The

Thank you so much all for your thoughts and prayers. So, here's the score...
I feel amazing, I came back to my room 3 or 4 hours ago and I feel fantastic. Oxygen's gently wafting up my nose and my legs are alternately popping and inflating in an oddly relaxing rhythm.
I don't feel any pain worth mentioning, at the most I think you could say I'm 'aware' of where the incisions were made. I'm sat upright and about to take my first walk - I really can't wait to get on my feet.
Given everything I've read I'm surprised how easy constant little sips of Water are - I've probably (I can't see the record from here) got through 400ml so far).
Best of all given the almost imperceptibly rising level of anxiety that's accompanied me these last weeks I just feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and wellbeing - I feel like ordering a club sandwich and a massage from room service... ooooops!

I'm heading for the hospital in the morning. I have to admit I'm incredibly nervous. Being postponed by two weeks has shaken me and I occasionally think the worst.
That said if things go well, and of course the odds are they will, I feel fired up and ready. The pre-op diet has been brilliant. The postponement meant I've been on it for four weeks and I've lost 30-odd pounds. I started a couple of weeks early and have never deviated and hardly craved - I think my head's in the right place.
That said the anxiety is exhausting - I want to get to sleep, get in there and move on to the next stage of my journey.

I'm heading for the hospital in the morning. I have to admit I'm incredibly nervous. Being postponed by two weeks has shaken me and I occasionally think the worst.
That said if things go well, and of course the odds are they will, I feel fired up and ready. The pre-op diet has been brilliant. The postponement meant I've been on it for four weeks and I've lost 30-odd pounds. I started a couple of weeks early and have never deviated and hardly craved - I think my head's in the right place.
That said the anxiety is exhausting - I want to get to sleep, get in there and move on to the next stage of my journey.

Thanks!

I'm heading for the hospital in the morning. I have to admit I'm incredibly nervous. Being postponed by two weeks has shaken me and I occasionally think the worst.
That said if things go well, and of course the odds are they will, I feel fired up and ready. The pre-op diet has been brilliant. The postponement meant I've been on it for four weeks and I've lost 30-odd pounds. I started a couple of weeks early and have never deviated and hardly craved - I think my head's in the right place.
That said the anxiety is exhausting - I want to get to sleep, get in there and move on to the next stage of my journey.

So far? Frankly I'm amazed I have no pain, no nausea and, in fact, am having to remind myself I've had major surgery. I suspect I had an amazing clinical team in my corner.

I hate to admit that I had coffee before I was even discharged! I'm putting my, so far, pain and complication free recuperation to the healing properties of good coffee.

I hate to admit that I had coffee before I was even discharged! I'm putting my, so far, pain and complication free recuperation to the healing properties of good coffee.

Day two begins at home... in our own bed. That's so much better and sleep is a complete blessing.
I'm not sure if I should post a status report or run round the block waving streamers - I feel so good it's almost indecent. Anyway, here's where I'm at. I have no pain. None. I'm faint;y aware of the incision points but no more than if I had nicked myself shaving. I'm drinking as much as I like, I'm not swigging but I can sip constantly and have had a Water, watered down fresh apple juice, a latte, some Complan (for those of you in the US it's a recovery drink) and some other Hot Drinks. I have to say I'm over the sweet stuff already and have some beef shin and oxtail in a slow cooker to make a Soup for later - I can hardly wait. I'm burping heartily from time to time, which I take as a sign to slow down on the liquids but I'm comfortably meeting any targets so that's not a worry.
I went out for a walk around the block this morning, just a little shy of half a mile according to Strava, and felt great, initially I felt a little stitch in my side but that was all. I'm aware of a kind of tightness but it doesn't really register as pain, it's more like the muscle ache you feel after returning to core work in the gym after a long time. It's really hard to put my finger on what the sensations I'm feeling are, there is a physical sense but it's not familiar. I'm going to try to pin it down in words as I go on. Subsequently I haven't taken any pain medication since I came home (though stocked up with liquid and soluble paracetamol). I found the self administered injection of Fragmin, the anti-clotting agent, relatively painless - this was an enormous and welcome surprise.
My surgeon tells me that it's not unusual to feel euphoric after a day or two and that there's an inevitable crash in energy and mood. Well if that comes so be it, it's good to know so that it's easier to cope.
I've read an awful lot about side effects and complications here, and that might be the nature of the beast where people comment about the negatives in the hope of help, however unless I'm a complete statistical outlier it can clearly be a lot easier than it seems.

This could get very wrong very quickly! As I'm wearing my post-op stockings I'm feeling a bit kinky.

This could get very wrong very quickly! As I'm wearing my post-op stockings I'm feeling a bit kinky.

For years, I was a HUGE Coke drinker, and then in 2003, gave up all high fructose corn Syrup products. It was the worst addiction breakup EVER. The entire family did it and I thought we would all kill each other. I moved to Coke Zero and Cherry Coke Zero and loved it for years. I broke up with it a year before surgery, although I would drink it from time to time, the shine was off the apple. I love soda, and would love to be the person that sits down and drinks a Cherry Dr. Pepper and doesn't crave another, but I'm not. I recognized that and it's the reason I had the surgery in the first place.
Eating is an addiction and we've taken steps to break that cycle. But we can't do that without realistically facing up to the addiction and the "gateway food and drink" that start us back on the cycle. Soda is definitely one of them. Not all carbonated drinks are bad (seltzer is an example) but diet soda, regular soda, we have to face facts - they start a cycle. Carbs start a sugar cycle, sweets start a cycle. Let's be realistic and just follow the advice of the doctors. They truly know better. Perhaps the "it will cause your stomach to crack open" was a scare tactic, but the reality is that carbonated sodas are part of the problem, and we are all heading down this path to a healthy weight and life to SOLVE that problem.
Listen, I'm a psychologist, but I didn't need education or another therapist to tell me that I am addicted to food and I need to stop allowing myself to believe I could solve that problem on my own or that I can stop eating and diet at any time. I couldn't. I needed this surgery for the forced Portion Control that it truly is and I'm so happy I did it for that reason. I won't, for any reason, allow myself to do anything that will jeopardize the progress I've made and that includes going back to the "gateway foods" that will send me spiraling back into a food frenzy. No one should. If you do that, why did you bother with the surgery at all??
I borrowed Sosewsue61's soapbox and now I am returning it. LOL

Day two begins at home... in our own bed. That's so much better and sleep is a complete blessing.
I'm not sure if I should post a status report or run round the block waving streamers - I feel so good it's almost indecent. Anyway, here's where I'm at. I have no pain. None. I'm faint;y aware of the incision points but no more than if I had nicked myself shaving. I'm drinking as much as I like, I'm not swigging but I can sip constantly and have had a Water, watered down fresh apple juice, a latte, some Complan (for those of you in the US it's a recovery drink) and some other Hot Drinks. I have to say I'm over the sweet stuff already and have some beef shin and oxtail in a slow cooker to make a Soup for later - I can hardly wait. I'm burping heartily from time to time, which I take as a sign to slow down on the liquids but I'm comfortably meeting any targets so that's not a worry.
I went out for a walk around the block this morning, just a little shy of half a mile according to Strava, and felt great, initially I felt a little stitch in my side but that was all. I'm aware of a kind of tightness but it doesn't really register as pain, it's more like the muscle ache you feel after returning to core work in the gym after a long time. It's really hard to put my finger on what the sensations I'm feeling are, there is a physical sense but it's not familiar. I'm going to try to pin it down in words as I go on. Subsequently I haven't taken any pain medication since I came home (though stocked up with liquid and soluble paracetamol). I found the self administered injection of Fragmin, the anti-clotting agent, relatively painless - this was an enormous and welcome surprise.
My surgeon tells me that it's not unusual to feel euphoric after a day or two and that there's an inevitable crash in energy and mood. Well if that comes so be it, it's good to know so that it's easier to cope.
I've read an awful lot about side effects and complications here, and that might be the nature of the beast where people comment about the negatives in the hope of help, however unless I'm a complete statistical outlier it can clearly be a lot easier than it seems.

Day two begins at home... in our own bed. That's so much better and sleep is a complete blessing.
I'm not sure if I should post a status report or run round the block waving streamers - I feel so good it's almost indecent. Anyway, here's where I'm at. I have no pain. None. I'm faint;y aware of the incision points but no more than if I had nicked myself shaving. I'm drinking as much as I like, I'm not swigging but I can sip constantly and have had a Water, watered down fresh apple juice, a latte, some Complan (for those of you in the US it's a recovery drink) and some other Hot Drinks. I have to say I'm over the sweet stuff already and have some beef shin and oxtail in a slow cooker to make a Soup for later - I can hardly wait. I'm burping heartily from time to time, which I take as a sign to slow down on the liquids but I'm comfortably meeting any targets so that's not a worry.
I went out for a walk around the block this morning, just a little shy of half a mile according to Strava, and felt great, initially I felt a little stitch in my side but that was all. I'm aware of a kind of tightness but it doesn't really register as pain, it's more like the muscle ache you feel after returning to core work in the gym after a long time. It's really hard to put my finger on what the sensations I'm feeling are, there is a physical sense but it's not familiar. I'm going to try to pin it down in words as I go on. Subsequently I haven't taken any pain medication since I came home (though stocked up with liquid and soluble paracetamol). I found the self administered injection of Fragmin, the anti-clotting agent, relatively painless - this was an enormous and welcome surprise.
My surgeon tells me that it's not unusual to feel euphoric after a day or two and that there's an inevitable crash in energy and mood. Well if that comes so be it, it's good to know so that it's easier to cope.
I've read an awful lot about side effects and complications here, and that might be the nature of the beast where people comment about the negatives in the hope of help, however unless I'm a complete statistical outlier it can clearly be a lot easier than it seems.

Well, that wasn't too bad.
It's a bit like being holed up in a hotel with jet lag. Time is measured out in sips of Water and, thankfully, Earl Grey tea. sleep was fitful and unconvincing. As I can't concentrate quite well enough to read more than a page of a book at a time I go for walks around the ward.
After a pain free surgery day I feel a little more shaky today. There's an ache in my shoulder (my body dealing with the gas that was pumped into my stomach cavity, it's like a strain and easily bearable.
The closest thing I have to pain is the feeling of cramp or constriction when I try to take deep breaths to my diaphragm. It's like a band that makes you wince when you get to the bottom of a big breath - and the importance of deep breathing has been impressed upon me.
Walking was tentative to begin with, but I think that was mental rather than physical. I am now conscious of the operation site in my core and I'm subconsciously hunching over a little and my gait is shuffly rather than springy. Getting out into the fresh air is a restorative, a happy sign of normality.
The only pain relief I've had is intravenous paracetamol - I'm happy to keep it like that.

Well, that wasn't too bad.
It's a bit like being holed up in a hotel with jet lag. Time is measured out in sips of Water and, thankfully, Earl Grey tea. sleep was fitful and unconvincing. As I can't concentrate quite well enough to read more than a page of a book at a time I go for walks around the ward.
After a pain free surgery day I feel a little more shaky today. There's an ache in my shoulder (my body dealing with the gas that was pumped into my stomach cavity, it's like a strain and easily bearable.
The closest thing I have to pain is the feeling of cramp or constriction when I try to take deep breaths to my diaphragm. It's like a band that makes you wince when you get to the bottom of a big breath - and the importance of deep breathing has been impressed upon me.
Walking was tentative to begin with, but I think that was mental rather than physical. I am now conscious of the operation site in my core and I'm subconsciously hunching over a little and my gait is shuffly rather than springy. Getting out into the fresh air is a restorative, a happy sign of normality.
The only pain relief I've had is intravenous paracetamol - I'm happy to keep it like that.

Thank you so much all for your thoughts and prayers. So, here's the score...
I feel amazing, I came back to my room 3 or 4 hours ago and I feel fantastic. Oxygen's gently wafting up my nose and my legs are alternately popping and inflating in an oddly relaxing rhythm.
I don't feel any pain worth mentioning, at the most I think you could say I'm 'aware' of where the incisions were made. I'm sat upright and about to take my first walk - I really can't wait to get on my feet.
Given everything I've read I'm surprised how easy constant little sips of Water are - I've probably (I can't see the record from here) got through 400ml so far).
Best of all given the almost imperceptibly rising level of anxiety that's accompanied me these last weeks I just feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and wellbeing - I feel like ordering a club sandwich and a massage from room service... ooooops!

Thank you so much all for your thoughts and prayers. So, here's the score...
I feel amazing, I came back to my room 3 or 4 hours ago and I feel fantastic. Oxygen's gently wafting up my nose and my legs are alternately popping and inflating in an oddly relaxing rhythm.
I don't feel any pain worth mentioning, at the most I think you could say I'm 'aware' of where the incisions were made. I'm sat upright and about to take my first walk - I really can't wait to get on my feet.
Given everything I've read I'm surprised how easy constant little sips of Water are - I've probably (I can't see the record from here) got through 400ml so far).
Best of all given the almost imperceptibly rising level of anxiety that's accompanied me these last weeks I just feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and wellbeing - I feel like ordering a club sandwich and a massage from room service... ooooops!

I'm heading for the hospital in the morning. I have to admit I'm incredibly nervous. Being postponed by two weeks has shaken me and I occasionally think the worst.
That said if things go well, and of course the odds are they will, I feel fired up and ready. The pre-op diet has been brilliant. The postponement meant I've been on it for four weeks and I've lost 30-odd pounds. I started a couple of weeks early and have never deviated and hardly craved - I think my head's in the right place.
That said the anxiety is exhausting - I want to get to sleep, get in there and move on to the next stage of my journey.

Take two after mealtimes with Water?

No, wait... maybe not.

I bought a blender and it's collecting dust. Unjury Protein Shakes up so well by hand. I mix with Water for less carbs. Little Rubbermaid mixer mates were invaluable! I don't drink shakes anymore but now I use them to mix up my goats medicine. Lol
I truly needed so little. Protein Powder, bottled water, crystal light. I over bought so much.

I'm heading for the hospital in the morning. I have to admit I'm incredibly nervous. Being postponed by two weeks has shaken me and I occasionally think the worst.
That said if things go well, and of course the odds are they will, I feel fired up and ready. The pre-op diet has been brilliant. The postponement meant I've been on it for four weeks and I've lost 30-odd pounds. I started a couple of weeks early and have never deviated and hardly craved - I think my head's in the right place.
That said the anxiety is exhausting - I want to get to sleep, get in there and move on to the next stage of my journey.