Once upon a time, in the picturesque village of Carlsbad, there lived a sweet and spirited lady named Holly. Holly, always full of kindness and cheer, had been suffering from a mysterious abdominal pain that no one could solve. Enter Dr. Mark—handsome, confident, and a little too good at making patients feel like they were about to receive an autograph instead of an incision. Dr. Mark had once come to her rescue after an unfortunate abdominal injury involving a rogue cabbage at the market. “You again, Holly?” he grinned, flashing his trademark smile. “What’s the trouble this time?” “The mystery pain is still here,” Holly said playfully. “But I trust you’ll figure this one out?” “Of course,” Dr. Mark reassured her. “A small procedure, no big deal. Just remember to stick to a low-fat diet afterward—oat milk, fresh fruit without the peels, things like that.” “Oat milk? Is that like a special milk for oats?” Holly asked, feigning confusion. “It’s for you, not the oats,” Dr. Mark said with a chuckle. “It’s dairy-free and gentle on your tummy.” Holly sighed dramatically. “Well, I suppose I’ll survive without croissants... for now.” After a successful surgery, Holly woke up feeling much lighter. “Dr. Mark, you truly are a miracle worker!” “Just doing my job,” he said, handing her oat milk. “Remember the low-fat diet—your recovery depends on it.” Holly stuck to her oat milk and peel-free fruit, much to the amusement of her friends and family. Soon, she was back to her sunny self, pain-free and full of energy. The villagers showered her with love and low-fat meals, and Holly couldn’t help but laugh. “Who knew oat milk could be so magical?” As for Dr. Mark, he continued his work in Carlsbad, always with a wink and a smile. He’d never admit it, but he had a soft spot for Holly, the darling who always made him smile. And they all lived happily (and healthily) ever after. The end. As you may have gathered from the story above, I'm having surgery. It is outpatient, and I'll be home the same day (April 23). Transportation is covered by everyone's friend Bob, of the San Diego Lighthouse, a homeless outreach specialist extraordinaire. For 24 hours I'm on a clear liquid diet, which I'll already have prepared. Honestly, I'll probably be taking sips of broth between 12-hour naps. Michelleanne, Queen of Many Large Dogs, is taking the twins for a couple of days. I'm not sure how many days. I suspect even Michelleanne will eventually go insane, much like I have because of them. If this surgery goes as planned and my big Bad Serious Medical Issue doesn't become a challenge to this laparoscopic surgery, I'll be home for two weeks. If it gets converted to an open procedure, I have no idea. However, the plan is for a quick and easy laparoscopic gallbladder removal. It seems like low-fat chicken & vegetable soup options are appropriate. I've been trying all those crazy recipes for banana pancakes made from Oats and cottage cheese online and have found them fantastic. If you've been dying to learn to cook with cottage cheese, here's your opportunity! Scrambled eggs? Love them. Hard-boiled eggs? Love them too. Oatmeal with some fruit in it? I'll eat it with glee. Fruit? They say no peels. Vegetables? non-gassy and cooked, says Dr Mark. Bean type things? Fine in moderation - please don't give my abdomen any reason to explode. There are more food details below. Lastly, I'm a highly introverted, slightly paranoid hermit. I'm EXTREMELY protective of my phone number and address. Please do not share this far and wide. If it's someone you know, I know, still tread carefully because I'm really trying to recover in peace and quiet. Also, My ringer is off most of the time, especially if I'm asleep or involved in something. Also, when I am completely overstimulated. I am a person who texts 99% of the time. If you cannot reach me, I might be asleep or watching cartoons. But I check for text messages often. PS, want to help but out of creative food ideas or time? I totally get it. I also accept Instacart, doordash, or other gift cards. I have zero complaints about ordering a bowl of prechopped up honeydew melon and some fat free greek Vanilla yogurt to my front door. If you really just want to take my dogs out to see sunshine and drag you around my complex, youre crazy for sure but that is very appreciated. I'm not sure when the dogs are returning yet. Flowers? I love flowers! I love house plants too. Want to vacuum dog hair off any given surface in my house? Come on down! Feel like finding the weird smell in my fridge or washing petrified oatmeal off my dirty dishes? I love you. Are you just looking for a place to escape your own dogs and catch a nap? I snore and everything in my house is uncomfortable but you are welcome to it! I watch documentaries and only have Youtube as a Streaming service. So my TV habits are odd, come stare at my TV!