I had my first post-op appointment since surgery last Friday, and it could not have gone better.

1) As of my pre-op weigh-in on 1/10, I'm down 14 pounds.

2) My incisions are healing perfectly, and I can remove the steri-strips on Monday.

3) I was given my "restaurant card" to use when I finally venture out to eat.

4) I am sloooooowly becoming able to get in more liquids, and even the Protein shake I gagged on when I tried to drink it on Sunday, I'm now able to tolerate.

5) The horrible alien gurgling sounds in my chest/throat that have plagued me for the past 3 days are quieting down somewhat.

6) Best of all, I've graduated to puréed foods for the next 2 weeks! My first experiment: instant mashed potatoes with ICBINB spray. HEAVENLY!

7) Oh, and I did two workout videos today (Walk Away the Pounds), for a total of 5 miles.

I feel absolutely wonderful! This is the best decision I've made in my life. For those of you who are struggling in the early days: be patient, because every day gets better. Every day I wake up, I have more energy and more desire to see this through. I am so thankful and grateful that I came through this with no major complications.

What is "restaurant card"? Thx.

Hi Pam

It's a card given to me by my surgeon that basically says that I am a patient of his, and that I've had a procedure which prevents me from eating more than 1/2 cup of food, and asks that I be able to order from the kids menu, or just smaller portions. Of course, not all restaurants will honor it, but it's good to have just in case.

*I forgot one more thing: my blood pressure was good, so he took me off one of my two blood pressure meds!

Yay! Catgyrl68!! I am blown away by all the prep stuff. I only had one appt with my surgeon and now waiting for insurance approval then surgery date. BUT I have been their lap band patient for over a year so may be exempt from some of it because of that. I will have 2-3 weeks on pre-surgery liquid diet. Thanks for your help!!