Hi everyone

My mom knew i would have withdrawls so she brought her laptop. Its taking me some time to type but wanted to say hi to all of you. i see all of the posts --thanks for caring. i got lots of calls from yall today (angie, tammy, kristie, and arlies) and it was nice talking to you all. i was so drugged up though....surprised --very happy still in pain... im on my morphine drip but its not working. i pump and pump and dont feel better. i have been up and walking some. it makes me feel better. my breathing is what sucks. every time i get a breathing treatment they stir up all of that flem and then i have to cough which is oure torture!! its awful.. so far i have had water, apple juice, sugar free grape popcicle, and chicken broth. the chicken broth was really goood. of course i did expect there to be some pain but i never imaginined it llike this. my stomach is sore. its going to get better though... i remember waking up in recovery cryingand in my room i began to wonder if this was really nessecary. i hope i start feeling better soon. if my stomach werent so sore i think i would be happy. AND I HAVE GAINED 2 POUNDS.. its sooo not funny.... i know its just fluid but shucks.... my mother as been making me do my breathing techniques so i have been pretty much hurting. i would rather hurt though than get pnomonioa (sp)... well...i will be on for a little bit. mom is interested in the lap band. gonna research it with her. love yall

Wow!! I think we should rename you Super Girl!!! Already back on the board and talking and not slated to go home unitl Monday!!! You are awesome!!! We are so proud of you and so happy the worst is behind you!!! Smoochers, Arlies

good too see ya girl !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christine, I am soooo glad to hear from you. I'm very glad that you felt like getting on this board and updating us. I have been so worried about you. With you being so scared, it made me worry more about you. My prayers have been answered though. Your OK !!!!!! Talk soon Sweetie.

it's gonna hurt sweatheart. just grin and bear it. it does get better in time. my best advice is to keep walking as much as you can. its hard to do i know, but it helps alot. i got ice chips the day after surgery and water the next day. 1 small capful every 30 minutes. the day i went home they started me on carnation instant breakfast. if they have let you have that much to drink, you mest be doing great. keep up the good work and welcome to the losing side. susan

Hey Sweetie! Im so glad to see you on the board. When I first saw your name I was like "is she home already"? I didn't think about you having a laptop, LOL. Just hang in there girl....I can't imagine the pain, but I do know that it gets better everyday. And NO, you don't want pneumonia....that could be life threatening...and your surgery is life-saving!!!! I hated those breathing treatments too...but my mom also kept shoving that thing in my face. If you are already breathing at 1000 then you are doing great!!!! Once I got home from the hospital, there wasn't any phlegm left in my lungs. Hang in there....you are doing great. Just remember, the pain is bad now....but believe it or not, in a few short weeks you won't even remember it and the benefits will soooooooo far outweigh the pain!! Love ya girlie Kristi A.K.A. Moo Moo Girl

Hey Christine, Glad to see you're alive and well on the losing side now Yeah, the pain isn't fun, I know. That whole "pump" thing I had attached to the epidural didn't seem to do a darn thing for me, it never gave me any extra pain relief, so I just asked for demarol in my IV (ahhhhhhhhhhh... heheh) Your bellly will be sore, of course. Do you have a binder? It was my lifeline the first month or so, it held it all up and together and it made walking and getting around easier. Without the binder, it was just not tolerable. If you don't have one, ask someone to get one for you at a medical supply store. I got an XXL size one, it was comfy enough to wear most of the day, only took it off at night. Just keep your spirits up. This is only the beginning. The first few weeks are tough, but it really and truly does get easier by the day. Walk whenever you can, it 's essential in aiding you heal quickly. My meals in the hospital were s/f jelly < yuck>, water, beef broth and ice chips. A friend of mine had brought a box of s/f popsickles and hubby got me one any time I felt like one ( they let us keep it in their fridge) Hope you get to go home soon. Keep us up to date!! Andrea

Hey Girl! I am so glad you are doing well. You are my inspiration right now, so keep us informed on your progress. Like everyone is saying, just take it one day at a time right now and you will do great. If we can do anything at all for you, just let us know.