Hello All - I am new here

Hi Just wanted to say hello - I have been reading all of the good posts for the past several weeks.  My surgery is tentatively scheduled for July 24th if my second scope shows that the little ulcers they found the first time are finally gone!  (thanks to taking naprosyn). I have two questions:  If I have surgery on the 24th how long will I need to have someone staying with me after I leave the hospital? Also, will I be feeling 4 weeks post-op when school starts back...I am a teacher. Thanks for your help - I have enjoyed and learned alot from this message board already. Mackie

Hi Mackie, I am pre-op so I really cant answer your questions.  I work the school system and also am getting this procedure done on my "vacation".  I just wanted to say hello and we're glad to have you here! You're 2 days ahead of me for surgery!!   Nancy

Hi Mackie:      Welcome to the boards. Congrats on the upcoming surgery. You will be fine for school at 4 weeks out. I hit two weeks today and I would be fine to go back to work. I also teach so I understand your concern. Anyhow, don't be a stranger here. There is a wealth of info available and many good people willing to share. Oh, as far as needing someone at home....maybe a few days or so. Anyhow, keep us posted.  Lisa

Hi Mackie.  I had someone to stay with me for a week post surgery.  I could have gone it alone sooner, probably, but it was good to have someone here to take care of cooking, cleaning, etc.  As far as actual personal care, I could manage everything I needed to take care of nearly right away.  I don't think you should be completely alone, 24/7 for at least 2 weeks though.  In case you fall or have a problem, there should be someone checking in on you. Among other things, you'll probably be sent home with Lortab, which is great for pain.  It also doesn't feel like it's affecting you mentally, but it is.  It tends to remove inhibitions, so you need to make sure that someone is watching over you some until you know how it affects you.  You almost certainly won't be cleared to drive until your two week post op apointment. All of these are based on Lap RNY.  I think there's a similar recovery for Lap Band, but if you're open RNY, the particulars change.  Open will have a much longer recovery period and you'll probably be a month before you're cleared to drive.  That's why it's important to stick to your pre op diet, so that your doctor has the best chance to do it Lap. Take care and good luck with your upcoming surgery.  Please keep us updated! Ellen

Welcome Mackie...and good luck on the 24th. We're all here for you. :O) Mare

Welcome Mackie! You and I will be surgery buddies on the 24th!  Exciting, isn't it? Suzanne

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome and Suzanne that is great we are sharing the same date.  I will let you know if my date changes after I meet with the surgeon on Wednesday - but I certainly hope not! Mackie

Hi Mackie.    Welcome to the NC board!!  It's a great little community!!

As far as having someone stay with you after surgery, I agree with what everyone else has said.  My surgeon says no lifting, mopping, heavy duty housework, etc. for at least 2 weeks.  Driving is about the same ~ especially if you need to continue pain meds after you get home.   As far as how you will feel 4 weeks out, I can't really answer that since I won't be but a week out tomorrow.  But I know that I feel really good right now and imagine that it will only get better and better as the days pass by.  In fact, I am planning on going back to work on Monday.  Good luck on your surgery and keep posting!!!   We love to have new friends join us on here and share their journey with us!!!! Hugs, Donna