....was TODAY! I arrived at the surgery center at 6:30 am. They had me changed, did the last minute testing, started my IV, and got me all hooked up. After a blood thinner shot and some Pepcid in the IV, I was almost ready to go. They put these things on my legs, too, that fill with air and release to keep the risk of blood clots down.

About 8:20, they gave me some medicine to relax me (loved it) then wheeled me into the OR. As they were hooking me up, they put an oxygen mask on and told me to take deep breaths. After about 5, I was OUT. Next thing I remember is the nurse pulling something out of my throat and thinking I must have thrown up...lol. but, the nurse just said, "You are just waking up...it is all done with." They gave me some pain meds and let me relax.

I must say, the next two hours, I was miserable. Not because I was hurting, but because I was hooked up to everything and couldn't get comfortable..plus, trying to wake up. Once that passed, i was fine. And, it really wasn't bad. The woman in the room next to me I could hear was having a hard time, saying she couldn't breathe over and over. yikes! what a feeling! My dad said he had the same feeling after being put under for his heart surgery so I'm guessing it's a side effect from being put under. But, even now, as I sit here typing, I am only a bit sore, not sleepy, and just going about my 'relaxation schedule', as the kids are with parents! It's actually a mini vaca....lol

When I did my barium swallow at 11:30, it was soooo cool to see it go down the tube! I'm a geek :-) Even cooler was the Gatorade G2 they gave me after. I was soooooo thirsty! By noon, I was given my breathing apparatus and discharged.

The husband stopped, filled my anti nausea and Lortab meds, picked me up some Gatorade G2 (the ONLY thing I failed to get at the store pre surgery), and stayed with me.

All afternoon, I have been taking my meds, drinking (albeit slowly) lots of Gatorade and water. My surgeon said I am good to have water, protein shakes, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Water, Juice, Popsicles, Soup (any kind without "chunks"), Jello, etc. While not real hungry at all, I did take in some yummy tomato soup. Looking at the soup that has sat in my pantry forever looked far more appealing than my protein shakes...lol. However, tomorrow, I will force some protein shakes down so I can get some real nourishment. On Monday, I can move up to pureed food, pudding, etc until I meet with the doc again on Friday.

I can not say enough about Dr. Malley (KC area), New Hope Bariatrics, and the WONDERFUL nurses and staff. They are greater than I ever thought possible. I received the best treatment from there than I have ever had anywhere.

I do have one question for you bansters, though, if you are somehow still reading this novel.....when does gas pain start?