Hi, I am brand new to this board

Hi, My surgery date is scheduled for December 14th.. As of yet we havent heard from the insurance.. I am hoping all will go through smoothly!! I am also having my gall bladder taken out at the same time.. I am nervous about this whole thing but at the same time I cant wait!! I was wondering if anyone can give me some feedback as to how long it really took them to recover and drive and get out of the house after..And I am also very willing to hear any info you can share about the beginning experience.. Thanks so much.. I will try and make a profile with picture as soon as I learn how to navigate this board.. Thanks again, Annette

HI annette! Welcome to the ny forums. I will say its hard to compare because we all recover and have different pain tolerances. ITs a major surgery and needs to be treated as such during your recovery. ITS most important that you adhere to the guidelines that your particular surgeon sets out for you. GOING back to work too is different depending on what type work you do. I know for me i had LAP surgery and was able to go back to my work after 12 days, yes my surgeon wanted me to wait 2 weeks but i couldnt. I now for me the first few days home from the hospitol were hard and i didnt sleep well ....but each day got better and i got thru it. As for driving its all what your surgeon says so these questions should go to them. I was out of the house by 3 days home going to my first follow up appointment with the surgeon. Yes i was tired the first days but i managed. I didnt spend one day home in bed, i was up and takeing it easy, walking and sip sip sipping was my focus all day long. LOOK forward to getting to know you thru your posts

Welcome Annette, I hap Lap RNY ON 11-6. I drove a week later to take my daughter to dance. I was out about 1.5 hours - I would say by two weeks I was REALLY back to my old self - minus lifting my kiddos. I wish you well on your journey. This is a major opertaion. Everyone is different - take it a day at a time and listen to your surgeon and your body. Hugs, Britt

Hi Annette, Weclome! We are a very supportive group of people over here so don't be afraid to post for support/questions! Everyone reacts to surgery differently. As far as driving/getting back to "normal" after surgery, you should talk to w/yvonne she is helpful w/questions like that. Good luck with everything and I wish you nothing but the best. You are in great hands. He's a gem.

Hi Annette, I have not had surgery yet. I just wanted to send out a Welcome!! Good Luck!! Betsy

Annette: Hello and WELCOME! I am so excited for you on this life journey! 12/14 is right around the corner! What a glorious holiday gift you are giving yourself! Being nervous is typical. making the most educated and informed decision possible is all we can do to ensure the most safest/successful outcome! Tell us a little more on how you reached this decision, surgeon etc.... The surgery is usually the easy part of this journey (but it is what we put much thought and worry into), the life postop forever is the challenge. Taking one moment at a time hlps. Focusing self on the moment can help and wrapping your brain around using the first 6 months to solidify many new habits you will need for your life to be successful. Exercise , fluid, food choices etc. Recovery is indiviudal but typical for a Lap rNY is 3 days in hospital +/-, at home pain is individual but mmoving as soon as possible and often is imperative to safety to reduce blood clot risks and get the healing started! Many can return to work in 2 wk if a desk job, others 4 wk, driving is usually allowed after u r off pain meds (for me the first few days), but I had hubby drive me to first 2 wk postop appt to be sure! Take all the time u need to recover u get one chance and for many 2 wk u r not even on food yet! So ask ??? post often ok! Hugs Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jamiecatlady5/ "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"