opinions needed on this situation

 When I had my LBL I had someone there for a few days but all they did was bring me things to eat. I could have managed just fine alone but I do not think I could have taken care of anyone else. I slept a lot the first week but wasn't in a lot of pain. I had a grabber to pick things up off the floor or above my head but I am short and need the over head help anyway.

I think my son will be ok without the "be taken care of" part.  He understands what is happening and is pretty independent.  My DH and I both work jobs that we often bring home with us - so he knows how to amuse himself. 

I think I'll have to figure out some way to have my cell phone with me at all times though - in case I "fall and I can't get up" lol

You *might* be able to but that soon? 5-7 days post-op you probably could but 2 days? What about having your mom (I know...) or a friend come over to check on your? If you're sleeping (which I did a fair bit of the first day or two when I got home), you don't need anyone but making a meal (even reheating! where's your microwave - mine's too high and I didn't have my arms done... put it low!!) might be alot. Definitely don't shower when you are alone for the first bit for sure... but if you really took it easy and had someone checking in on you or you had a phone a friend available to come over immediately? It might be doable.

Thanks Jennie.  I didn't think about my microwave - it is high.  It's mounted over the stove.  I have a second one in my daughter's kitchen downstairs - maybe I'll have my husband bring it upstairs for me before he goes. 

Our shower is a monster thing with a handheld shower and a long bench.  I think that, if I had to, I could shower in there alone just sitting on the seat.  But I'll wait until my daughter is home and ask her to sit in the bedroom in case I get into trouble.  Good idea.

 Yep - our micro is similarly placed and I find it about 1-2" too high and that's only my boobs talking (so to speak) - I would think post-arms you'll definitely want it at counter height. Have small meals prepared.  I wasn't allowed to shower until bandages were off so day 5?  (Tues surgery, showered on Saturday)  I didn't find it too bad but I have read of many post-plastics gals having low blood pressure kick them in the butt when in the shower - whether it's from not having the compression garments on or having your arms over your head?

Dr. N told me he uses some kind of plastic "saran" like bandage and you can shower right away.  That the nurses will help with the first shower at the hospital day two.

We'll see about that!

More importantly, you just cant be in charge of a kid when you are on drugs, and you will be on drugs.  Maybe you could reschedule your surgery.  Or get a sitter to hang out?  I think you are setting yourself up for a really stressful time.  I think its foolish to plan to be alone 2-3 days post op.  But I think it is not at all realistic to expect your 10 year old to care for himself 100% and for you because you will not be able to.  You will still be in a head fog from the surgery.

The sleeve and plastics are VERY VERY different.  VERY different.

Good point.  I didn't think about a sitter.  At least until my daughter gets home from work.

Can I do this??

Short answer: No.

You can PROBABLY take care of your own needs; however, having anyone else dependent on you I would say is almost IMPOSSIBLE.

If I were in your shoes and dh could not change his travel plans I would postpone. I know it's disappointing, but better safe than sorry.

I can't speak any more strongly when two of my patients have posted their actual experiences.   Cardio Queen and Problem Child had pretty much opposite experiences, yet both really needed the help that first week and beyond.

I would say that many problem  issues and complications can be avoided with proper aftercare especially during the first 5 days or so.