Questions

For those of you who have had an open RNY, how long was your hospital stay? I'm 8 days out and going over everything in my mind like maybe I've forgotten to ask some things. The waiting is killing me. One minute I'm so excited and the next minute I'm crying because I think I might never see my 4 year old son again. Were your small children able to visit you in the hospital? I'm planning on asking that question at my pre-op appointment tomorrow. Sorry for the rambling, I guess I'm just nervous...but excited too! I just can't wait to be on the other side so I can be a healthier, happier version of me. Thanks for listening and my prayers and well wishes go out to all of you!! Julia

Julia, I was in and out within 4 days. My barium test passed within 2 hours and I was up walking just like they told me to. Also, I am 22 and my age definitely helped get me out quicker. There was another patient in who was like 45 or so and she had been in 8 days and was miserable. I think a lot of it depends on your attitude and willingness to do what they want you to do. Stay positive!! Do not worry about seeing your little one(s) again. You are in God's hands- He will guide your surgeon through the surgery and you to safety and recovery!! -Katie

Thank you Katie. I appreciate your thoughts and will do my best to put it in God's hands and stay positive. I'm praying you have a speedy recovery! Julia

Hi Julia, I had an open rny on 9/3/04 and went home on 9/6/04. I chose not to have my 6 yr old visit me in the hospital because I didn't want to scare her, and hospitals can be germy places and kids put their hands in thier mouths, etc. She was used to spending weekends with her grandparents anyway, so that's what she did and I spoke to her several times over the phone while we were apart. Afterward, she has been great about not being rough around my incision, I was worried about that. As far as your fears are concerned, this is what I did. I wrote a letter to each of my kids in the event something bad did happen, explaining how much I loved them, what made them special to me, and why I felt I needed to do this. I didn't give them the letters, I just wrote them and stashed them. Then I put it in God's hands and stopped worrying about it. I really felt led to this decision and I feel it is a blessing for so many of us who have come to feel hopeless. Of course things can happen, but you can die crossing the street to go to the hospital too. So, now that your decision is made, try not to worry, and instead, think of how many wonderful changes we have in the coming year! Good luck to you, God bless you! ~Sue

Sue - Thanks for all the support and great advice. I'm going to take your advice and write a letter to my son and see if that relieves a bit of my anxiety. I'm a bit of a control freak and am feeling that so many things are out of my control at this point and the waiting just makes it worse. Thank you for the support and the kind words. I pray that you have a quick recovery and are able to give your 6 year old a big bear hug soon! Julia