Surgeon
These aren't emergencies, but they need attention within the same day β don't sit on them.
This Is Normal β Don't Panic
Recovery isn't comfortable. These things are expected and will pass.
**Important:** Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safer than ibuprofen after abdominal surgery. Ibuprofen and aspirin can irritate the healing gut lining and increase bleeding risk. Unless your surgeon specifically prescribed them, stick to Tylenol for pain and ask before switching.
If you were sent home with prescription pain medication (like hydrocodone or oxycodone): take the lowest dose that gives relief, don't wait until pain is severe to take it, and start weaning down after 3β4 days. These medications cause constipation β drink extra water and ask about a stool softener.
| Medication | Icon | What It Does | Key Tip | Watch Out |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Tylenol / Acetaminophen | :icon-pill: | Pain relief β the safest OTC option after abdominal surgery | Take every 6 hours as needed. Max 3,000mg per day (not the full 4,000mg β stay conservative). | Do NOT mix with other medications that contain acetaminophen β check every label. |
| Antacid / Pepto-Bismol | :icon-shield: | Soothes nausea and upset stomach β common in first 1β2 weeks | Keep some on hand. Take before meals if nausea is consistent. | Avoid if prescribed blood thinners. Check with pharmacist if unsure. |
| Stool Softener (Colace) | :icon-droplets: | Prevents constipation β especially important if on prescription pain meds | Take daily while on any narcotic pain medication. Cheap and available over the counter. | Different from a laxative β it softens stool, not forces it. Safe to use daily. |
| Prescribed Antibiotics | :icon-shield-check: | Prevents infection at incision sites β if given by surgeon, complete the full course | Never stop early even if you feel fine. Take with food to reduce nausea. | Antibiotics can cause diarrhea β common and expected. Take probiotics 2 hrs apart. |
| Sign | Why It Matters | Icon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fever over 101Β°F (38.3Β°C) | Signals potential infection β internal or at the incision site | :icon-thermometer: |
| Severe, worsening abdominal pain | Pain should improve day by day β sudden worsening means something's wrong | :icon-alert-triangle: |
| Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice) | Indicates a bile duct issue β needs immediate surgical attention | :icon-eye: |
| Unable to keep any fluids down for 12+ hours | Severe dehydration after surgery is dangerous and can escalate fast | :icon-droplets: |
| Incision is hot, swollen, red, or leaking | Signs of wound infection β can spread quickly if untreated | :icon-bandage: |
| Sign | Icon |
| --- | --- |
| Fever between 99Β°F and 101Β°F | :icon-thermometer: |
| No bowel movement after 3β4 days | :icon-alert-circle: |
| Persistent nausea that won't ease | :icon-frown: |
| Incision looks red or slightly swollen | :icon-bandage: |
| Pain not responding to Tylenol | :icon-pill: |
| Normal Thing | Icon |
| --- | --- |
| Loose stools or diarrhea for 2β4 weeks | :icon-check-circle: |
| Shoulder or upper back pain (gas from surgery) | :icon-check-circle: |
| Fatigue β needing much more sleep than usual | :icon-check-circle: |
| Bruising and swelling around incisions | :icon-check-circle: |
| Itching at the incision site as it heals | :icon-check-circle: |
| Bloating and gas β especially after eating | :icon-check-circle: |
## Medication Tracker
Medication Tracker
Bella's live log β add meds, track every dose, and print for doctors.
Print for Doctor
Add Medication
Log Dose Taken
No medications yet. Click "Add Medication" to get started.
No doses logged yet. Go to Medications and tap "Log Dose Taken".
Add medications first to see the chart.
No doses logged today
Remove medication
Remove entry
Add Medication
Log Dose
Cancel
Confirm Dose
Add a note...
Optional note (e.g. "with food", "pain was 6/10")
Right now
MEDICATION LOG
Patient: Dad
Caregiver: Bella
Printed from Dad & Bella's Recovery Plan
No doses logged today yet.
Medication Name *
Instructions (optional)
e.g. Take with food
## Hydration Guide
Stay Hydrated β Every Single Day
Dehydration is the #1 reason people end up back in the ER after gallbladder surgery. This is the most important thing to track.
Daily Goal
64 oz / 8 cups
That's about 2 liters. Split between water, broth, herbal tea, and diluted juice. You don't have to hit it perfectly β just keep sipping all day.
Why Hydration Matters So Much Right Now
Surgery dehydrates the body. Anesthesia, fasting before the procedure, and the healing process all draw from your fluid reserves. Without your gallbladder, your digestive system is also adjusting β and dehydration makes every symptom worse: fatigue, nausea, constipation, dizziness, and headaches. Grief also physically dehydrates β crying, poor sleep, and low appetite all add up.
Signs You're Not Drinking Enough
Set a gentle alarm every 2 hours. When it goes off, drink something. That's the whole system.
| Warning Sign | Icon | Severity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dark yellow or amber urine | :icon-droplets: | early |
| Dry mouth or cracked lips | :icon-wind: | early |
| Dizziness or lightheadedness | :icon-alert-circle: | moderate |
| Headache that won't go away | :icon-zap: | moderate |
| No urination for 6+ hours | :icon-alert-triangle: | call |
| Extreme fatigue or confusion | :icon-alert-triangle: | call |
| Drink | Icon | Why It Helps | Good Option |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Plain water | :icon-droplet: | Best all-day option. Keep a glass by the bed and the couch. | Yes |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | :icon-soup: | Provides sodium and electrolytes lost after surgery. Great on low-appetite days. | Yes |
| Herbal tea (chamomile, peppermint, ginger) | :icon-leaf: | Soothing, warm, and counts toward daily fluid goal. Ginger helps nausea. | Yes |
| Diluted apple juice or sports drinks | :icon-glass-water: | Adds electrolytes on days when broth sounds awful. Dilute 50/50 with water. | Yes |
| Coconut water | :icon-tree-palm: | Natural electrolytes β especially good if you've had diarrhea or vomiting. | Yes |
| Caffeinated coffee or tea | :icon-coffee: | Mild diuretic β can work against hydration. Limit to 1 cup a day if you love it. | No |
| Sugary sodas or energy drinks | :icon-x-circle: | High sugar irritates the digestive system without the gallbladder. Avoid. | No |
| Alcohol | :icon-x-circle: | Dehydrates heavily, stresses the liver, and interacts with medications. Avoid completely. | No |
| Time | Target Amount | What to Drink |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Wake up | 8 oz (1 cup) | Warm water or broth β before anything else |
| Mid-morning | 8 oz (1 cup) | Herbal tea or water with a squeeze of lemon |
| With lunch | 8 oz (1 cup) | Water or diluted juice alongside your meal |
| Early afternoon | 8 oz (1 cup) | Broth or coconut water β good for the after-lunch slump |
| Mid-afternoon | 8 oz (1 cup) | Herbal tea or plain water |
| With dinner | 8 oz (1 cup) | Water or warm broth alongside your meal |
| After dinner | 8 oz (1 cup) | Chamomile tea β helps digestion and sleep |
| Before bed | 8 oz (1 cup) | Small sip of water β keep glass on nightstand |
## Mental Health & Rest
Your Mind Needs Recovery Too
Post-surgery depression is documented, real, and extremely common. The emotional weight of recovery is just as real as the physical. Neither is weakness. Both deserve care.
Post-Surgery Depression: What Nobody Tells You
Up to **1 in 3 people experience depression after surgery**. It's not about mindset. It's biochemical. Anesthesia disrupts neurotransmitters. Pain disrupts sleep. Loss of independence stirs up emotions that catch people off guard.
The feeling may look like: flatness, hopelessness, crying without knowing why, no interest in food or TV or talking, a sense that you're not getting better. These are signals, not character flaws. They ease with time, support, and sleep.
Rest Is Not Laziness. It Is the Work.
The body heals almost entirely during sleep and rest. Growth hormone β the body's primary repair signal β is released in its highest concentrations during deep sleep. Keeping the body still and calm gives it the resources to knit tissue, fight inflammation, and restore itself. Every time you push through exhaustion to 'do something productive,' you are borrowing from healing.
Sleep After Surgery
Aim for 8β9 hours of sleep per night in the first two weeks. Napping during the day is encouraged β not a sign you're being lazy. Pain disrupts sleep cycles, so if discomfort is keeping you awake, ask Bella to help you find a comfortable position or adjust pain management.
When to Say Something
Tell Bella β or call one of your daughters β if any of these feel true for more than 3 days in a row.
Things That Actually Help
You Don't Have to Perform Recovery
You don't have to be cheerful. You don't have to say 'I'm fine' when you're not. You don't have to push yourself to seem strong for anyone β including your daughters. The people who love you want the real answer when they ask how you are. Letting them in is not a burden. It is connection. It is healing.
| Feeling or Sign | Icon |
| --- | --- |
| You feel hopeless or like things won't get better | :icon-cloud-rain: |
| You have no interest in eating, talking, or anything you used to enjoy | :icon-battery-low: |
| You feel like a burden to Bella or the family | :icon-weight: |
| You're having thoughts of not wanting to be here | :icon-alert-triangle: |
| You feel completely numb β not sad, just empty | :icon-minus-circle: |
| Sleep has become impossible β less than 4 hours a night | :icon-moon: |
Nightly sleep goal
8β9 hours
Plus naps whenever your body asks for them.
| What Helps | Icon | How |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Go outside β even just the porch | :icon-sun: | 5 minutes of natural light resets cortisol and lifts mood. You don't have to walk. Just sit in the light. |
| Call or text one person | :icon-phone: | Isolation deepens depression. You don't have to talk about how you feel. Just saying 'I was thinking of you' is enough. |
| Look at a favorite photo of Allene | :icon-image: | Grief and memory are healing. Letting yourself look at her face β a trip, a holiday, a family moment β honors her and reminds your heart that love never leaves. |
| Eat something warm | :icon-soup: | Warm food activates the parasympathetic nervous system β the 'rest and digest' mode. Even broth counts. Even toast. |
| Turn on something familiar | :icon-tv: | A show you've seen before requires no mental energy. It fills silence and keeps you company. There is no shame in reruns. |
| Say out loud what you're grateful for | :icon-heart: | Not toxic positivity β just one thing. Bella's presence. A warm blanket. The sun through the window. It anchors the nervous system. |
## Gentle Meal Plan
Gentle Meal Plan
Simple, low-fat meals that are easy on the body and the budget β no complicated prep required.
| Meal Type | Icon | Item 1 | Desc 1 | Item 2 | Desc 2 | Item 3 | Desc 3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Breakfast | :icon-sunrise: | Oatmeal with Banana | Cook with water, mash in half a banana for natural sweetness. No sugar needed. One of the cheapest, most healing breakfasts you can make. | Scrambled Egg Whites | Just the whites β the yolk has fat that can upset digestion right now. A tiny spray of oil in the pan, a pinch of salt. Done in 3 minutes. | Toast with Applesauce | Plain white or whole wheat toast topped with unsweetened applesauce. Gentle, easy to swallow, and no cooking required. |
| Lunch | :icon-sun: | Broth Soup with Rice | Boxed or canned chicken broth β pour over cooked rice. Toss in any soft veggie you have. Warming, healing, and costs under $1 a bowl. | Turkey & Mustard on Toast | Deli turkey on plain bread with yellow mustard (not mayo). Low-fat, filling, and zero cooking. Skip the cheese for now. | Plain Rice with Shredded Chicken | Cook a small chicken breast in broth, shred it, serve over white rice. Make a big batch once β eat it 3 days in a row. |
| Dinner | :icon-moon: | Baked Potato Bar | Microwave a potato for 8 minutes. Top with plain non-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, a little salt, and soft steamed veggies. Zero real cooking. | Pasta with Marinara | Boil plain pasta. Use a small amount of low-fat jarred marinara (check label β under 3g fat per serving). Add shredded chicken if available. | Baked White Fish | Tilapia and swai are the cheapest options β often $3-4/lb frozen. Season with lemon juice and herbs, bake at 400Β° for 15 min. Serve with steamed carrots. |
## Budget & Easy Prep
Eating Well on a Tight Budget
Healing food does not have to be expensive. These are the most powerful, affordable staples for recovery β and strategies for when energy is at zero.
Recovery and grief together are a heavy load. Some days the body simply has nothing left β and that is okay. Here are honest no-cook or 2-minute options that still support healing, for the days when even standing in a kitchen feels like too much.
These aren't forever β just for the first few weeks while the gut adjusts.
| No-Energy Tip | Icon | Detail |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Rotisserie Chicken | :icon-drumstick: | Around $7-9 at most stores. Pull the skin off (that's the fat), and you have lean protein for 3+ meals with zero cooking. Shred into soup, rice, or eat plain. |
| Low-Sodium Canned Soup | :icon-soup: | Look for clear broth-based soups (chicken noodle, vegetable). Campbell's Healthy Request or store brand. Heat in 2 minutes. Have a stash for hard days. |
| Plain Instant Oatmeal | :icon-flame: | Just add hot water. The plain unflavored packets are cheapest and best β flavored ones have too much sugar and fat. Top with a banana or applesauce. |
| Toast + Yogurt | :icon-utensils: | Plain non-fat Greek yogurt and a slice of toast. No cooking. Eat straight from the container. This is a full recovery-friendly meal and it takes 30 seconds. |
| Cook Once, Eat All Week | :icon-snowflake: | On one good day, cook a big pot of rice and shred one chicken breast. Portion into containers. That is 4-5 lunches and dinners done. Refrigerate up to 4 days. |
| Saltines + Broth | :icon-coffee: | When nausea hits or energy is truly at zero β sip warm broth and eat plain saltine crackers. This counts as a meal during recovery. Be gentle with yourself. |
| Food | Est. Cost | Why It Helps | Icon |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| White Rice | ~$1.50 for 5+ servings | Easiest thing for a post-surgery gut to digest. Blank slate for any protein. | :icon-wheat: |
| Eggs (whites only for now) | ~$3-4 per dozen | Cheapest complete protein available. Egg whites are fat-free and cook in minutes. | :icon-circle: |
| Bananas | ~$0.20 each | Gentle on the gut, provides potassium, natural energy. Eat as-is or mash into oatmeal. | :icon-smile: |
| Rolled Oats | ~$3 for 30 servings | Soluble fiber that soothes the digestive tract. One of the most healing breakfast foods. | :icon-layers: |
| Chicken Broth (carton) | ~$2-3 per carton | Hydrating, soothing, base for soups. Warm broth alone can ease nausea and discomfort. | :icon-droplets: |
| Frozen Tilapia or Swai | ~$3-4 per lb | The most affordable white fish. Bakes in 15 min. Very low fat, high protein. | :icon-fish: |
| Frozen Carrots / Green Beans | ~$1.50 per bag | Frozen veggies are just as nutritious as fresh. Steam in the bag. Zero prep, zero waste. | :icon-leaf: |
| Unsweetened Applesauce | ~$2-3 for 6 cups | Soothes the gut, natural sweetness, no prep. Perfect topping for oatmeal or toast. | :icon-apple: |
| Avoid | Why |
| --- | --- |
| Anything fried or greasy | Triggers diarrhea and cramping without a gallbladder |
| Whole eggs & egg yolks | Yolks are high in fat β whites only for the first few weeks |
| Full-fat dairy (butter, cheese, cream) | Fat overload hits harder when bile isn't stored anymore |
| Broccoli, cabbage, beans | Gas-producing foods cause painful bloating after surgery |
| Carbonated drinks | The gas bubbles cause real discomfort in a healing abdomen |
| Spicy foods | Irritates the gut lining that's already sensitized from surgery |
## Grocery List & Tips
Recovery Grocery List
Budget-friendly. Minimal prep. Everything your body needs right now.
Week 1 Essentials
:icon-shopping-cart:
:icon-lightbulb:
| Category | Items |
| --- | --- |
| Cheap Healing Staples | β’ White rice (big bag β use all week)
β’ Rolled oats or plain instant oatmeal packets
β’ Plain saltine crackers
β’ Plain white or whole-wheat bread
β’ Plain pasta (spaghetti or penne) |
| Produce (affordable picks) | β’ Bananas β buy a whole bunch, ~$0.20 each
β’ Unsweetened applesauce (cups or jar)
β’ Russet or sweet potatoes
β’ Frozen carrots or frozen green beans
β’ Frozen steam-in-bag veggies (any mild kind) |
| Protein (low-fat only) | β’ Eggs (use whites only for now)
β’ Skinless chicken breasts (frozen is cheaper)
β’ Frozen tilapia or swai fillets
β’ Deli turkey breast β lean, no thick sauces
β’ Plain non-fat Greek yogurt |
| Broth, Canned & Pantry | β’ Chicken or vegetable broth (carton or cans)
β’ Low-fat canned chicken noodle soup
β’ Low-fat jarred marinara sauce (under 3g fat/serving)
β’ Skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
β’ Jell-O cups or popsicles (clear/light) |
| Tip Title | Description | Icon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 5β6 Small Meals a Day | Not three big ones. Small portions throughout the day is gentler on a gut that's adjusting to no gallbladder. | :icon-clock: |
| Cook Once, Eat 4 Days | On a good day, make a big pot of rice and cook two chicken breasts. Divide into containers. Meals done. Refrigerate up to 4 days. | :icon-refrigerator: |
| Sip Broth All Day | Warm broth counts as hydration AND nutrition. It soothes the gut, eases nausea, and requires zero energy to prepare. | :icon-coffee: |
| Read the Fat Label | For the first 4 weeks, aim for under 3β5g of fat per meal. If the label says more than that per serving β skip it for now. | :icon-search: |
| Nausea Day? Crackers + Broth | If a real meal feels impossible β saltines and warm broth IS a meal. Don't push it. Rest. Try again when it passes. | :icon-heart: |
| Skip for Now | Fried food, greasy food, whole eggs, full-fat dairy, broccoli, cabbage, beans, anything carbonated. These will cause pain β not worth it. | :icon-ban: |
## Healing Heart & Mind
Healing Your Heart Too
You are healing from surgery while also carrying the grief of losing Allene. Both of these things are real, and both deserve care. You do not have to choose which one hurts more.
"My love, you are so much stronger than you know. I am with you in every breath."
β Allene, always
Grief and the Body
This is real science: grief suppresses the immune system, disrupts sleep, raises cortisol levels, and physically slows the body's ability to heal. You are not imagining the weight of it. Losing Allene in December and then facing surgery β your body and heart are carrying an enormous amount. That is not weakness. That is love. And love, even in its hardest form, is what makes you who you are. Rest is not giving up. Rest is how you honor both your body and her memory.
Permission Slip
**Post-surgery depression combined with grief is real, documented, and not your fault.** The anesthesia, the pain, the loss of independence β layered on top of losing Allene β can bring an emotional heaviness that is profound. If you feel flat, hopeless, or like nothing matters, that is not weakness. Tell Bella if it feels like too much. You are not a burden. You are loved.
| Permission | Icon |
| --- | --- |
| You are allowed to miss Allene out loud. Say her name. Remember her. She is not a wound to avoid β she is a love to honor. | :icon-heart: |
| You are allowed to feel frustrated, scared, or just plain worn out β all at once, all the time. | :icon-heart: |
| You are allowed to let Bella, your daughters, and your family take care of you. Letting them in is connection, not weakness. | :icon-heart: |
| You are allowed to have a hard day without explaining it to anyone. | :icon-heart: |
| You are allowed to feel moments of peace, laughter, and even happiness β that does not dishonor Allene. She would want that for you. | :icon-heart: |
| You are allowed to heal slowly. There is no timeline for grief and no finish line to race toward. | :icon-heart: |
For Dad & Bella β Together in This
| For Both of You | Icon | Detail |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Talk about Allene | :icon-message-circle: | Say her name. Share a memory. Laugh about something she would have said. Keeping her present in conversation is not painful β it is a gift you give each other. |
| Tell each other how you're really feeling | :icon-users: | You don't have to say 'I'm fine' when you're not. Bella is right there, and she wants the real answer. Letting her in is not a burden β it is connection. |
| Caregiver grief is real too | :icon-layers: | Bella: you are carrying your own grief for Allene while caring for Dad. You are allowed to be tired and sad and strong all at once. You don't have to hold it all together. |
| Reach out to your daughters | :icon-phone: | Megan, Cady, Desiree β they want to hear from you. They are grieving too. A call, a text, a 'thinking of you today' β connection is medicine for all of you. |
| Small joys are not betrayal | :icon-sun: | A good cup of coffee. A show that makes you laugh. A warm afternoon on the porch. These moments are not forgetting Allene β she would have been the first one to hand you that coffee and make you smile. |
Permission Slip
For Both of You
Grief & The Body
Healing is not linear. Some days will be better, some will knock you flat. Grief and recovery do not take turns β they happen together. But you are not walking any of it alone.
## Quick Reference Card
Quick Reference Card
Everything you might need in a hurry β keep this slide bookmarked.
π¨ Call 911 If
π Call Surgeon If
Tap any row to copy. Update the numbers in the Content tab to make this yours.
Six simple things β done daily, they make the biggest difference.
Emergency Signs
Key Contacts
Daily Checklist
Do not wait or second-guess. Call 911 or go to the ER immediately.
Not an emergency, but needs a call today β don't sit on these.
| Sign |
| --- |
| Fever above 101Β°F (38.3Β°C) |
| Severe or sudden worsening pain |
| Yellow skin or yellow eyes (jaundice) |
| No fluids staying down for 12+ hours |
| Incision that is red, hot, or leaking |
| Chest pain or trouble breathing |
| Sign |
| --- |
| Fever between 99Β°F and 101Β°F |
| No bowel movement for 3β4 days |
| Persistent nausea that won't ease |
| Pain not responding to Tylenol |
| Incision slightly red or swollen |
| Who | Number / Info | Icon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Emergency | 911 | :icon-ambulance: |
| Surgeon's Office | Add your surgeon's number here | :icon-stethoscope: |
| Pharmacy | Add your pharmacy number here | :icon-pill: |
| Bella | Right there with you | :icon-heart: |
| Megan | Add Megan's number here | :icon-phone: |
| Nearest ER | Add your nearest ER address here | :icon-map-pin: |
| Daily Task | Icon |
| --- | --- |
| Drink 8 cups of water or broth | :icon-droplets: |
| Take medications as scheduled | :icon-pill: |
| Take 2 short walks (even just around the house) | :icon-footprints: |
| Eat 5β6 small low-fat meals | :icon-utensils: |
| Rest at least 2 hours in the afternoon | :icon-bed: |
| Call a daughter or connect with someone you love | :icon-phone: |
## Owner Dashboard
Owner Dashboard
Private reference β enter your PIN to access
This section is for your eyes only, Megan.
Incorrect PIN β try again
Private reference β Megan only