What support will I need
on 1/31/17 5:54 pm
I am waiting for my surgery date and am wondering what kind of support I will need after. I currently live on my own (although with 4 cats!). The first week I plan on staying with a friend. Are you typically able to be self sufficient the second week? I assume I cannot carry the cat litter myself for a few weeks. Any thoughts?
I think it depends a lot on your usual activity level. I had hubby around to help me the first week, and it helped, but I after a couple days I didn't need much help at all. I prepped with my meds both upstairs and downstairs, etc. to minimize the exersion early on. At this point I just avoid doing the stairs a ton each day, but I'm walking a lot now, which helps. I'm 8 days post op right now.
The only real restriction after surgery is on lifting. It's generally no more than about the weight of a gallon of milk for 6 weeks.
Most people get by without help. If you can figure out how to get by without lifting, you'll be fine. And honestly, it seems that those that have people stay with them for support after surgery end up wishing they were left alone.
You'll do just fine.
6'3" tall, male.
Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.
M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.
I stocked up on cat litter in advance, cut the lids off the boxes and used a plastic scoop (not a litter scooper) to get the litter into the boxes. When cleaning the boxes, I put the used stuff into plastic grocery bags and don't let them get too heavy.
I would suggest getting pods for the laundry so you don't have to lift heavy bottles of detergent. Other than the ban on lifting over ten pounds I was completely self sufficient from day one at home.
Real life begins where your comfort zone ends
I was on my own and i ONLY had a friend staying with me first 24 hours after releasing from the hospital.
I had one cat - and I used small litter bags ...When I need to change the litter - I did that using many trips. Taking small qty of litter every time. I had to think of way I CAN do something vs what I can't do.
I.e groceries- many trips - with a few bags as possible. While shopping - I could always ask the store to assist me in taking my things and loading them into the car. I would ask the manager once I got to the store "I had surgery recently and I need help loading groceries into my car, do you think someone here would be able to help me when I am fine shopping? " Not one time I heard "no". Even in places like Sam's or Costco.
I made sure I have small bottles of some items that often comes in big qty - like washing detergen****er, even milk...
My initial restriction was 5 lbs...Gallon of milk is 8 lbs. I had to think smart...
Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG
"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"
"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."
on 2/1/17 7:16 am
I managed by myself and didn't have a problem at all. Sure I was sore but I think taking care of myself and my pets ensured that I got up and around a lot. I was only in the hospital for an overnight stay ( I did have a ride home) and the rest of the week I just tried to sip, walk and rest as much as possible.
Ceci
Agree will all of the above... lifting those 20lb or more tubs of litter is a no-go for awhile... so buy now and a big scoop. I had open RNY so bending was an issue thinking laproscopically it won't be as much... maybe a neighbor's teen might want to make an extra buck or 2, I know my community has a couple of neighborhood groups on Facebook and people are always asking about sitters, etc. just a thought if there is something you need done. If you have deliveries that come... water bottles, packages, maybe move them up before.
I would have someone around when you took your first shower... especially if you are still on pain meds for safety reasons.
You won't need much in the way of food, drink... prep some homemade broth or have boxes of bone broth they have little ones in different flavors http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2016/05/liqui d-phase-for-post-weight-loss.html (nice amount of protein), water bottles, some protein sample/travel packets as your tastes may change for awhile, milk/lactose free perhaps, SF ice pops, decaf tea, SF drink sticks, Gas X strips, and you will be good to go for awhile.
Best wishes from myself and my 2 kitties :)
on 2/2/17 11:27 am
Thank you everyone for your responses. This really helps. I would like to be on my own as soon as possible. I think it is easier to recover in your own home. Can you tell me when the weight restriction goes away for lifting?