HI, My name is Ami and first of all I want to say Merry X-mas!!! I just wanted to say your letter kind of freaked me out a little because your story and your examples were so close to mine. I know the holidays can be difficult and I am glad you have great family who sound like they are a great support system. And yes I heard too from people what are you doing? You do not need the surgery? I am 43 and I think deep down the only thing I regret is not doing it when I was younger. But as they say you are only as old as you feel. And to be honest I was always told how good and young I looked. Until I had some bad things happen in my life and I stopped caring.. The compliments came further and far between and I guess I had an awakening this year so to speak. I may be getting older but I may have longer to live and may regain some of the compliments from others. And accept the new ones I give myself when I look in the mirror. Do you know what I mean? And just to say I cannot believe you are on the internet 2 days after surgery. At least you have some pain medication , I was not so lucky my surgeon gave me nothing when I went home. And yes I had a lot of pain at first, when I woke up in recovery I felt like there was a truck on my chest. And for the first few days at home were very uncomfortable. But now I guess I am doing really well, I am on solids for x-mas and Iam only one month and two days post-op. The best advice I can give you is remember everyone is different and listen to your own body. And please remember to keep hydrated. I had some scary times because I did not I did not listen to my own body. Well I am about one month ahead of you so if you want to keep in touch with me feel free to do so. Let me know how you are doing if you would like. God Bless and take care.