I made it. had surgery on 5/9 at Swedish Ballard. The staff were great!!! They were all very plesant, and went out of there way and were very kind, respectful and funny! I had little pain, didn't use much pain meds, no nausea, gas or vomiting. I feel very blessed to have had such a good surgeon. Nothing to eat or drink for 3 days after surgery, then 2 days of liquids, one day of full liquids, then pureed food for 8 weeks. The first three days without water were not fun to say the least. I let go of being mad at Dr. Webber for his call the Friday before about me gaining weight....and possibly cancelling surgery, but that didn't happen. Dr. Weber was very pleasant throughout my hospitilization, and would highly recommend him. He is very strict, but that is fine with me as he has my life in his hands. I have not had time to read e-mails and postings to my profile, but will be getting to that later this week. Thanks for all the prayers and they brought me through surgery without problems. Keep them coming for an uneventful recovery!