MOOD: Very positive:smile2:

I had LAP-BAND® surgery yesterday, 11/9/09 at Lenox Hill Hospital. I weighed in about 11 lbs less than at my last doctor visit before surgery so I felt good about that. Surgery went smoothly - Dr. Roslin said it took 11 minutes - and I was in recovery before I knew it. The nurses were really great. Cute anesthesiologist too. Dr. Roslin told me he filled my band with 3ccs already. I walked out of the hospital with no problems early in the afternoon.

So, what about pain? The pain yesterday was all related to the CO2 used to inflate the abdominal cavity. It felt like someone was pushing my lungs or standing on my chest. After a couple of percocets, it mostly went away. I did not get the shoulder pain that is common with laproscopic surgery and they used a local on the incision sites so nothing there beyond a twinge when the dressing pulled.

Today, however, I've got muscle pain in my abdomen, diaphragm and neck and a sore throat and mouth, probably from the breathing tube. I am trying to get by with Aleve but if it doesn't subside I may go fill the percocet prescription.

I just ate my first "solid" food since Sunday morning - 2 days ago. I had about 2.5 ounces of fat free greek yogurt with 1/2 packet of Equal mixed in. I served it in a children's bowl and ate it with a small coffee spoon, like the kind you get with espresso. It only took me 10 minutes to eat it and I was trying to go slowly. No pain yet so I guess I did it right. The temptation to drink something while eating is very strong. I think this might be the hardest thing for me when eating, especially since my throat is sore. We'll see.

So, day one done. Day two off to a good start. I've got fat free cream of chicken soup lined up for lunch and dinner but I'm just not hungry enough to think about it right now. I'm sure it will be good though. And, my first protein shake is chilling now.

Wow, you sound very fortunate. I hope all continues to go just like this! Congratulations for crossing over to the other side!

CONGRATULATIONS Bander! You're doing really well! Keep staying ahead of the pain with your meds and SF preserves with the G. yogurt is my fav. -BG