The first few days home were eventful. I came home from the hospital and was warmly welcomed by my two children and my parents. My children wanted to surprise me with flowers and a huge welcome home banner which tickled me pink. Although I was very tired, I tried very hard to act upbeat and peppy for the sake of the children.

Against my better judgement I continued to take the pain medication for the first day and a half from returning home from the hospital. Although the drugs certainly took the edge off, my ability to maintain focus was limited and that feeling does not settle right with me. I asked my father to track down some liquid tylenol (No NSAIDs post-op) adult strength. Of course he came through, but it was quite difficult to get swallow the necessary amount. The following day I settled for regular strength swallowable tylenol with no problems.

One of the biggest hurtles for me during this time was fluid intake. In the hospital, you almost have a security blanket with your IV, knowing that dehydration is not of serious concern when they are pumping you full of liquids 24 hours a day. Once at home, that responsibility falls on your own shoulders. I tried as hard as I could to make sure I was intaking enough fluids, although I'm sure I fell short of the required amount the first few days.

My parents stayed with me and my mother made her famous homemade chicken noodle soup. Although I couldn't eat the chicken or noodles, it felt great to be included. Having similar foods as to what your family is eating makes you feel as though you are not on the outside looking in, but eating along with them (albeit much smaller amounts!).

By Day 3 I was starting to feel like myself again. I was able to shower more efficiently and begin normal day to day activities. I found myself tiring a lot quicker, either from the lack of food intake or from the surgery. I am not typically a naper but during this time they were necessary. I was thankful to have a great support system during this time to help me along the way and tend to the children when I needed to rest.

I had only one "breakdown" of sorts and that was when my husband and the children had Little Ceaser's Pizza and breadsticks. I told them all that during this time they could eat what they wanted as I was not able to cook dinner. I surprised myself at how much my will power was tested. Even though I knew I could not eat ANY of it, the smell of it was overpowering. Since I knew I couldn't eat it, but wanted it anways, I had a little bit of breakdown. My parents and husband were there to quickly provide me with a variety of things I COULD eat and that helped me through the storm. I have not any huge breakdowns since, but the urge is sometimes there, lingering in the shadows. I follow protocol though, either by getting up and walking around, or finding a substitute I am allowed to eat like sugar free jello.

If there are any other times I'm feeling weak, I simply look in the mirror. As vain as it sounds, seeing my weight loss helps me mentally stick with it. I know my arms and face are smaller now, and that alone is a lot of motivation for me. Also my husband quite frequently tells me "You are looking so great, Babe". Those little words also provide a lot of encouragement. In a book I'm reading, a fellow bariatric says "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels". I try to remember that as well during any lows I may have.

Onward and upward! I have now moved onto pureed foods. A welcomed change!