you are so lucky Rachel M. What you are describing about elastics on the side teeth of your mouth is what i am wishing for right now! I have to be wired shut for 3 weeks, AND THEN i get to be in your situation that you had from Day 1 post op. Lucky.
Check out my jaw surgery experience here: http://www.jawsurgeryblog.com/forums/topic/kevins-before-and-after-upper-jaw-surgery-pics