That's great Diane. You sound really excited and happy. I've had much the same experiance, particularily that first 7 - 10 days. That 2nd week I had some fatique and started looking closer at my protein a calories..... way too low. I'm working on getting them up. From what I understand if we don't get enough our bodies will store rather than loose weight. Let us know how you do at the doctors. Jacque Lap RNY 07/11/03 313/290/150(goal)

Wow. You are moving fast. Interesting what you say about pain versus hunger pain. Although I don't have any pain left from surgery I do have to ponder whether what I am feeling in the tummy region is hunger. It just doesn't feel all that distinct any more. Funny, huh? It is easy not to eat because of this but I suspect my too low caloric intake may be causing my body to store rather then shead weight. Trying to get those numbers up. Glad you are doing so well. Can't believe you are working. Jacque

I got through the surgery with flying colors! Everyone said I looked great after the surgery as if I hadn't even had it. Do you think they are lying!!! Anyway, I did have some muscle spasms in my stomach area for the first day and I had a bad reaction to having the binder on me all the time and sweating so I ended up with a rash that I am still recovering from. As for the pain, only the spasms were painful and then I was off pain meds the day I left the hospital on 7/25. I think I just took them as a precaution more than anything else. They gave me Tylenol 3 liquid to take at home but I'd almost rather be in pain then take that yucky stuff! So I haven't taken anything and don't have any pain. I have been tolerating all my food intake. Mostly protein drinks (Designer whey protein tops in my book!) and thin soups with no particles in them. I also eat sugar free yogurt that has no bits of fruit in it, sugar free jello (of course!) and sugar free popsicles. I can't stand chewing up a vitamin so I am not doing that at this point. I am getting some vitamins in the protein drink. I've gone off my blood pressure medicine and my Effexor (which upset my stomach and has the nastiest taste in the world when you have to cru**** up and take it!). So now all I am taking is the Pepcid AC chewable and my Synthroid (which is very pleasant tasting). I can handle this. Of course I am craving a pretzel in the worst way but after hearing the horror stories from the nurses in the hospital of people who have to come back and be re-opened to remove an obstruction of food that they had no business eating - I won't be cheating at all! I mean that is why I had this done isn't it? To not eat that stuff anymore and to do the right thing. I don't want to screw it up. And I don't want my surgeon and all his staff mad at me! Well, that's it for now. Good luck to all you waiting for surgery and to all those who have reached the other side. We are all losers!!! (you know what I mean!)

Mee too - Mine was the 14th and I am feeling sooooo Good with absolutely NO problems at all! Good Luck to all! - Diane Koch

Good luck tomorrow! I have surgery in the morning also. I'm also packed and ready however I'm having a little trouble going to sleep. Guess I'll do plenty of that tomorrow. God Bless! Alison