I've about decided that I think I'm a success story already. I was sleeved yesterday. I went in very calm, rested and so ready. Even the doc was surprised at my calmness. He said he doesn't see that very often. I felt bad since the girl next to me in the pre-op room was having a meltdown.

I was the first surgery of the day. I was back in my own room by 09:00. When I was really with it, the first thing I wanted to do was walk. My hubbs was the GREATEST.

I'm not sure how it happened (probably because I was up and at 'em first) but at the 2 in the morning walk, I met up with a handful of VSG patients. I was whipping around the floor pretty quickly. I'd stop nearly everyone and gave them words of encouragement, helpful hints.

By morning I was considered the floor's head cheerleader. My reputation preceded me, I guess. It was so cool to see everyone out there getting their groove on!

THE BEST HELPFUL HINT:

I can't remember who told me this, but after surgery, may people can't pee. I was one those people. If you have trouble peeing, (I am NOT joking) put your tongue to the roof of your mouth and push. I swear! It works. Once you take your tongue from the roof of your mouth, your stream stops! This trick alone allowed me to finally pee. It's crazy, I know!!

I've also decided that the hospital is no place for sick or recovering people! I didn't sleep a wink last night. I would no more and fall into never never land then someone would come in to poke, prod, take temps and all that. It wasn't horrible or anything, but I didn't sleep at all. Why does the internist find it necessary to do a basic exam at 03:00? Really? That couldn't have waited until morning?

My largest incision gave me some grief. It was very weepy. That bandage had to be changed several times. By the time I was discharged today, it was under control.

Every single person I came in contact with from admission to discharge was THE BEST! I strongly believe that if you go in with a positive attitude, your outcome will be positive. By this afternoon, I had not only hospital personnel stopping by, but I had fellow patients stopping by to say hi and just chat. It was THE BEST experience!

Now that I'm home, I took a 3 hour nap. I'm finding that when I finally settle into a comfy position, I'm apparently not moving from that position. I'm waking up very, very stiff. But once I get moving, it gets better. The liquid Tylenol definitely helps. I'm not waiting for the pain to get out of hand. I'm trying to nip it in the bud. Hopefully tomorrow I'll need the pain meds even less.

My surgery was a complete success. I did have a tiny hernia that Dr. Kim repaired while he was in there. I don't feel any worse for the wear from it. One stop shopping! Can't beat it!

Water is going down nicely. I have had no nausea at all. I'm going to re-incorporate my diluted Crystal Light tomorrow to get the variety back in my liquids. I'm on liquids until my post-op visit next Friday. Sipping is VERY important! Constant sipping. It was very rough not having anything by mouth yesterday after surgery. I don't think my mouth has ever been so dry in my life.

The leak test was interesting. The liquid you have to drink is probably the worst thing I've ever had in my mouth. After that swallow, I was so afraid I'd throw it up. Luckily I didn't. I passed the leak test and was able to start sipping one ounce at 15 minute intervals for 4 hours. I passed that with flying colors, too.

I'm tired, for sure.

THE BEST HELPFUL HINT:

I can't remember who told me this, but after surgery, may people can't pee. I was one those people. If you have trouble peeing, (I am NOT joking) put your tongue to the roof of your mouth and push. I swear! It works. Once you take your tongue from the roof of your mouth, your stream stops! This trick alone allowed me to finally pee. It's crazy, I know!!

That's awesome!! I had trouble too, I wish I'd know about THAT!!

Dr. Kim is awesome, huh? I couldn't be happier. Good job! Go get it!