Alan's third update:
So far, so good! Surgery lasted between 3-1/2 and 4 hours, very fast for Katherine's BMI. It was all done laparscopically, no major incision. Surgery ended a few minutes before 1, she went to recovery, and was wheeled into her room at 2:30. She was groggy, but recognized me right away. Gene and Monica stopped in on their way through town and she was very happy to see them. The pain was rough at first, but within an hour the nurses had it under control. She is quite alert considering the anesthesia and morphine. She is very thirsty, but only gets glycerine swabs until the new pouch passes its "leak test" tomorrow (sometime in the morning). She took her first walk about 7:30 this evening. The nurse said she didn't even have to go as far as the door, but she was very determined and made it clear down to the nurses station and back! She has also been religious about doing her inspirational respirometer every hour. Overall she is doing very well, the nurses are great (special protocols for gastric bypass patients), and Dr. Dally and Dr. Cagle are completely satisfied with the procedure. I do have to say, though, that I am very glad I am spending the first day next to her, and able to keep tabs on all the stuff they are doing; patients have enough to do just taking care of themselves! --Alan