Why didn't they tell me this in the beggining

well i found out yesterday that if I dont have a private room a family member cannot stay with me. I thought they were all private rooms. But I was very sad when I found this out at first but then lastnight I decided I cannot let this break me down at least I will have visiting hours and I am on the list to request a private room but wont know until I get there the day of my surgery. I really think having a family member stay with you the whole time helps with the recovery process cause they will be there to help you walk if the nurses are with another patient. But I will not let this bother me. Just needed to vent. Kelly Wheeler

Hi Kelly - I bet you're excited about the upcoming surgery! I was scared, excited, etc., which you'll find is all normal. I had my surgery at GBMC, and every room for bariatric patients is a private room with two beds, so my wonderful Mom stayed with me. Having said that, I sent her home the next day - she snored, likes to sleep with the tv on and slept so soundly I couldn't wake her when I needed something! Plus, I just do better by myself. I was pretty out of it until about 9 p.m. the night of surgery, so it wasn't like I was aware she was there anyway!!! The nurses were phenomenal and got me up to walk at about 10:30 p.m., and from then on, I walked by myself about every two hours. I usually did two laps around the floor and came back. Walking helps so much!!! I had lap rny, not sure what kind you're having, but having had open gallbladder about 16 years ago, there is a considerable difference. I really had no pain from the lap rny, but just to be on the safe side, I'd give myself a pump of pain meds about 1/2 before I walked. Don't worry, your family can visit, although you may find you don't want company! Maybe if they're extra quiet, the nurses will let them stay longer. The important thing is to rest, walk and be compliant. We're saving a spot for you on the loser's bench! It's a great ride, sometimes bumpy, and you may want to puke, but in the end, it is SOOOOOOO worth it! Take care, Teresa - lap rny 8/2/05 - 370/236/170

Yeah that is what I figured. I wont even worry about having anybody stay with me cause I'll want to relax by myself. It was going to be my mom that stayed with me just because my husband needs to be home to pay attention to my 3 dogs that are going to go nuts while im gone for a few days. And I didnt think about there still being visiting hours so that is better than nothing. Well thank you and I will see you when I get to the loser's bench Kelly Wheeler

Hi Kelly, I'm sure you'll do fine. I see you have Dr. Magnuson..I had him and he's great. I had my surgery at Bayview and the nurses were very helpful with the walking and everything. I was in a 2 person room at first but the other bed wasn't occupied. Best of luck with your new upcoming life --- you (we) have the best doctor ever!! Keep us posted on how you're doing. Hugs for you, pat

Thank you for the support. I liked Dr Magnuson the minute he walked in the room. I had seen some other doctors and Didnt feel comfotable around them like I did with Dr Magnuson. The lady at the admitting office said I could reguest a private room but there were no promises and I wouldn't find out until the day of my surgery. So if I do great if I dont that will be ok. I'm not going to let that discourage me. So thank you again and I will keep you posted on my adventure. Do you go to the support group meetings there? or somewhere near you? Thanks alot Kelly Wheeler

I had an extended hospital stay when I was pregnant. I was there 5 weeks and 1 day before delivery. I came home then was back 24 hours later in labor. I had a c-section so I had to stay another 4 days. Went home and, again, back less then 24 hours alter with complications. Stayed another 4 days. Each time I had a private room and still only had someone (Hubby) staying with me 1 or 2 nights each week. Honestly,. I think it would ahve driven me crazy to have someone where 24/7, especially after the c-section and when I was readmitted. I was so groggy and medicated that I just wanted to sleep. I am still pre-op so I can't really comment on WLS, but I think you'll find it won't be so bad not having someone stay, if they can't. I'd have people visit during the day but, by the end of the day, I was so exhausted I just wantewd peace and quiet. It got to the point where I had Hubby put a Do not disturb sign on my door, between nurses and doctors and "housekeeping" and, hell, there were so many people coming in and out of my room I wouldn't doubt it that the landscapers were in there at some point LOL. But, my point, by the end of the day, being post op, you're so wiped out you want the peace and quiet. Either way, I'm sure you'll do fine. The nurses are there to help, if need be. For me personally, I found it easier to ask the nurses, even when my husband was there. For example, I felt way more comfortable asking them to help me to the bathroom than I did asking hubby. They're used to post-op people. Hubby was not. So, like I said, I wasmore comfortable with getting a good night sleep and asking the nurses for help.

Hi! I had mine at Bayview also. The first night I shared a room. The second day a private room opened up and they moved me right into it, but I kept asking. I ask everyone that came in, even the cleaning ladies, my visitors, every single person that walked in my room! So don't count it out. Bayview is awesome. I only had one crappy nurse the whole time I was there, and I was there for 5 days because I was a revision from band to Duodenal Switch. good luck sweetie!