Question:
After my Lap RNY surgery I will be on my own - does anyone have any input?
I'm concerned that I won't be able to manage by myself. I have friends who can drop by to help with certain things but should I be too concerned? I'd love to hear from anyone who managed on their own after surgery. Thanks! — Stacey G. (posted on February 27, 2003)
February 27, 2003
I did fine on my own. In fact, I took care of my kids fine too. They are
12, 8, and 4. You'll be fine, in my opinion. Just get all your cleaning and
laundry done before you go in.
— Diana L.
February 27, 2003
You'll be just fine, just take it easy. GOOD LUCK!!
— Tambi B.
February 27, 2003
The hospital won't let you drive yourself home, so make sure you have a
friend drive you or get a taxi. Also, have someone get your medications for
you before taking you home. Also, keep a chart of when you take food,
medications, water. You will be tired and on pain meds and will want to
make sure you don't accidentally take too much medicine and also make sure
you are getting enough water and 'eating' your 'meals'. Stock up on your
broth, sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles and anything else your doctor
says you can have in the first 2 weeks or so. Good luck!
— Yolanda J.
February 27, 2003
If you plan to take a cab home, ask ahead of time if you need your doc's
permission to do so. I had planned on doing that once and the nurse in the
recovery area wouldn't let me do that until she had cleared it with the
doc.
— garw
February 27, 2003
I came home from 2 days in the hospital in time to hand out Halloween
candy! Managing by myself in our house means I can cook a turkey breast in
the crockpot instead of putting the whole bird in the oven (LOL!). I did
laundry the next day - just had someone take it downstairs for me. I
didn't need a lot of pain medication and I did keep a food diary for the
first month, including water. My husband and both of my big boys (19 and
22) all went to work the day after I came home. I guess because I was warm
and breathing they figured I could take care of myself. I even had some
little jobs to keep me occupied (daytime TV kills brain cells, I'm
convinced). Cleaned out the kitchen "junk" draw. Washed and
dried pillows, etc. You will be fine and may even be glad you don't have
someone hovering around.
— koogy
February 27, 2003
I came home on Thursday from my lap rny. Had it on Tuesday. I did fine
and was taking my son to ball practice (driving) by Sat. Morning. I only
took pain meds my 1st day home and then only at night for a couple of days.
You will do fine just remember to walk walk walk. Even if it is only up
and down a hallway, I did this every 2 -3 hours during my first couple of
weeks. I was very paranoid about blood clots. I am soon to be 11 months
our 3/9 and still doing great down 130lbs. Best of luck to you. rk
— Robin B.
February 28, 2003
I agree that it is possible to not have someone around 24/7 and do great
while recovering. I wouldn't recommend doing anything the doc says not to.
Laudry?? Yikes. I over did things after having my tubes tied and ended up
having a hysterectomy because of it. Stay active, but within the doc's
guidelines. Your doc should know what the limitations are during recovery
period.
I have been fortunate that I've always felt pretty good after surgery or at
least realized some things (like walking) must be done no matter what.
If you're not comfortable being alone 24/7, perhaps just having a friend a
phone call away will ease your mind. That is my plan.
Best wishes.
— Diane S.
February 28, 2003
Stacey, if everything goes well, you probably will do fine on your own with
some help from friends. However, you should make plans just in case there
are complications. I had one of those, 5 days after my lap RNY when I had
to have an emergency open surgery-kinked bowel-totally unexpected. I could
have handled recovery myself with the lap but needed a few days of help
with the open.
— Cindy R.
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