At 71, three years ago, I had a total gastrectomy but it was by a world class cancer surgeon. There was a button triggered opioid drip but I barely used it. I could not believe how little pain I had, Out of the hospital on day six,
My sternum to belly button scare is now invisible as well and It makes me think that the skills involved make all the difference.
Great insight! I must agree, having a long, thick scar from emergency surgery that is painful in and of itself to this day, never mind the uncleaned up adhesions inside that took years to work out.