This year I feel better, not prettier or more confident, because I liked myself before. This year I feel healthier and more free. This year we moved into an adorable rental house. This year we're getting married. This year we're finally getting to start the life we want. This is a good year.

I had my surgery early in the morning on April 25th.  I barely had any sleep and I was so nervous but excited as we pulled up to the hospital.   Banner Gateway is a relatively new hospital, it's high tech and beautiful.  As soon as we registered everything moved along at a good pace.  I met with my surgeon Dr. Schuster and his aid before surgery.  He was as calm and charming as ever.  He decided not to take out my gall bladder as he's been seeing better recovery rates with patients who don't have it removed at the same time.  I trust him so I was fine with the decision.  The wonderful pre-op staff got me all ready and I got a few minutes to relax and watch some TV with Mike.  My folks arrived in time for a few words before it was time to go.  I said my goodbyes to my parents and Mike and off I went.  I really don't remember anything after that.  Well I remember the operating room being cold but I don't even remember getting there.

I vaguely remember waking up writhing in pain.  My eyesight is terrible and I didn't have my glasses on so I can only assume I was in recovery.  The nurse was right there being very sweet and responsive.  I felt bad that I was complaining but it was very intense pain.  I remember her giving me 2 doses of morphine in 10 minutes and when that didn't work she soon gave me something else.  Whatever she gave me must have worked because I don't remember anything else until I finally woke up in my room where Mike and my parents were waiting.

Dr. Schuster had come out and told them that everything went well.  They didn't see me in recovery they were allowed to wait in my room.  My room was huge.  A large picture window, big bathroom with sliding frosted glass door that they use as a white board.  The room was almost twice the size of the last hospital room I was in and so much nicer.  It had a couch that converted into a bed where Mike slept while I was in the hospital.  Great TV with interactive options and a pretty comfy bed.  I am so glad I switched bariatric centers.

The hospital staff, everyone I met, was amazing.  So friendly and helpful!  My nurses were amazing.  Once I woke in my room my pain was never allowed to rise above a 4 or 5.  They were always on time with my meds, answered my calls and questions very efficiently.  Such a different hospital experience than I had 2 years ago.  After waking in so much pain right after surgery and all the pain I had after my appendectomy I was expecting much worse.  I was so lucky that it went really well for me.  The only real nausea I had was on Friday and I really think it was from skipping my meds doses and the cream of mushroom soup I had eaten the night before.  I was doing well with swallowing as soon as they let me have water.  I was getting down full liquids, my meds were working, walking around and everything else was flowing along so they let me go home on Friday morning.

I stayed with my folks for a week after surgery.  It was a small adjustment to be out of the hospital but I was doing so well I probably could have gone right home.  I think it made my Mom feel better though.  I was sleepy.  Wasn't feeling much like looking at the computer.  I walked, watched TV, got my essentials in and slept or at least tried to.  I'm such an insomniac.

I'm still doing great.  I had my 2 week followup and the doctor said I'm doing exceptionally well, always nice to hear.  As of today I've lost 14.6 pounds since surgery.  I was approved for purees, beans and eggs.  I tried both beans and eggs and both went down fine.  It is so nice to have something I can feel in my tummy.  I'm doing great with my vitamins and protein but I need to work on my water more.  I'm close but not getting quite enough.  Oh and I was approved to go swimming!  I love it in the water so I was happy to hear that.

Alright sorry for such a long post, I didn't know I had so much to say!  Thanks to everyone who has given their support.  If you're looking into Dr. Schuster and Banner Gateway's Bariatric Program, I can't say enough good things.  I'm thrilled!