Today was surgery day. I can't believe how at peace I feel with this decision. I know there will be days when I will wonder what in the heck I did this for but not today.

Woke at 4:45 to shower and dress. Headed to the hospital at 5:30 for my 6am arrival time. Headed to surgery around 7:45. Not sure how long actual surgery took but I was coming to, trying to pry my eyes open around 9:00, I think.

Immediately knew gas pain in my chest and left shoulder was going to be a reality for a while. Now I know what heart attack victims mean when they say it feels like "an elephant sitting on your chest". My elephant needs a lapband! Deep breathing helps the chest pain but then it feels like I have a knife twisting in my shoulder. However, writing this at 7 pm the pain is lessening and I know will go away in time. I will survive!

Left hospital at noon and was back home by 1 pm. Have been drinking 2-4 ozs water every hour. This is not a problem so far. I actually want much more but am afraid I will be sick so am holding back. Food doesn't appeal to me right now. Had some SF jello earlier but it was so sweet I coldn't finish it. How strange after 10 days of no sugar that jello now seems too sweet. I like the feeling, however.

I have been walking around the house every hour trying to hasten the gas departure and make sure no nasty blood clots come.

I have been trying to read but about 3 pages in my eyelids become weighted with lead and I'm off to bed for another nap.

I haven't taken any pain pills since leaving the hospital but probably will before night bedtime just to keep ahead of the game. I suspect tomorrow will be the most painful. Seems the second day is always worse than the first.

I am also looking forward to eating "real food". Oatmeal, even very watered down, sounds heavenly right now. I'm not really hungry but want something with a flavor other than chocolate protein shake!

I am so happy to be posting this blog. Some days I thought it would never happen but here I am and am SO EXCITED about what lies ahead.

Good luck to everyone who is banded and those still waiting! I'm proud to now call myself a bandster!

oh my gosh you are so funny! I told my husband what you said about the elephant on your chest needs lap band. He was laughing so hard, he almost peed his pants! Congrats! We are bandsta brothas! hahahahaha it does sound better! Talk to you soon. Sleep well!

I am day 2 on the 10 clear liquid fast. you make me feel better i was frrling down todAY.Thank you for your inspiration. congrads

Congrats to u!! I am exactly one week after surgery; down 9 pounds and very excited. Keep walking it's really important.

I also had an "elephant sitting on my chest". i was at my preop and the Dr. recommended childrens motrin ( the pharmacist told me to take 2tbsp). Well, the psin os gone...but please consult with your surgeon/physician. this is common.

Good luck and hang in there.....

Congrats to u! I had my surgery on July 13th, and am on day 4 of liquid diet. I have not desired to eat real food until dinner time when my church home group family brings in food for my family every evening. UGH! Anyway, I am excited about the new, healthy life and opportunities my weight loss will bring me. Keep up the good work.