I made the choice to do this surgery because I knew in my heart that I could not reach the goals I dreamed of without humbling myself and admitting I needed help. I needed big help. The decission was made apointments set and a surgery date set all with in a month. When you pay cash it can go faster than waiting for insurance.

Day of surgery I was not nervouse. Lets go and get er done!

After surgery I remember coming out of my being "under" feeling a lot of pain in my stomach. I remember that being the first thing I mumbled. "it hurts" They probably gave me meds because it calmed down. My mouth was like full of cotton. I had no moisture. It was terrible. I could not even have ice chips which i so despretly needed.

That night they took me to do a leak check. I had to sip this very bitter tasting liquid and they watched it go down my stomach on an x-ray machine to see if there were any leaks. It was awfull. I wanted to throw it up but I did not. It was nice to have moisture though.

Now time for ice chips. That was Heaven sent. It was just hard for the first week. I got up right away to walk like they said. I didnt even need a nurse to help. I left the hospital the next morning by noon.

The next week was really hard. Sipping water, Desperate for broth, not hungry but wanted regular food. Not really tired. Hated the protein shots until I discovered to put in a big glass of gaterade and water or crystle light. Then they are easy to take in.

I had pain for the first 5 days. I had to take pain meds. Then one day I woke up feeling great. It was hard to sleep on either side. Now that is just fine. Really the first week is ugly and say seven is smooth sailing. Its been worth the work. I am down 14 lbs. The scale has not moved in about 5 days.

So far so good. Change is upon me.

Jody