What Was Supposed to Happen vs. What Actually Happened

When Dr. Serena and Dr. O’Ryan laid out my pre-surgery plan, the goal was simple: reduce
inflammation, regulate my blood levels, and get my body as strong as possible before surgery. In theory, I was supposed to follow a strict regimen—clean eating, iron and omega-3 supplementation, and cutting out anything that could make my symptoms worse.

But let’s talk about what actually happened. Because, whew chile… life be life-ing.

What I Was Supposed to Do:

✔ Load up on iron-rich, anti-inflammatory foods
✔ Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas
✔ Take omega-3s for vascular health
✔ Cut out processed foods, excess sugar, and caffeine
✔ Avoid NSAIDs, alcohol, and anything that could thin my blood

What I Actually Did:

👀 Drank ginger ale daily because I heard it helps (spoiler: Dr. Serena said, “Girl, that’s not real hydration.”)
🥜 Went crazy on raisins and nuts because I was trying to be “healthy” (but balance? What’s that?)
🐟 Stayed consistent with my omega-3s, so at least I did something right!
🥪 Had Jimmy John’s more times than I’d like to admit (listen, work lunches be a struggle)

Let’s Talk About This Ginger Ale Situation

In my mind, ginger ale was the go-to for digestion, nausea, and just general comfort. But according to actual medical science (aka Dr. Serena), ginger ale isn’t real hydration. The carbonation and sugar can actually lead to bloating, disrupt gut balance, and contribute to inflammation—which is literally the opposite of what I’m trying to do.

What She Actually Recommended Instead:
🚰 Water with lemon – for hydration & mild detox benefits
🍵 Ginger or peppermint tea – actual digestion support
🥤 Coconut water – for electrolytes without the excess sugar
🥛 Bone broth – helps with gut health & provides collagen for healing

The Reality of Eating Healthy

Now, let’s talk about this raisins and nuts situation. I really tried, y’all. I was out here snacking on almonds, walnuts, and dried fruit like I was some kind of wellness guru. But balance? Nonexistent.

Because at the same time, Jimmy John’s had me in a chokehold at work. The convenience? Unmatched. The freaky fast delivery? Irresistible. And let’s be real—when you’re dealing with fatigue, hormonal shifts, and work stress, the last thing you want to do is be out here prepping gourmet meals every day.

The Takeaway: Progress, Not Perfection

Despite my questionable dietary choices, I still made progress. My iron levels improved, my bloating reduced (until the ginger ale situation), and I felt like I was actually doing something to help myself heal. But now, I see where I need to tighten up, especially before surgery.

Moral of the story? It’s about balance. I might not have followed everything to a T, but I’m aware now, and I’m adjusting. Less Jimmy John’s, more water. Less ginger ale, more herbal tea. And maybe I’ll actually prep my meals this week instead of winging it.

But no promises. 😅