I HAVE A QUICK QUESTION

My parnter and I are filling out the paper work for Family medical leave. My parnter is going to take off 3 weeks to take care of me. I have never had surgery before, I will be having gastric by pass laproscoply, can someone tell me what my parnter can expect to do for me after surgery, what kind of things will I not be able to do that she will have to help me with? Again that you all for your support.

Hey Sherry I had open so it was rough the first three days. I hear that Lap is much more smooth and less painful. Your partner is so sweet for taking the time out to take care of you. Mine did the same and about the 10th day, she got on my nerve but I love her dearly My partner helped with preparing my shakes and pureed foods. Help me take a shower, get dressed, personal issues and just support me when I had mood swings. The only thing I did not warn my partner about was my mood swings and feeling down. I said a couple of times that I made a huge mistake and that made her feel so bad. I should of warned her that I would probably say that. I'll be praying for you! Kay

Hi, Rose took of just 2 days after my lap RNY. Though she did take a day off when was in the hospital (my coming home day). I had Rose help me get up and down/inn and out of bed. She also helped make sure things were within reach. When I needed something upstairs or downstairs, she got it for me. But by my 3rd day home, I really felt good enough to do mos tthings myself. I also was ready for Rose to go back to work because I am a very independent person. I wanted to make myself do things on my own so that I'd heal faster. Also, i knew that if I relied on her to do things, I wouldn't move as much as I needed too. Oh, she also was a big help in driving to the store when I needed things. s. If your partner wants to talk to someone about life after surgery, give us a call. Rose would be happy to chat. Jen

Heath took off the day of my surgery and then the day I came home. He helped me get in and out of bed and to get in the shower. He also helped me get up the steps into our house. He was home with me the weekend after my surgery as well and then went back to work on Monday when my cousin came in to town to stay with me. She was there for a week and was a big help driving me to the doctor and the supermarket. By week two I was on my own during the day when Heath was at work. I was glad to have the time to myself. I had open RNY. Chip

Hey Sherry, You'll be fine. I had Open RNY,I'm currently single, so I came home without a lover, and I took great care of myself, those first few days were a bit more complicated, but I managed. As stated lap surgery is not as painful as Open RNY. That is such a kind gesture on your lover's part, hang in there you'll see, you'll be alright!

I am single now and when I had the surgery. I had my sister-in-law with me the day of the surgery. She offered to come by the next day and I declined as I had other visitors. She then came and picked me up. I was only in the hospital two days. She help me get upstairs and brought my bag in and my supplies for covering my incisions. I could have used someone to run and get extra supplies as I leaked alot from one of them-doctors office said it was normal. But I managed on my own and good to get out and drive a couple of blocks and walk a bit. I also had a friend come over and help me do laundry the week after surgery. That was a big help as it is two flights down and up and I could do it once, but not with carrying the laundry and I needed a couple of trips. I am pretty much a loner at home, so having the down time was nice. I had planned on two weeks off with one week of paid time off in reserve if I needed. The week after surgery I had to travel for a family emergency and ended up taking the 3rd week to deal with that. But could have easily went back to work. Now I know my recovery went very well. I have had others in my pre-op class that needed much more help. If I had needed it I could have went to my brother and sister-in-laws place where my sister in law was more than willing to nurse me if I needed. I just wanted to be home, with my own things, watching my own tv and not having to talk to anyone. Good luck and it is all worth it!

I was lucky because she stayed at the hospital with me the whole time. I really needed her there that first night because of the foley catheter. (I couldn't get out of bed) She actually wa****ting my morphine button for me while I slept so that I could rest. She was my cheerleader, my emotional dumping ground, and my rock. She was there making me get up out of the bed and walk off the gas. I am so grateful to her for everything. You are going to have a lot of highs and lows immediately after surgery--just tell her to be prepared to see you in pain and having mood swings. You guys have been through so much though...this is probably going to be cake for her!!! Good luck! -Cheri

Sherry, I feel really silly about my email to you earlier. You have not had surgery yet. I am sorry about that. Lisa was in the hospital with me, she helped me in and out of bed. To and from the rest room for the frist couple of days. I needed help with showering the first couple of days. I needed Lisa to help get things for me, like my water and jello. I was scared to get up and mvoe around so soon. Just the normal stuff around the house. But, you may be different you may come home and be able to do everything for yourself. That would be awesome. I am glad that she is going to be able to take three weeks off with you. Best of luck to you, Melissa

Hi Sherry, I am so glad to see that things are finally going your way. You have been trying for soooooooooo long to get this and I am glad to see that it is happening. Honestly, 3 weeks is a long time for her to take off, unless you guys really just want to spend some good, quality time together. I had lap too, and didn't really need any help. The day they released me from the hospital, I was out shopping at Target with no problem. 2 days later I was already driving and doing my own thing and beginning the exercise thing. I guess it all depends on how well everything goes. It's nice to know that you will have her there for you if needed though. Sorry I wasn't much help. I am soooo excited for you though! Neici