HOUSTON – Former first lady Barbara Bush was

in good condition after undergoing laparoscopic surgery for a perforated ulcer, a hospital spokeswoman said Thursday.

Ami Felker of Methodist Hospital said Bush, 83, was

in high spirits Thursday afternoon as she was moved

to a patient room from the intensive care unit.

The former first lady was hospitalized Tuesday after experiencing abdominal pain.

Dr. Pat Reardon said surgeons closed a nearly 1.5-centimeter hole caused by an ulcer.

Reardon said the first thing Bush did after she woke up from the surgery was tell him a joke.

She is expected to remain in the hospital until next week.