Sleeping?

I just read some posts about having to sleep in a recliner after surgery? This is the first I have heard of this. Did the doctor say this? Or is this just the best way to sleep as far as comfort? I can't sleep in my recliner, I need my bed. And do we HAVE to sleep on our backs? Oh lordie! I hope not, I have something wrong with a nerve or something in my left left and when I sleep on my back that leg burns and goes numb. I am hopefully 1-2 months pre-op and am getting both excited and nervous. I have had surgeries before on my stomach area, (c-sections and hysterectomy) and haven't had to sleep on my back or in a recliner. I sure hope this isn't required? Christine

Christine - It is not required to sleep in a recliner, but it is just more comfortable for some who have back problems. I was on my back for the first few days but afterward was able to prop myself up to a sort-of side sleeping position and it didn't take long before I was on my side for good. I was done open though, I think the lap surgeries are less of a problem for that. Dina

Hi Christine, I never slept in a recliner, but I do remember it was too painful to lay on my stomach or side for the first few weeks after surgery. I didn't sleep on my back before surgery, and don't now, but right after I had to because it was the only way for me. Just do what's comfortable for you. It seems that for some, a recliner is very helpful. Good Luck! Tammy

Christine, I had a Lap RNY and I couldn't sleep any way BUT on my back. I had an ovarian cyst removed a few years back with an incision from my bellybutton on down and it wasn't nearly as painful as this surgery. Mind you...the pain wasn't from the incisions this time, it was from all the stuff they did on the inside! You aren't required to sleep in a recliner, but I've heard it's good if you have one. I just had two big, fluffy pillows and propped myself up. I had to sleep that way for about a month. I'm still having pain in my abdomen now, at 7 weeks out. Again, not where the incisions are, but elsewhere. It feels like a hot stinging sensation...but not all the time. When I think about all the stapling and rearranging they did, it's no wonder I'm still sore at times! Just remember, like childbirth the pain is temporary and the memory of it fades with time. And on the really positive.....it doesn't cause teenagers! Take care, Michele

Actually my Doctor did recoomend having a recliner when I came home from the hospital.. it is under the list of what is needed post surgery.. and I think it would have helped.. but I am starting to adjust to getting propped up with pillows.. sleeping in my bed is not an option at the moment.. and neither is sleeping on my side.. I tried it and it hurt really bad.. so it is back sleeping for me.. last night I actually slept for a little while which is a good thing...