One More Question

Thanks to everyone who answered my question on the hospital stuff! Here is one more:

A friend of mine who has had RNY told me that I am going to be REALLY bloated and swollen after surgery and it might not be the best idea for my husband to bring the my girls to see me right away (they are young - 5 and 8). She was concerned about them being a little sensitive about seeing me like that.

I had never even thought of this. What do you guys think?

Liza

Are they mature for their age or immature?

Do you think they'll "need" to see mom?

Will it be possible to cover your belly with the blanket?

Can you prepare them for how you will look?

How does hubby feel about it?

Just as a follow up to this for everyone that was kind enough to answer.......My husband and I talked about it and we decided that Tuesday evening after my surgery, he will come to see me without the kids. Depending on how I feel and whether or not I want the kids to come after that, he will maybe bring them the next day. Thanks for all your input!!!

Liza

Liza,

I didn't have my children come to the hospital, they were younger than yours. As a nurse, I just don't feel that it is a great place for kids to go(to many germs).  Some hospitals actually have policies that restrict kids under 12,  check on the visitation policy.

 I spoke with my kids (2 and 5 at the time) on the phone a couple of times a day.

Best Wishes with your surgery.

it should be fine to have the girls come see you.  You will onlyhave an IV in and that can be easily explained that that is how you get your medicine.  You will get "sponges on a stick" the first day for you to suck on.  I gave my daughter ( who was 12) one and she loved it.  They will enjoy that too.  It'll make it fun and take the focus off of you and the IV.   They dip it in water and suck on it.  Actually thats what you are supposed to do. LOL  But its not that scary and then they can take you for a walk too.  Sort of "help mommy" thing.  Girls love that.  My room mate had 2 little girls and they were fine and had fun too.  Have your husband bring something for them to do too.  OR them can draw pictures for you and bring them.    Eldy

Hi Liza,
    My son was 8 when I had my RNY. I didn't have him come to the hospital. They are way to many germs there, but if he had come he would have been fine seeing me. You do get swollen but nothing scary.  :)

My 2.5 and 4 yr old visited me twice! Once the day after surgery and again to pick me up.  They LOVED to dip the sponge in the glass and suck on the water. 

It made me feel great to see them and they were happy to see me and know I was fine.  When I saw them the first time I was on an IV and they were intrigued by that.  They also made me presents that they gave me.

I definitely think it depends on your children though.  My 4 yr old LOVES to watch TV surgeries and is not easily grossed out by blood or anything weird.  She wants to be a doctor and a ballerina when she grows up!!  She was disappointed to learn I was not having my stomach cut off!! Too much Big medicine I guess!

My son (2.5) is also not a squeamish kid and is not easily frightened... (judge me all you want for letting him watch them but...) he likes movies like spider man and anything with aliens etc. so I thought they would not be frightened be seeing me all attached to monitors and such.  My friends daughter would have freaked so it depends on the kids.

Most hospitals will work with you if your kids are under 12.   RI hospital policy does not permit kids under 12 but I asked my roommate if she minded and then asked the nurse if it would be OK.

Liza,
    I'm answering this as a nurse not as a mom. I don't think it's the best idea for kids to be in the hospital. Especially, with this N1H1 flu going around. As someone else suggested, call them a lot. Hospitals are filthy and germ infested!!! Keep them safe.....you'll be home in no time.
Sorry if this wasn't the answer you were looking for but I'm a pediatric ER nurse and I have strong feelings about this one.
Besides that........I am SSSOOOO envious of you right now. Just remember to dust off a spot next to you , I'm 31/2 weeks away from my surgery!!!!!!~~~~~~~Kim

Liza,

I don't have little ones around but I'm thinking about you here.  You are going to be hurting and tired and sleepy and weak.  Maybe wait until you get home and have the girls by 'Mommy's helper' by getting slippers, water, magazines, etc. 

Good Luck!

~kelly jo