Hi All

Just thought I would share my story for all those contemplating getting WLS. My surgery was scheduled for 10:30 am on May 22nd and I had to arrive at the hospital for 9. I was given an IV and hung out with my husband in a pre-op room until it was time for surgery. My Dr. came in to see me to make sure I was ready and all I said to him was "Let's do this"!! When it was time to go, I said my goodbyes to my husband and off I went. I was in the operating room for maybe 3 minutes and the next thing I remember I was waking up in the recovery room. I remember my throat being very dry and my voice was so scratchy. I was then brought to my hospital room and instructed how to use my Morphine pump. I honestly didn't use it very often because I wasn't in any pain. I started walking an hour after getting to my room. I made a rule for myself that whenever I had to use the bathroom I would walk the entire length of the hallway to the nurses station and back. This really helped me with the gas pains and they quickly went away. One of the hardest parts of the first day/night in the hospital was not being able to drink. All I was allowed was cotton swaps to moisten my mouth and I was so thirsty. My husband stayed with me until around 8 at night and then when he left I tried to sleep. Let me tell you, it is IMPOSSIBLE to sleep in the hospital. Between the nurses needing to take your vitals all the time and other noises, it is just not possible. So I woke up on Friday morning and I felt great. I was walking the halls and was finally given some Water to drink. The day was pretty uneventful, at about 4 I was given some creamy Soup, Jello and crystal light and by 6 I was on my way home. I slept in the recliner that first night home, mainly because our bed is low to the ground and I didn't want to chance opening up one of my incisions (they were glued and my Dr did a fabulous job) I did take my liquid pain meds that first night because it felt as if someone had hit me in the stomach with a baseball bat. I never had to take the pain meds again. By Monday, I felt completely back to my old self. I couldn't believe I was feeling so good after only 5 days, but it was true. I was on full liquids for about a week and then started on soft feeds. I haven't had any problems with anything I've had to eat so far. As of today I've had Chili, Tuna, chicken salad, Shrimp Cocktail, Peanut Butter, Refried Beans with cheese, laughing cow cheese, cheese sticks and ham and cheese rollups. I also start everyday with a Premier Protein shake with 2 tbs of PB2, it makes it taste like a Peanut Butter cup and it starts my day with 35 grams of protein. I have had some problems with constipation, but with a daily dose of Miralax that seems to be getting a lot better! So as of yesterday (3 weeks post-op) I've lost almost 15 pounds and I've never been happier in my life. This is THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF!!!!

Congratulations! You are well on your way to a new, healthier you!