Hello all! I am so happy all went well! Feel pretty loopy right now from the morphine PCA and my mouth (despite frequent use of a mouth sponge) is drier than the Sahara desert...but other than that feel great. I can feel that my stomach was manipulated, but it's not that bad. Maybe I'll feel different after they get me up to walk but all the reading I've done on this site says walk, walk, walk! I honestly don't know how I would have handled this without all te advice I've been reading on this site. So for that THANK YOU for everybody that has posted about their experience!

Yay!!! and glad to hear all is well!

I do not like alot of technology to be honest, but the online forums like VST are so unbelievably helpful. I contribute when I can because I gain information, support, advice and I get a feeling of contribution to a very worthy cause.

In the day and age where every one is "gimmie, gimmie" this is a most generous group!

I was glad that right when I got back to my room they gave me ice chips. I'd walk a lap and take a spoonful, walk another lap and take another spoonful. So much better than a mouth sponge.

Walking won't hurt. It'll get rid of all that gas though.

Wow I hope I recover as fast as you!

Can't wait to see how u progress - one month to go for me

I agree the boards are super helpful - I've found all sorts of info here that the doctors barely touched on.

Yay! I am glad you are doing ok. You sound just like me, I was up walking 1 hour after getting to my room, it felt soooo good to get up. Laying there made my back hurt. I did have the dry mouth too and yes, the morphine happy button was nice! Welcome to the losers bench!

Congratulations and I pray for a speedy recovery!

Wow!! You're posting already??? I'm impressed!! I barely reMEMber that first day! Yes, the advice is absolutely 100% TRUE!! WALK WALK WALK! Then reward yourself with a nap!

@Catracks- You got ice chips?! LUCKYYYYYY! I got nasty little lemon swabs til leak test.

@Catracks- You got ice chips?! LUCKYYYYYY! I got nasty little lemon swabs til leak test.

I never had a leak test. They said it wasn't necessary. Maybe my surgeon is cocky. Yeah, that's it.

I never had a leak test. They said it wasn't necessary. Maybe my surgeon is cocky. Yeah, that's it.

Ooohhh. Ya, some don't do it. But it sure made ME feel better! Although, not while waiting for it. Bleh.

CONGRATS! Welcome to the BIG LOSER'S BENCH! We've been waiting patiently. It is so good to hear how your doing. I loved my morphine button. I knew that would keep me from running away! LOL

Thanks swetty i am going threw a depression i need ideas on what to eat Ian still new at this can u give me some ideas

Congrats to you soon2. I am 2 wks post op and everyone kept saying it will get easier and they are totally right. Stick with it, walk walk walk and you will be happier and recover faster in less pain. dont forget to blow on your ball thingee if they gave you one to expand your lungs too! Best of luck and looking forward to seeing you progress, welcome aboard!

Congratulations...view is great from this side huh?

Yayyy!! Welcome to the Losers Bench!!

yeay!!! congrats to you!!

You sound good! Congrats!!!