Ok, I'm going to give this a try. I keep saying I like to journal but the reality is that I end up with all kinds of journals that are started but I never finish them. So maybe it's not that I like journaling...maybe I just like new journals! LOL

So on Wednesday March 6th, I was sleeved!!! I previously had a lapband in 2008 and had to have it removed in 2012 due to a profound slip. Since then I have seen 3 different surgeons and switched insurance companies but I finally ended up with my wonderful surgeon. I had to to down to San Francisco to have surgery (from Sacramento) but I'm totally glad I did. I was in great hands. I can't say enough good things about the nurses and staff and California Pacific Medical Center. This was by far my best surgery. at 6 a.m. they started my IV (painless I might add) and at 7:30 I was in the OR. My husband got to stay with me right up until I went into the OR. I got up on the table (burrrr) and started having a conversation with my PA about beating her weight loss goal before surgery, the anethesia guy says I'm going to give you something to relax you, just think about being on a beach. And that's it!! Next think I know a nurse is saying "Vicki? can you wake up a bit?" I can honestly say that I never had pain above a 5 on their little scale. Now whether that's due to my surgeons great skill, my insane pain tolerance or really good drugs I couldn't tell you. But it was relatively painless.

I spend the first day pretty groggy and in and out of it. Within a couple of hours I was out walking the halls. I did have a rough night the one night I spent in the hospital and I was very nauseous and had an episode of dry heaves. But the nurses were there with the good drugs and it passed pretty quickly.

The following morning, I was ready to go home. I was walking, peeing, farting, all the stuff the nurses like to hear. So they gave me my gourmet breakfast of chicken broth and hot tea. The PA came in and released me and I was headed home.

I have spent the last couple of days sipping everything. I have discovered that warmer liquids go down much easier, however sugar free popcicles are the bomb-diggity!! Yesterday I managed about 60 oz of liquids including one protein drink and today I'm shooting for 2 protein drinks. I have been able to go to the store with my husband and go for a walk to the park. A little bit more everyday!! The only complaints I have right now are a nasty reaction to the dermabond, and a seriously sore throat from having a tube down there.

The pictures were taken 3 days before surgery. My Heaviest weight was 281(which was about Christmas), These pics were 260. My official weight before surgery was 257 and as of this morning I'm at 254.