After Surgery hospital stay

Hello all, My name is Zuleima and I am 5ft5 270 lbs from North New Jersey. I am going to the Barix clinic for a consultation. I have been reading anything and everything I can about the RNY, I have yet to see information about how long the hospital stay is and how long before one can return to work (based on the average recovery). I also would like to know what to expect and how to prepare for the psychologist meeting and also what sorts of pre op test (bllod work) are normally done. I sure appreciate anyones help with this. Thank you.

Zuleima, The hospital stay varies. It depends 1st on whether you have an open or laparascopic (sp?) surgery, then if you have any kind of complications. I had an open, and ended up staying 3 nights. I would have been able to go home after 2, except that I was running a fever, so they wanted to keep me one more night - just in case. Returning to work also varies. It would also depend on which type of surgery you had, what your doctor advises, and whether or not you may have any complications. I, so far, have been out for 4 weeks. I have seen postings here on OH where people have returned in 2 - some even less than that. I have short term disability with my job, so fortunately I get paid for being off. I have had a complication, and still have an open wound at the bottom of my incision, so I anticipate being off at least 6 weeks total. I have my doctor's appointment next week, so I'll know more then about when I'll be returning to work. The psych evaluation is very straightforward. I personally had an interview with the doctor then took a test that has lots of questions that you get to fill in the answer (multiple choice from "I strongly agree to I strongly disagree" type options). A lot of the questions are duplicate, but worded differently. I really don't think that there is any way to prepare for it, but I really don't think that there is any need either. I'm not sure what exactly they tested for with the blood work, but I also had to get a chest Xray, and an EKG for my pre-op tests. Some require a sleep study if you haven't already had one. Your doc may have different things that he likes to have done, so the best thing is to ask him all of these questions, once you decide on a surgeon. Hope this helps. Annie

Hi, welcome to the boards-My surgery was LapRNY-I was in the hospital for 2 days-no problems at all. I went back to work in 2 weeks-I don't get paid if I don't go-so I just took what I could afford. My surgeon said it would depend upon what kind of job you have-how long you would be off-I'm a switchboard operator so it's not very taxing. I had to have a 6 month Dr. supervised diet-and a letter from my PCP reccomending me for the surgery., I had to have a nutrition consult, a psyc. eval-neither of which was covered my my insurance-and a treadmill test, plus the usual blood work. God Bless!

Thank you so much for your input Annie. I have read SOOOOOO many profiles and just couldn't find this particular information! Thanks again to all that responded.

I had my surgery on Dec 27. My surgery was a laprascopic RNY. I stayed in the hospital 2 nights. I have had a very easy recovery so far. I feel so lucky! As for the psychologist visit, I just chose one that was in my health plan so I didn't have to pay. She talked to me about weight issues and wrote a letter stating that she felt I was able to "handle" the surgery and aftermath. It is basically to make sure you realize what you are doing and are not just going to go back to your old ways of eating. I also had to see a pulminologist to see if I had sleep apnea. I had a sleep study and yes, I did have sleep apnea. I got a machine to use when I go to sleep and it helps me get a better night's sleep. The medical tests you have to go through help you get ready and assure that you will have a successful surgery. I recommend you read a couple of books on WLS. I found this very helpful in answering my questions. The best one was "Weight Loss Surgery: Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You." You can order this and other books on Amazon.com. Good luck to you as you explore the options! -Diana

You really need to read profiles of people on these forums. Most of the information you are seeking is included there. The profiles are a great source of information. Just click on a name.