Today I am 6 days post surgery and have lost 29 pounds in the last three weeks. This past week has been a total adventure, complete with all the ups and downs. My surgery went well and my one night hospital stay was uneventful. Doctor and nurses were all very pleased. When I came home, I noticed that I was spitting up. Not vomiting but spitting up a little froth. Called the doctor and was told that was saliva. My stomach was swollen and didn't know what to do. Interesting. Hadn't heard that one before.

As soon as I was home the sip, sip, sipping began. Although I had read about others having a hard time to swallow, I had no such trouble. Mostly drank Ensure Clear and it went down great. Pain was manageable and the most pain was due to my hiatal hernia repair, not the stomach. Felt like someone was sitting on my chest. Doctor said that was from the repair on the diaphragm. So far, so good.

Then came 3 days post surgery. The chest pain was gone but I could not get on top of the abdominal pain. I figured my abdominal muscles had been moved during surgery and they were very upset with me. Took several doses do pain meds that day, which very much frustrated me. I really wanted off the pain meds ASAP.

The fourth and fifth days post surgery were a real low point for me. I wasn't sleeping well and my stomach was giving me fits. I read that we are not supposed to be hungry or it is just excess hormones. Ya right. My stomach was growling, grumbling and throwing the biggest fits. My doctor wants me one a clear liquid diet the first week and introduce skim milk the second week. Full liquids on the third week. I was in such turmoil and agony that I finally said screw this nonsense.

Being stupid and brave, I introduced some regular protein shakes. They seemed to go down well but I was still miserable. I tried a little bit of applesauce, just a couple of spoon fills. Didn't bother me but it tasted horrible. In desperation I tried some yogurt. Huge mistake. Only had a third of the container but oh the pain. Finally I found that the regular protein shakes like Atkins and Muscle Milk along with Jello and water through the day helped me and kept me satisfied. Just had to keep sipping.

Woke up on day 6 (a Sunday) and decided I would not let this beat me. My attitude had been very poor and my wife, going into this process, was concerned about making her life miserable. Seems I'm not always a nice guy when I'm sick or frustrated. I had learned through other posts that attitude was the key and mine was bad. So, with determination, I made up my mind that this is the Lord's day and I would rejoice.

I had not shaved in 3 days and that was part of the problem. I felt gross and that affects everything else. So, I shaved and got fully dressed. A friend came over to visit which lifted my spirits and then my wife and I got out of the house, the first time since surgery. I had been off pain meds for 3 days so I could drive. It felt so good to be normal again. One of my household duties is the laundry and Sunday is laundry day. Got the laundry done and that made me feel better because it was normal and I accomplished something.

Now I want to make sure the next few days are normal. Tomorrow is early voting for the primary runoff in Texas. Think I will go vote so it gets me out of the house. I have other tasks planned for tomorrow. The last few days have been idle for me, which is most likely part of the problem.

Here's to another good day tomorrow.