What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

The nurses and doctor's at New England Medical Center were fantastic. I had surgery on a Thursday and was released on sunday. I found out I was allergic to codine during this stay. The doctor's switched my pain meds the minute I complained.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

Yes....I did. I got the stomach flu about 1 month after surgery. From the vomiting something happened to where my small intestine was anchored...I was in and out of the hospital for a few weeks. It was resolved without more surgery.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

It actually did not hit me until the morning of surgery....That's when I got a little scared.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

The first few weeks at home were the hardest for me. I should have stayed in the hospital for a few more days. I think I was relased too soon. It was my own fault I thought I wanted to go home.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

not far....I actually work where I had my surgery done.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

After release from the hospital I was on liquids only for two weeks...then I was moved up to pureed foods. The pureed foods were a great step...I could actually chew. From there I went to solid food. I can eat chicken(boneless,skinless),pork(lean),vegetables,bread...I have stayed away from beef...I was sick a few times and decided it was not worth it.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

I have appointments once a month with my surgeon...I seea nutritionist and go to monthly meetings. It's very helpful to stay in contact.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I had my surgery done Lap...I have five tiny scars.