I guess I should have expected a hiccup in this process because everything has gone so smoothly. First appointment with surgeon on 11/21, completed sessions with dietician, psych eval, etc with no complications. Received insurance approval on 2/20 & surgery scheduledodor 7:45 am on 3/12. This is where things changed...I don't remember anything after receiving "my happy juice" from the nurse anesthetist but upon waking up I felt like I had been hit by a Mack truck over & over again. So the dr did have to repair a hiatal hernia, no idea I had one, so I am not sure if that is where the some of the pain is coming from or is it the terrible gas or the terrible shoulder pain. This is day 5 and it is getting better but those first few days were a nightmare. Fortunatey, I have not had much of an appetite so the liquid phase is not a big deal and I have lost 5 lbs since Monday. I am committed to this lifestyle change and am thankful for this forum. I was able to read some of your stories on those nights I couldn't sleep to make sure I was not the only way going through this pain.

Hiatal hernia repair does make the recovery harder. The first few days are the worst, you should be turning the corner now. Use a heating pad for the shoulder pain. It really helps. Walk, walk, walk as much as you can. That will help the gas disperse. As will gas-x strips.

Hope you feel back to normal soon!!

Hang in there! You will actually forget this painful time (you have basically been in a nife fight which you did not win!)...and just begin to focus on yourself...It will get better every day and your life will also!