Well, my life as a Bandster has just begun! I arrived at the hospital at 6 a.m. yesterday with my amazing folks (who flew in from KY to be with me - what a blessing!) By 6:45 a.m. I was being prepped for surgery. After doing lots of paperwork, the nurse gave me a shot in the belly to prevent blood clots and then started the I.V. Shortly after, the anesthesiologist and Dr. Simpson stopped by to say hell. Next thing I knew, the oxygen mask was on and I was out. This was around 7:35 a.m. Things were really moving fast, and that pace continued!

I woke up about 8:15 a.m. in Recovery. I remember saying, "Is it over?" and being asked how I felt. I responded, "Pretty good I think." I was given a cup of hot tea and a few minutes later, the nurse asked if I could get up and walk. I pushed a wheelchair around the room for a minute or so, and started to feel a little nauseous, so he quickly gave me some medication in the IV.

I was fine in no time and up walking again.

About 9 a.m. the nurse asked if I needed any help getting dressed, that I was doing exceptionally well and was free to go home whenever I felt able! I dressed myself and then he wheeled me out to the waiting room where I greeted my folks with a huge smile.

We were on our way home at 9:15 a.m.! I felt sore, but nothing unbearable. I was awake all day and walked around the house every hour on the hour (almost) with minimal discomfort. I drank a couple of cups of chicken broth, served up by my very loving mother, with an extra dose of TLC. I also feasted on some 7-Up and water. I had no desire for anthing else and was deliriously happy all day long, and sang praises in my head all day to the Good Lord above! I am incredibly blessed and grateful for how smooth things went and how great I feel.

The "First Day After" has been similarly blessed. I woke up many times throughout the night, but always went back to sleep. Took a little while to get use to laying on my back, but I did get a great night's sleep! While I woke up feeling much more sore that I was yesterday, that passed as soon as I got up and moving. I had a protein shake and two cups of tomato soup today, and that was PLENTY! I had no desire for anything else. :thumbup:

So far, this experience has exceeded my wildest imagination, and I have no doubt that will continue. PTL! The pain has been VERY minimal. I took a few pain pills yesterday, but only had to take 2 Advil today. Tomorrow I will work on increasing my activity level. I'm soooo ready to begin this amazing journey of a healthy lifestyle. :tongue2:

Carly can I just say THANK YOU! My surgery is Tuesday 9/02/08 and this is exactly what I needed to know. I'm so anxious right now and not knowing what to expect was really taking it's toll on my. Your experience has really helped me so much!

Your post is so inspiring. PTL indeed! Keep up the good work, kiddo. :-)

Carly I am glad I read your blog. My surgery is 1st Sept and I am so nervous. Getting cold feet. I am starting to think if I am doing the right thing as a lot of the blogs say they have not lost weight. Just nerves I suppose playing on my mind.

Do not be nervous, it will go well, we just had ours on tuesday and on Thrusday we visited the San Diego Zoo, lost 3 pounds since the op.

You have to follow whatthe doctor tells you, follow his diet plan

Marc

I too, was so happy to read your post.....my BIG DAY is Sept. 15 and I get a bit "wobbly" thinking how close it is! You go girl.....keep up that positive outlook and I hope things STAY smooth for you! :tongue2:

Joy