So five days later and I am doing ..good. I'm shocked. I expected to be flat on my back and forcing liquid down in between gasps of pain. But no. I keep waiting for things to take a turn to bad but they don't - it keeps getting better every day. I was on pain meds the first few days but after day two I was taking less and less. Now it's just me and the occassional twinge. I still have a drainage tube in - the pulling on the stitches hurts more than anything else. I am getting at least 30 minutes a day light light exercise, all my liquid and all my protein. By about 4 pm I need a nap but only for an hour. I am also getting 8 hours a night good sleep - even with a drainage tube.

I haven't weighed myself because they asked me not to (based upon my swollen tummy the first few days I would say that was smart).

So what can I tell you that made it easier......listen to the professionals and follow their instructions. I started a pre op excercize that got me as fit as possible, preop diet to the letter. Getting up and walking after the operation (pushing past the initial pain of getting up and then walking - only the initial pain of getting up - it does not continue!), and breathing! Take deep breaths and slow exhale...think yoga. It not only gently stretches the stomach muscles and lung muscles it also gets oxygen into the system. And finally to combat sore throat Chloraseptic spray. It makes drinking easier, breathing easier, and getting those pain meds down.

And remember each day is better than the one before !