I had my surgery one week ago today. Here's what I've noticed:

1) I'm down 7.2 lbs

2) The pain was not so bad in the hospital but pretty bad the first few days at home, especially when trying to get up from lying down or when sitting up. Only minimal pain when changing positions now.

3) I took 3 total narcotic pills once I came home

4) The constipation is real. I did not have a BM from two days before my surgery until 5 days after. This was despite two kinds of laxatives prescribed by the hospital. I ended up needing a laxative suppository and Miralax. The suppository helped me go in like 30 minutes. I'm now adding miralax and magnesium citrate on a daily basis. Drinking my 64 oz of water has been helpful, too

5) Drinking water or anything was really hard the first few days. No matter how small I made the sips, I still had pain in my chest, and then it felt and sounded like a demon was in there, growling, angry because he had been evicted from my stomach

6) By day 7 (today), I can drink a full mouthfull of water or protein shake. It's easier to take my pills at night than it was, but it's still harder than before surgery.

7) I do have hunger, but I'm eating less than 500 calories a day, so that's not surprising. I only need to eat a small amount like 2/3 of a yogurt or half a protein drink to feel full, although I need to eat every few hours

8. Walking is hard. It makes my incision hurt a lot. I have walked around the block a few times, but I'm tired by the time I get home, and it's a short block. I can walk up the ten steps to the front door, but hills are hard

9) I tried to do a bit of work today, just going through emails and responding to them, but after about a half hour, my head was swimming. I'm glad I took two weeks off!

10) My parents were here for a week helping me out. They stayed in a hotel nearby. I didn't need them that much, but it was really helpful for things like laundry and the dishwasher and trash. And for company. But it was hard seeing them eat tasty food when I was just eating yogurt or protein shakes. I am still glad them came, because now I am bored and lonely

Glad you are finally on the other side! Here's to a speedy surgery recovery and a heart healthy you!! ?

Congratulations!! The worst is past!

That brain fog is REAL. I was a space cadet for almost a week. Congratulations on your surgery!

Glad you're making progress!

So glad to hear your are in the uphill

swing. Keep up the good work.

Congratulations on getting your surgery! I look forward to hearing more about your progress & wish you lots of luck.