whats it like , in hospital and first few weeks ???

Greetings all. i went for phych eval monday, i am a little scared about hospital stay and recovery, i played football, had 2 knee oprations, never stayed over night, what will it be like ????? i am a big baby, 6'5 385 and a 2 year old when it comes to pain !!!

Don't be scared.  Staying at a hospital is anything but restfull..which is funny because you would think just the opposite.  The good news is that you will be in good hands should you need something or have questions....  You will be fine..  

I'm afraid I cant give you a lot of information on way Dr Sax does everything, as I had Dr Pohl. But are you having the lapband or the bypass? With the band, the average stay is about 1-2 days. With the bypass I was in the hospital 3 full days. I wont lie and say there wasnt any pain, but it was definately manageable. I think the worst part was the gas pains and you'll hear it over and over...walk, walk, walk....the walking really does help to dampen the gas pains and make you feel better faster. 
Just remember, you'll be fine! It will be over in a few days and you'll be on your way to a new better life!
 

If I recall, you're having a RNY.  The typical stay for Dr. Sax's patients is 2 nights on one of the Miriam's step down units. 
Agree with the earlier post that it's not the most restful time, found myself doing more of the catnap thing. 
The nursing staff was great about checking in about pain med needs, frequently asking the question what my pain level was between 1 - 10.  They were also good about offering non-med options for comfort like positioning, pillow propping and assistance with getting up to walk. 
They were accommodating to family and making sure they were well informed and had all their questions answered.  This was comforting as I didn't feel overwhelmed having to be the only one taking in all the post-op info. 
Hope some of this info helps.  Ask away if you have more questions.
~ Sandy

Hey!

You've received some great info about your hospital stay here! Although my surgery was at Roger Williams Hospital, I have found that Miriam Hospital is a great place with lots of great staff to help you during your immediate post-op recovery!

When I got home, my hubby and kids really helped me a lot! I didn't really have to do anything for the first week or two. I 'pre-educated' everyone about my post-op diet and my can do's and should do's, as well as, my can nots and should nots. They really kept me on track. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

Walking is extremely important while in the hospital AND once you're home. It's great to make goals to walk just a few steps more each day, a couple of times each day. Indoors or Outdoors.

ALSO, sip, sip, sip your water (or other non-calorie, non-carbonated, non-caffeinated drink). You'll hear this from me all the time......

  

"Just keep sipping, just keep sipping, just keep sipping, sipping, sipping....what do we do? We sip, sip, sip"

  

Don't worry about counting calories when you first get home. Just be sure you're getting your walking, 64 ounces of fluids and all your recommended protein EVERY day (I was started on 45 gms a day and now do 70-100 gms per day).

You'll be sore for a while but don't just lay down all day. It'll make it worse. I can promise you that. Move around as comfortably as you can.

Let us know if we can help!

Jules