What to expect
Surgery is 7 days away.. . What do I need to do to be ready for after surgery? I like to know in advance what to expect. I understand each person is different, but what will I feel like doing 2-3 days after I'm home. Will I want to get up and do a few things or will I be tied to the couch? Kids will have baseball games almost every day, will I feel like sitting through a game? Let me know what to expect.
If your surgery is done lap, you will be able to get around a lot better than if it is done open. I have a hard time sitting in a chair completely upright for too long. I worked 7 1/2 hours yesterday (2 weeks post-op) at my desk job & it was too much too soon. Although I've heard of some people who are shopping at Walmart the day they get out of the hospital with no problems.
I say rest & let your body heal early on & don't forget to walk when you feel up to it. I usually feel a pulling sensation on my incision (open RNY) when I walk too far or too long. I am used to walking 3-6 miles around my neighborhood bike path & it really bugs me that I get worn out after only 1/2 mile now. (I did have some internal bleeding post-op & am still a bit anemic from it though) Today I got wore out from just blow drying my hair. Odd, but every day is different.
I am down 22 pounds in 2 weeks. That's something I've never done before!
Hugs,
Darlene
Hi Dawn,
Congrats on your date! I agree with the previous poster...it depends on what type of surgery you are having. I had an open RNY and thought it no worse than the 3 C's I had. You will be sleepy and want to rest a lot at first. Let yourself do it. If you wanted to go to a ball game...it should be okay as long as you sit and rest. Just remember that you will be going through some major adjustments. Be sure to bring your water with you and sip, sip, sip. I know my first week home I did sleep a lot. It will get better. By two weeks, I was going out and driving. Not for long periods of time. Best wishes.
Linda
367/189/?
Thanks for the info. I should be able to handle this just fine. Had 2 C-sections no problems. It's the not knowing what to expect that makes me anxious. I've had some tell me the first couple of weeks are really rough. I can't get them to go into more detail as to what to expect if it's mental, being sick or what. One person told me they were nauseated for a couple of weeks, that's what made it so bad for her. So far I've been lucky with all the surgeries I've had. The only one I got sick with was the gall bladder and they wheeled me to the car while I was still out of it. 12/31/99 wanted me out of the hospital before Y2K.! (Surgery at 8:00 home by 12:00) and yes my family partied around me. Although pictures looked like I had the best time at the party - passed out on the couch.
Dawn: I have to be honest, I had a c-section and thought this was going to be a good comparison. It was not at all for me. I would go through 5 c's instead! I was VERY swollen with fluids post-op, probably an extra 15 pounds and felt miserable. I had Lap. The incisions are not painful but the belly and insides are uncomfortable. I had difficulty cleaning my peri-area and was worn out just doing a bed bath. I went home 4 days later on a Sat, by Tuesday , I was feeling more human. I am now just up for my son's base ball games, 3-4 weeks out. Sleeping is very rough, I have one of those bolster type pillows you use on the floor or to sit up and read in bed and that was a life saver. You may want to read some of the posts we put out for things to take to the hospital. The most important thing is to stay as hydrated as possible, you will not get in enough calories for much energy.
KEEP IN MIND everyone is different! I think alot depends on you weight at time of surgery, it is tough on your body and I know I am 10 years older since my c-section!
I am 4 weeks out and starting to forget about the discomforts, so I know it will be worth it! I did make myself walk around the house or in the court to prevent blood clots. Best wishes! Mel
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