Hi Need some advice!

Hi,

I am new here!. I started the process for bariatric surgery (sleeve). I have no support from family or friends and have a 10 year old girl. I am concerned about the initial recovery at home. In your experience. Did you needed help at home after the surgery. I will greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks!!

I am a single Mom and my twins were 13 when I had my RNY. I stayed at my summer home where my parents also have a place and had some help for a few days from them. But to my surprise (other than help driving and the first few meals) I think I could have managed alone. I even returned to my desk job less than a week after my RNY. We are all different though in our healing process. I would give yourself time to be safe and at the least maybe have a family member close by that can help the first few days. My children were old enough to help lift and keep things in order around the house chore wise. I'm sure your daughter can be just as helpful.

Best of luck!

I think it depends on your activity level now and how much you weigh and how much that weight impacts how you are physically today.

I had my band when I was 27 and my daughter was almost 2. I could not hold her but by the end of the week I was able to walk to the train to go pick her up she would get into her small stroller and we would walk about .5 miles home.

I would just start to prep your daughter, get her food made and prepped (and yours!) and if there is something you still do for her (getting dressed, hair etc..) start to each her how to get it done herself. Make sure you have stools in your house so she can reach stuff and most importantly make sure she can call 911 if needed.

Oh and keep your pain meds out of reach or tell her what they are and how dangerous they can be for her if she takes them. Mine is 10 now and can basically do anything on her own!

I have even had to call an uber for her once when I was late to pick her up.

good luck!

Thanks so much for your advise. Is a good idea to start teaching her how to do things I still have to do for her. She is 10 but has ADHD with anxiety and is very needy. I still have to wash and do her hair, She has tried to do it herself and is a MESS!. I even have to serve her a cup of water and I have to drive. I am everything in my house. I think it will also be a good idea for the doctor to explain to her how I will be feeling after surgery. She takes advise from doctors, teachers or any authority very serious.

Is so hard to be a single mother with no support whatsoever. But that won't stop me from having the surgery. Her dad passed away 3 years ago and she has no living grandparents. I need to better my health so I can be in her life as long as possible.

I was a bit needy for things like remembering to keep drinking. It was a trial. Get a shot glass and a measurable water glass like a sports bottle with oz measurements. Make a game with your daughter to do shots ever 10-15min. If she's having fun she can help you keep track of time. A bottle with a lid is nice so you can just toss it in bed with you.

Get her able to put her own meals in the microwave and able to get things for herself. You'll be able to help almost all of the time but it'll be nice when your not on top of it if she can help. Preload your bathroom with clean towels and TP so you don't have to get them. Bending is a pain so set them out.

You may have some mild complications so make a back up plan. Like who to call if. Nothing major but a small back up plan.

Thanks so much for such great ideas!!

I'm in a rush and unable to read the other posts. With luck, I won't be repeating.

You probably won't need much more than minimal help. Be sure to buy all the stuff you were told you'll need before -- protein drinks, pain scrip just in case, whatever else. Your 10-year old is young, certainly, but capable of much and can do much that you haven't actively taught her. Remember how much you were able to do as a kid through years of simple observation.

If this will be the first time she'll be having less of your attention for a couple three days, assign her as your deputy, assistant or partner. It may very will give her a sense of involvement, importance and grown-upness.

All the best.

Thanks! She will definitely love to feel that she is of much help. That I am pretty sure!.

I had gastric bypass and had hardly no pain at all. Was home by myself but didn't have young children to take care of. I think you will be fine. Good luck!