I survived! :clap2:

I have to say that by far the worst day of recovery was day two. Even though I have read this site for months now, I was surprised by this. Day three was tolerable and since then has been absolutely fine. I have not needed pain meds since Friday morning.

My apetite did not come back on Friday as Dr. Jay predicted. It finally returned (a little) today. I have been forcing down small amounts of soup and milk but this afternoon I had a tiny amount of mashed potatoes and LOTS of gravy - like potato gravy soup. It was awesome. Of course I could only eat about 3 or 4 "normal" bites, but it was sweet.

The good news is that I have lost 22 pounds in 12 days. I tried on some smaller shirts that I have not been able to wear for the past 18 months. THEY FIT!!!! I cried. For the first time in 15 years I feel that I can be successful on this journey. I am in control. I am in charge of my destiny.

Yay! sounds like you are doing great! I'm so excited for my journey to begin and I can finally be in control! I have 23 days until banding!

Rock ON!!! I'm glad everything went well for you. Congrats on the shirts. Good surprises like that will just keep happening.