I'm on the Loser's Bench! Week 1 - Update

I've been wanting to write about my progress following gastric bypass surgery. The trouble with that is I am on some pretty strong medications and I find myself falling asleep at the drop of a hat. I'm not complaining, because it's been my experience that, when in pain, sleep it off. No problem. That's what I've been doing.

I would like to say that there is nothing easy about this process, and for the most part, that is true. I am finding in the initial stage, though, that I don't miss food at all. I'm on an all liquid diet for the next two weeks and have come up with some tasty things to fill that need. The thing is, just one or two small bites of Jello and chicken broth, and I'm pretty much good to go. I drink a small serving of a protein shake - three times a day, and those too, are very filling.

The hard part is the residual pain right now. It's mostly due to the air and gas that they pump into you during surgery and getting it out is no easy trick. It's happening though, so I am managing to improve the pain part a little more each day.

My doctor gave me a pretty impressive battle scar, I must say. The bypass itself was accomplished through four small laparoscopic incisions, which are held together with staples and are healing quickly. My fifth incision, however, was created to repair not one, but two umbilical hernias, and it has some interesting twists and turns around my belly button. This scar will merely add to my war stories. I never intended to wear a bikini again... though, I do plan to do some skinny dipping in the future, if the occasion presents itself. (Hey, I'm old, not dead!)

I'm really thankful for the timing on this surgery. The beginning of spring... my very favorite time of the year. It got into the high 70's the other day and I simply sat and listened to the cardinals singing to each other between flitting from tree to tree. I am constantly being reminded of all the simple, little things that are what really makes life wondrous and awesome.

My family has been amazing. My son and daughter stayed at the hospital all through my surgery and have kept real close tabs on me all week. That in itself has been quite the test for them, because on the very day that I had my surgery, their biological dad passed away as well. Talk about *when it rains, it pours*. My daughter, however, decided to put a rather unique spin on that, choosing to see it as something like *When God closes a door, He opens a window.*

My extended family and all of my friends have been awesome in keeping my spirits up. And my team of medical professionals are the best dang bunch around. Every one of them, including my primary doctor's assistant, have walked me through this past year with such amazing care, it truly humbles me. All I can say is thank you all so very much. I cannot wait to get going with my life again and seeing many of you in the future!

xxxJBDxxx