Hospital Stay

I have a question, folks. Is it possible to have the surgery without someone staying with you right afterwards? There's no way I'm going to let my mother or aunts drive in Atlanta traffic - they're scary enough in our small town traffic, and my husband would be more trouble than help. Everybody else works and lives at least six hours away, and I refuse to ask them to try to come down to stay with me. I will hire a sitter if necessary, but usually I prefer to be left alone while in the hospital. am I being unrealistic? Also, has anyone tried creative visualization? In other words, imagining themselves trim and able to move about with ease, dressed in normal clothes that don't strangle you? Maybe I've got too much free time on my hands, LOL! Thanks for any input. Barb in S. Georgia

i was alone in the hospital with out any problems ....SO that will be fine and i think you can go home also and be alone if need be ...My mom stayed with me only to make sure nothing went wronge the first night i was home ...but that was it and i was on my own after that ....So sure you can do it on your own with out any issues i think anyways Laura

Thanks, Laura, you just took away my last worry! I'm not sweating the home part, as my husband, as well as my neighbor will be handy, and I plan to have all the liquids, proteins, etc. on hand before. Gosh, what would we do without this board to answer all our questions! Thanks, Barb in S. Georgia

I was home alone too after the first night. My mom came up from Jax, FL to stay with the kids while I was in the hospital, but then she needed to get back down to Jax to get my oldest back in school down there. I was fine to be alone, and almost enjoyed not feeling like I had to keep anybody company. We made sure that I had pleanty of microwavable foods for my 8 yr old to eat so I didn't have to stand and cook, and I had a sink of dishes until I could stand long enough to load the dishwasher, but after a few days all seemed to come back to normal. Susan Lap RNY 12-1-04 285-231-155 (-54)

Thanks, Susan. I've already got my husband trained to operate the microwave, so I'll be home free. He is retired and stays up til all hours watching old movies, so we don't eat at the same time. In many ways I'm pretty lucky, I guess. Congratulations on you big loss in such a short time - I bet your family is proud of you! Barb in s. Georgia

Hi Barbara, I stayed alone when I had my lap rny. I am pretty much an independent type personality. My husband (who had 13 surgeries before he was 11) for obvious reasons is uncomfortable in the hospital and would not have been much help. My mil wanted to stay but she uses a power wheelchair and is very clingy and I did not want that either. I let them stay until I got settled in my room and then sent them home. My husband's grandfather had died that morning so they had some things to get worked out also. My sister came by after work but I pretty much slept that first afternoon/night (my surgery was at 730am). Marie

Marie, I just read your personal comments, and you are really something! Couldn't believe you went to that party so soon. It is so helpful to hear how well you did on your own, and I know I will be fine, too. Thanks for taking the time to post. Barb in S. Georgia

I stayed alone in the hospital because I didn't want anyone to have to try to sleep on the chair/bed they make your guest stay on and besides if you need anything you can just ring for your nurse and they can help you. My mother did stay with me the first few nights I was home which I was very greatful for. Best of luck to you! ~Bonnie

Thanks for your post, Bonnie. My husband can't believe that so many of you take the time to answer everyone's questions. Obviously, it's not something a lot of guys are comfortable with. Hugs to the guys on our board, though. This is such a great group! Barb in S. Georgia

My husband stayed with me, but I really didn't need him. I was in Lanier Park Hospital in Gainsville, and the nurses were in there every little while checking on me day and night . They even checked on my husband and covered him with a blanket while he was asleep !! Good luck on your up coming surgery. Judy