Question:
I will be alone when I come home from surgery. Will I be able to take care of myself
or should I hire someone to take care of me for a few days? I'm a nurse so I know how to take care of myself but I don't know if I will be able to. — suzannem (posted on September 15, 2007)
September 15, 2007
Hey Suzanne-
Please make sure that you have someone to help you for at least a few days.
I had the VBG done on 8/17/07 and I didn't realize how much help I was
going to need. Also make sure that you have all your lquids set up prior
to surgery as well as a way to measure them if your doctor requires. I
ambulated fine on my own, but you will need some assistance with the normal
stuff. I hope this helps you ...good luck and God bless!
— MariaRN
September 15, 2007
Hi, Suzanne, It depends on your type of surgery. If you are having the open
RNY, I'd say get some help. If you are having laproscopic, you really just
need a few friends to do a few things that require any lifting over 1-2
pounds for the first week or two. If you have pets, board them unless they
are cats that don't really spend much time in your lap. I had a friend take
my dogs for the first two weeks post-op and it was so helpful not to have
to worry about their well-being and them possibly jumping on me. Do have
everything prepared for when you go home. I had all my clear protein drinks
in the refrigerator, broth on the counter, and popsicles in the freezer.
Friends and neighbors came and checked on me everyday and I was out walking
several times a day from the day I got home (I didn't go far but it is the
effort that counts). Ask neighbors to check in on you; it is great way to
get to know your neighbors and make some new friends. Good luck on your
surgery.
— Elaine L.
September 15, 2007
Hi! I would recommend first talking to your surgeon about what type of
help you may need after you go home. I am having lap rny, and my surgeon
said I will NOT be able to drive for the first week, but I should be able
to bathe, walk up and downstairs, and generally take care of myself. My
children are age 6 and up, so I won't need to lift them. I also shouldn't
life anything over 10lbs.
Of course everyone experiences recovery differently... so good luck with
your procedure!
— KatFord
September 15, 2007
Hi, I had my surgery in 2003 (RNY) but I remember well that I needed some
help the 1st few days. The pain was very minor, but walking & getting
to a standing position was difficult. I would have had a much harder time
without anyone there to help me out. I lost 136 lbs and have had no
problem keeping it off. Had no problems post op. Good luck!
— RedhairedCarol
September 15, 2007
Hi Suzanne. I agree with the others who said to purchase all your clear
liquids before you have the surgery. I had my lap RNY Aug. 6, 2007 and
experienced several problems (difficulty breathing, not being able to
urinate, kidney infection) post op so I had to stay in hospital for four
days. The doctor ordered respiratory therapy, medications and a foley cath
till I was well enough to go home. He took no chances. When I got home, I
was on my own (I have a very ill husband whom I had put in respite care
while I had surgery). I had to take care of myself (and him) but somehow I
managed with no help. My recovery was a lot slower than it would have been
if I'd had someone to visit. I would suggest that you have someone there.
It will make life so much easier for you. It's time to put yourself first
(as a nurse, I expect you tend to put others before yourself). Do whatever
you have to do to take care of you. If you feel hiring a nurse is what you
would prefer, do that. If you think relying on friends is adequate, go
ahead. I wish I could be there for you since I know what it is like to try
to convalesce on your own. Don't be shy to ask for help. It is not
weakness but strength in that it shows that you think enough of yourself to
make sure that you have company and assistance. It is your body, your
recovery and your journey. Have a friendly face with a kind demeanour to
help you relax. Good luck. -@li
— cherub13
September 15, 2007
Beware. You may be limited in simple things also. I had lapro RNY. I was
not able to wipe my own bottem or get out of the waterbed by myself for a
week and a half. My belly region had so much swelling, it hurt to reach
around my "almost pregnant" belly.
— dolphin94
September 15, 2007
I have a friend that had gastric, I have not had mine yet, however she was
in the hospital for two days and then released and was shopping the next
day! I was shocked, she had no pain after, but I guess each person is
different. Have someone just in case you can always cancel if you dont
need them right
— nicole30
September 15, 2007
Hey Suzanne, I have not had my surgery yet but I have two friends who have
already had theirs, plus I work as a nursing assistant with many patients
post-op wls. Recovery time varies greatly due to several factors, ranging
from your own personal pain tolerance and how heavy a person is before they
have the surgery. I've found the larger a person is the more difficult time
they have doing simple tasks for themselves during their recovery, such as
wiping themselves or getting in and out of bed. I had my gallbladder
removed several years ago and I had to sleep in a chair with my feet on an
ottoman for a couple of days because I it hurt too much to get in or out of
bed. Also, if having a lap procedure the surgeons generally instill some
gas into the abdominal cavity to make the procedure easier to perform,
after surgery is over some gas still remains and this can cause a very
upleasant bloating pain (think the worst gas pains you've ever had) or
deferred shoulder pain. The best advice is to have someone around for at
least teh first couple of days until you know how you will respond to
surgery, especially if you have no prior surgery experiences. I hope this
helps!
— Kerri623
September 15, 2007
Like it has been said here several times....it all depends on the person,
how large they are, and the type of surgery you are having. I had my
husband at home when I came home the very next morning from laproscopic
surgery. I loved having him there for the company, but physically and
health wise, I didn't NEED his help! I did everything my doctor suggested
and had no side effects! It's been 14 months now and I'm down 128lbs. and
feeling great and looking like a "normal" woman again! You'll be
fine and soon VERY happy!!! Wishing you the best! Trish in Vietnam
— zoeysgrami
September 15, 2007
I was by myself and it was ok.. I made sure that I had stocked up on
liquids and sugarfree jello, and I brought a small refridgetor for my room.
It worked out great.. I was able to help myself to cold drinks, I also put
my small micowave in my room, so I lived in my room for a week.. I did do
my walks.. My friends came by and so did my B/F, to chekc on me and
called.. It was not bad.. Good luck.. I had mine 7-11-07, cynthia
— babesintoyland
September 15, 2007
If you are having Laproscopic surgery, you might ask a friend or family
member to pop in during the day to help you out a bit...I had my
gallbladder out Lapro and was all alone in my new condo, still packed with
only my bed made! LOL...not much fun...my mother came and brought me home
from the hospital and brought me eggplant parmasian!!! She's not the bright
bulb she claims to be! Can you imagine that? She unpacked a plate and
utensils for me then left....all that help got me through just fine!LOL
She's a whole nother story. IF however you are full blown sugical,
definitely get a home care assistant 24/7 the first week. You will be so
happy you did it. Best Wishes...
Hey no sense screaming "Nurse! Nurse! Quick, I'm Worse!" if you
don't have to....
— LouAB
September 16, 2007
I would say it all depends. If you are having LAP RNY - then, the answer is
probably yes. I could of taken care of myself when I got home no problem,
did I want to....NO! My surgeon had a weight lift restriction for a few
weeks, so I couldn't do laundry, wash dishes, pick up cat, etc. So it was
VERY helpful to have someone here with me. Could I have managed, of course,
again.... did I want to, NO! You are emotional and tired and drained and
trust me you will welcome the help and pampering. Good luck.
— jammerz
September 16, 2007
I am 65 years old and never needed any help. The only problem I had was
getting up and down out of a chair. I had RNY on August 7th and had NO
problems
— bderuiter
September 16, 2007
If you're used to being alone and doing for yourself, you'll be fine. I
had open RNY + gall bladder removal on 6/18/07 and took a cab home to my
2-story house. I made no special accommodations (kitchen and powder room
on 1st floor; bed and bath on 2nd floor), but did find the recliner easier
to get into and out of than the lower, softer sofa. I slept in bed from
the first night I got home and got up and down to get my own liquids. I
figured going up and down the stairs and getting up and down to get my
nutrition was my exercise the first week! I did make sure I had everything
I needed at home before surgery, including all prescriptions and vitamins.
Good luck!
— cleo66
September 16, 2007
Hello,
It depends on the surgery that you are having. I had the RNY and I am a
single mother of 2 boys. I did it by myself and was able to do fine. You
are going to be in some pain. But, i think overall you will be able to
handle it yourself. I think it will be great to have someone to help.
But, if not then I think you will be able to do it yourself. Just remember
to take your time... Take it slow..........and Walk!!!! That helps the
most to get over the recovery period. Good luck and hit me up if you have
any questions.
Ronda
— Ronda C.
September 17, 2007
I only had my husband home one day, then I took care of myself. You won't
feel like doing much, anyway. If you cannot get someone for at least the
first day, talk to your surgeon, and he may keep you an extra day in the
hospital.
— Novashannon
September 17, 2007
I needed little help, but the first day was glad my wife was home. I
couldnt get up from the bed and yelled help beached whale beached whale.
Your surgeon could send you to a rehab hospital for a few days. My surgery
was 2001. LAP RNY, I walked a lot after surgery on my one week anniversary
I walked over a mile. YOU CAN DO IT TOO!
— bob-haller
September 17, 2007
Hey,
Everyone is different. Couldn't drive home but went for a 1/2 mile walk my
first afternoon home. Real discomfort on left side of abd and needed a
push to get out of bed, but would have eventually gotten up by myself. I'm
a nurse too and went back to work 2 wks post op. Good luck!
— debramc
September 17, 2007
Hi -
I am five years post op.
I lived alone when I had mine done (Lap RNY). I would suggest having
someone with you the first day or two if possible.
I came home alone and regret it. I had a very hard time getting on and off
the bed and the couch....(pain), and ended up calling my son to come over
for a couple of days.
— joanned1998
September 18, 2007
I am also an RN, am 3 weeks post-op gastric bypass and live alone. I was
fine. I had to be very prepared with all my supplies, supplements, hot
water bottle, clear and full liquids bought, etc. I kept a flow sheet of my
fluid and protein intake along with checkmarks for shower, medications,
flatus or BM, plus pain medication or heating pad record so I didn't loose
track of anything while my mind was woozy. I had family and friends plan
day-time and an evening-time check-in visit to help me feel confident
walking and showering or to get anything from the store but I only needed
it for 3 days. I needed to rely on my background regarding body mechanics
and how to get out of bed easily. I also walked the halls in the hospital
as much as I could as soon as the IV was out to maintain strength and
confidence, avoid clots, and get rid of the gas. I welcomed 1-2 hours of
help twice a day from my Mom who is a nurse and a sister who went shopping
for more jello and walked outside with me. It went fine.
— gladididit
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