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@@Aspring424 yes ma'am, twins! What procedure are you having? I'm having the bypass.

Did you see the one a couple of weeks ago with the woman that had had a experimental lap band years and years ago and they were trying to find it. I found it very hard to believe that they were thinking that it passed through her system. They finally found it while they were doing a bypass on her. It was completely encapsulated in her outer stomach. The younger doc wanted to remove it, but his dad said just leave it. It was pretty wild!

I saw it! They usually don't have to many lap band patients, mostly Gastric Bypass patients. He really did do a good job explaining what he was doing and how it would work. I was sooo proud of Tiffany. I really hope she sticks to it and has good success. I could really tell a difference in her face after she lost some weight.

Hi JoAnne and welcome to the forum. I honestly think this is more than a program. It's a complete lifestyle and mindset change. For me, the sleeve forces me to make better decisions. I have yet to feel "real hunger", and I'm 3 months out from my revision. I had a lot of faith in the band in the beginning because it did work until I lost restriction. When I started researching my revision (due to complications with the band), I knew the sleeve would work because it's immediate restriction. I struggled with my weight for years, and I decided that being fat came with much higher risks than having surgery again. I absolutely love the restriction I have when I eat. I have had several ups and downs with my revision post-op, but I have no regrets. The sleeve works. I won't deny that every day brings either a struggle or success. I have my bad days, but they are fewer as every week passes. Some days it's easy to make bad choices in what I put in my mouth, but the next day I make a better decision. I have to make the effort for the sleeve to work. I could eat ice cream, mashed potatoes, and junk food every day, but I would not be using the sleeve as it was intended. I hope ramble of mine helps some.

I have BCBS-IL, they said my co-pay for gastric bypass is $250. That's good to know!

<TABLE height=280 width="100%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Kent "Big Boy" Alexander</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Duodenal Switch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Actor (Deuce Bigelow/Charlie's Angels:Full Throttle) - Radio DJ</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Khaliah Ali</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lap Band </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Fashion Designer - 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Star of stage, screen, and television</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Michael Genadry</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Banded Gastric Bypass (unsure if this is the Fobi procedure) </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Actor, Ed (TV show - incorporated the surgery into the storyline)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Adam Goldstein</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - 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wife/manager of Ozzy Osbourne</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>JoMarie Payton</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - Fobi Pouch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Played Harriet Winslow on Family Matters (TV show) </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>John Popper</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - 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Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Opera Singer</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Basil White</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Stand-Up Comedian</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Ann Wilson</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lap Band </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lead singer of the bands Heart and The Lovemongers </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Carnie Wilson</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Member of the group Wilson Phillips - daughter of Beach Boys member Brian Wilson </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

If you're having surgery as a self-pay, you don't have to worry about the BMI. WASA had a revision when she was at (even a little below) her goal weight. The lower your weight, the easier it usually is for the surgeon so you're good to go.

Yes Elisabeth, that was really helpful! I guess I hadn't given my BMI much thought.. It is now 35. I am 197lbs and 5'3". Could this compromise the possibility of a revision?? I would like to lose another 60lbs or so. As for my surgeon and nutritionist, yah.. You got the idea lol I should have known better at the beginning when my surgeon asked me which surgery he did on me and whenhe had done it, when I was there for my final consult pre op. Then for my second fill he asked me if I had a fill yet and how much I had in my band. Yikes! What was I thinking:( Thanks again for your reply, I really appreciate it!! ~Kerri

Just heard from United Healthcare that my appeal has been denied for a revision to VSG. They already approved the Lapband removal but not the revision. I don't have the paperwork yet but the coordinator said their response was several pages long but amounted to that they felt I didn't have success with the Lapband so would not have success with another restrictive procedure. I feel there is no comparison to having VSG vs. Lapband and I explained that in my appeal letter (which was 42 pages in total since it included years more of medical records). I'm told my next step is to submit for a Level 2 appeal which will be reviewed by my employer (a major corporation). I've posted this on the band revision forum too but am just hoping for some encouragement and advice from others who may have been through the same thing. Thanks. Susie

Before and After by Susan Maria Leach, the owner of Bariatric Eating (which operates another great website). It discusses her experience with gastric bypass---but is relevant to bandsters, too. The eating plan is very helpful, IMO, as are the recipes at the end. (The website has tons of great recipes, too--and many of the members who post on the boards are banded.)

I’m about 5 weeks out from rny gastric bypass and I’m starting to get back to a more “normal” diet. Are there any meal kits out there that anyone knows of? a couple years ago I was in a ldr and my bf used to order 3-4 meals a week. When I visited, it was enough for two and when I was not there, he always had leftovers since they are designed for 2. Since I’m obviously not eating as much as I did pre op, one kit would probably be 4 or 5 meals and that seems so wasteful because I can’t imagine eating the same thing 4 meals in a row. Are there meal kits out there that make smaller portions?

Im getting my revision in dallas, texas.. has anyone used dr. David kim and if so any feedback

I don't know if my sisters will be judgmental because my oldest sister and her friend had the bypass in the 90's. I just know my mom will tell every Person she knows. Love her to death but she talks to much, she lives in the islands and I don't want my business on the street. Ironically I told my ex boyfriend and he was very supportive, we have a great relationship due to our daughter and he has been around with all of my weight struggles so he understands. On the other hand If I were to tell my current Beau I already know what he is going to say "Susie why you need to cut your stomach out, you can loose the weight on your own, all you have to do is stop eating X, Y AND Z".

Generally if you develop an ulcer, you will find it difficult to keep food down and experience incessant nausea and vomiting. But these symptoms can also happen if you develop a stricture. According to the internet: Nausea and vomiting are the most common complaints after bariatric surgery, and they are typically associated with inappropriate diet and noncompliance with a gastroplasty diet (ie, eat undisturbed, chew meticulously, never drink with meals, and wait 2 hours before drinking after solid food is consumed). If these symptoms are associated with epigastric pain, significant dehydration, or not explained by dietary indiscretions, an alternative diagnosis must be explored. One of the most common complications causing nausea and vomiting in gastric bypass patients is anastomotic ulcers, with and without stomal stenosis. Ulceration or stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy of the gastric bypass has a reported incidence of 3% to 20%. Although no unifying explanation for the etiology of anastomotic ulcers exists, most experts agree that the pathogenesis is likely multifactorial. These ulcers are thought to be due to a combination of preserved acid secretion in the pouch, tension from the Roux limb, ischemia from the operation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and perhaps Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence suggests that little acid is secreted in the gastric bypass pouch; however, staple line dehiscence may lead to excessive acid bathing of the anastomosis. Treatment for both marginal ulcers and stomal ulcers should include avoidance of NSAIDs, antisecretory therapy with proton-pump inhibitors, and/or sucralfate. In addition, H pylori infection should be identified and treated, if present.

I am so very annoyed right now. My first visit with my surgeon last month. I gave him records from WW, proving that I had tried to lose weight for 6 months. He had told me that this was acceptable for bypassing the 6 month monitored weight loss. So I had huge plans to have surgery in September after I got all my tests done. I have been rushing to have all these tests, have an appointment basically on all my days off except for this coming Tuesday, which now my boss talked me into working. Only to get a call today, saying those records are not acceptable and I have to do the 6 month monitored weight loss. I am so pissed off. I have had 2 sessions already, so that is only 4 months left, but that still pushes me into November to have the surgery, or by the time my insurance approves it, December. This completely ruins everything I had planned.

I'm waiting for my sister. To tell me she is having a baby too she just had the bypass in February and she also has pcos..,

Oh and another thought. I was talking to a nurse who works at this hospital. She happened to bring up the gastric bypass and how she was trying to talk her niece out of getting it. I had a shocked look and was like why? I told her how I am looking into it and need to know whats wrong. She said the lap sleeve is safer. She told me to remember one thing - THE DOCTORS ARE RUNNING A BUSINESS. ($$$$) So part of me thinks they are recommending the 2-part DS for more money. However if I only get the sleeve done anyway they are not making any more money.

hi....my bmi the day of surgery was 31. yesterday i was one month out. i have lost 18 lbs since surgery. my bmi is now in the 28 range. you will do good. who is doing your revision? kelly

Do you mind me asking why you have to wait 2 weeks? I had my band to sleeve revision back on May 3 and it was done in one surgery. I, also, had a huge lipoma removed while I was asleep! Just wondering. All doctors are different! Good luck with your surgery. You are going to love the sleeve! Barb quote name='anonynurse' timestamp='1306334808' post='155093'] Hi all. I am getting my band out on the 31st and then will be sleeved on June 16th. I just have a question: How hard is the time between the removal and then the revision in terms of appetite, nausea, weakness, pain, recovery and ability to work? I'll be on the pre-op diet during that interim. Thanks!

Hi White06...I most definately think either you have a problem with the band, or you are overfilled. A healthy, properly filled band is a tool that enables us to eat hard Protein, not liquid meals. Trust me, I've been there. Please get an unfill ASAP before you damage your esophagus or band, if it isn't already. What does your doctor say about all this? I'm not trying to be judgemental; I went through hell with my band before finally having it revised to RNY, and I hate to see you suffer like this. Take care,

Thanks for all the well wishes everyone! I've actually been doing alright - not too hungry, bit of a gas pain everyonce and a while still but I also know I haven't been walking as much as I should (and to top it off it snowed today lol). But I'm doing alright! Looking forward to moving onto the full liquids stage as the Clear Liquids is starting to get a bit boring. Today was a quiet day so even for day 3 post surgery, it wasn't too shabby. I did however get to take a shower today - first day since surgery that I was allowed and well - that was quite the experience. We just have a stand up shower stall so DF stood at the open door and took a wash cloth to all the iodine, etc on my belly. The Water wasn't super hot the way I usually like it as I thought it was probably not a good idea on my tummy. I had just finished washing my hair and rinsing it when I knew bad things were about to happen. I think it is from a lack of calories/nutrients and the hot water as I opened the door and told DF "must sit now" (he was waiting outside the shower for me in case I needed him) as I knew if I didn't sit down I would have passed out in the bathroom (which isnt very spacious). So dripping wet I made a beeline for the toilet seat and had to sit there, leaning against him while the dark cloud came over me (I don't know if any of you have ever passed out before or almost passed out - but it's not fun). This is not a feeling that I am a stranger too and I knew the signs that it was coming - I've had issues with this since I was a kid (blood tests come back fine though everytime and it's VERY sporadic and occasional). I was leaning against him and I think I did actually pass out (wasn't from pain as I wasn't in any) leaning against him. When I was able to we got me to the bed, I lay down and just chilled there for about an hour. So note to everyone, if your low on your calories/blood sugar, careful with warm showers as that is usually what triggers me on my "near black out" moments, and post-surgery was no exception. On an exciting note - my official "weight day" isn't until Wednesday so I am not updating or putting it on my tracker but so far - down 8 lbs since surgery on the 23rd. I realize that I will likely gain some of this back once I start mushies but I'll be so damn happy to have mushies I don't think I will care!! Hope everyone is doing well! *big hugs and well wishes to you all* It's actually been my experience (as well as that of friends) but also what has been told to me on more than one occasion by doctors. Thank you! If you check out the Canada boards there is a group that posts under different threads related to BC Bandsters, you should check them out some time. None of the lapband procedure is covered by BC Medical unfortunately, and likely won't be any time soon. Gastric Bypass is covered but I believe the waitlist is about 6 years now for it if you have it paid for by medical. I don't know if he does bypasses or not (I don't think he does though) but he does do the "sleeve". His cost is $400 consulation fee (first time you meet with him) and the cost of the surgery is $14,000 (includes free aftercare fills no charge for them). I believe he is accepting patients you just have to call and ask how to go about getting a consult (they send you a questionnaire to fill out) - I'll pm you his number. I will say though - if you are seriously considering the band and have the money to self pay - give it great thought before going to Mexico or the US at this point. Not due to lack of great surgeons but due to there not being very much aftercare options in BC right now. Dr.Leung in Surrey also does the lapband and WILL NOT accept any other surgeons patients. Dr.Woodhead *may* and I say that with great emphasis as I know he prefers not to as well. Other than that, your only other option for aftercare would be to travel to Everett area in Washington to one of the fill places there. So be sure you check out all of your options before settling on a location/surgeon. I would have loved to go to Dr.Kirschenbaum in Denver for a cheaper price but figured by the time I have to go through the hassell and paying for fills (most places charge $150-200 in the states , per fill) that it wasn't worth it and that it was worth shelling out the extra $5000 up front. Good luck on your journey and decisions, feel free to message me at any time. :cursing:

Hello! I am a 40 yr old female from Cape Cod Mass. I have been overweight forever, but in the past few years I reached my highest peak @ 255lbs. In January of this year I looked into bariatric weight loss thru BI in Boston. They have a comprehensive and long program, which I completed in about 3-4 months and was told I would be a good candiate for surgery. I waited a few more months, as I was trying to decide what was best for me. Once I decided to go forward, I had to pick GBP or Lap Band. Since I was not a diebetic and on medications for health problems and the gbp seemed so severe, I opted for Lap Band surgery. My date was set for Monday 8/30/10. The week prior I did a partial liquid diet using mostly the unjury protein drinks. They taste good and filled me up. It was easier than I thought and I lost 10 lbs prior to surgery, just as my doctor wanted. I was super exicted and nervous but my surgeon is renowned in thie field and I was confident. Unfortunatley for me things did not go as planned. As I woke up in recovery, a nurse who did not seem to know about bariatrics, handed me 2 containers of liquid percocet and some water, telling me to drink it all down. I did as I was told, only to be hit with such pain in my chest, I thought I was dying. I could not breathe, I vomited, I was sweating and very upset. Nothing s/b given orally so soon after surgery and I will never know if that caused what happened next or not, but it was a long road for me. As a mom with a 6 yr old who was due to start first grade, I was happy to have my surgery scheduled before her school started, knowing I would be in the hospital for just one night. Well, for me it turned into a long 6 days! On day 3 my Dr stuck a needle in the band and took out all the water (15 cc) trying to loosen things up. 4 days after surgery I still could not keep 15 cc of water down and he decided to go back in and pop 2 stiches to loosen me up. This is called a revision and he said he had only see this happen in 2 patients prior to me...and he has done this since the surgery came about. I had to go backunder general anthesia and into the OR again. By the next day I was drinking some water and by Sunday afternoon I was finally released. I am 2 weeks out from my 2nd surgery and down a total of 30 lbs. I had my 2 week follow up with my doc and he says I am doing better than most. I am back to walking 3 miles a day (which I had started the month prior to surgery). My main issues now are with constipation and all that fun stuff.. Some days I don't want to get out of bed. I am cranky as I miss food. I loved to eat and it is harder than I expected to go without. On Saturday I tried on some jeans than are a size 20 (I was in 24/26) and they were a bit loose. This was exciting but only temporarily lifted my spirits. I still feel a bit off...not sure why exactly but trying to move ahead and getting stronger. I am on stage 4 diet...some solids, and so far, so good. This is my first time on a blog, and I am anxious to read other people's stories as well as chronicle my own. Thanks for reading:))

LAP-BAND,laparoscopic banding,bariatric surgery,obesity Tracy's FAQ LAP-BAND: Surgery Technique Weight-Loss Surgeries Compared You could also join his egroup and talk to lots of other patients. It's really a great group. Dr. Aceves is the VP of the Mexican Bariatric Assoc., and the Secretary of the International Bariatric Assoc. Both those positions are voted on by members so he is even respected by US docs. Things that you want to look for are issues such as... does your doc do surgery in a clinic or hospital? Mexico is not the same as the US, if you were to have a complication in a clinic and needed to be transported to a hospital it is not as easy as calling 911 and they are there in minutes. It's a whole different ballgame. I preferred to be in a fully equipped hospital with an ER, ICU, CCU, PICU, OR, etc. What kinds of procedures does the doc do? Does he ONLY do banding? Banding is the easiest of all procedures. I chose Aceves because he can do the tricky stuff, the bypass to band revisions, sleeve, etc. Many docs won't touch the hard stuff. How close do you want to be to the border? Some have a preference, some do not. I wanted to be close to the border. Just my personal opinion but I think the best two docs in Mexico from my research are Rumbaut and Aceves. They are who others refer to for the more complicated procedures. They both work out of a hospital, they don't do assembly line surgery, they both open the patient, place the band, and close the patient unlike other docs who have the asst. surgeon do most of the work. They are both well respected in the Mexican medical community, they both train US docs in banding, they are both safe surgeons. When people talk about how many bands someone has done, keep in mind that many times the docs strive to do 10 procedures a day. They have the Asst. Surgeon do most of the work, they spend about 15 minutes in OR with the patient, the asst. does everything else. Personally, I wouldn't want to be the 10th OR patient in the day. Rumbaut and Aceves limit their surgeries to 4-5 daily because they are doing the entire procedure. Lots of things to think about and consider when going to Mexico. It can be a very safe experience, but research is essential.

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Ok people just left hospital after 7 days!! LAPROSCOPIC ROUX EN Y BYPASS So I'll see how good my memory is.. I got to hospital Monday 10-28 at 10am waited a few hours to see surgeon had low blood sugar so had to wait longer finally got in around 3pm. Woke up around 6pm so bloody sore like you have no idea.. My stomach was so big and tight and holes in my belly plus the drain.. Was on IV from day one with fluids and then had fentanyl pumped into me every few hours to keep the pain down.. First 24hrs slept off and on so much every time I woke I was sore got more drugs to help me sleep so was pretty out of it for the first 48hrs.. I'm not sure if it was normal or I'm a sook lol.. After 3 days finally got the drain line out and had shower and felt much better but still pretty sore getting in and out of bed.. Blood tests and blood pressure and sugar check every few hours the first few days.. Wouldn't let me sleep much lol Started walking the halls after I think day 4 and on fluids everyday just broth and water and optifast nothing else.. The hospital staff were so nice and accommodating though every time i needed I pressed the button they were there.. Was still a little sore and bloated for the first 4 days but started going number 2 by then and farting more to let out the gas and air.. But everything is just liquids still so haven't felt anything going In or out except a few pills I take or if I drink too quickly... Gotta learn to slow down Been on chewable multivitamin since few days and been drinking plenty of water so that's been good and having my shakes but only half size shakes now.. Um I'm trying to think of anything else to help others going for surgery.. MY SURGEON chooses to make pouch a little bigger than regular which he says much easier to adjust and get used to not so restricted but still enough to make an impact Been feeling good last couple of days but still a little tired here and there just gotta keep water up and protein up don't feel worried if drinking too much Your body needs it to recover and heal I'm finally on my way home miss my own bed and feeling hopeful for the future definitely!!!!! thank you everyone!!!!