Recovery question

I've been looking at some of the other posts and just looked at some info regarding the recovery stage at home.  My surgery is scheduled for 11/14, so I'm trying to gain some extra info before I recuperate!
What I had been seeing before was that the first couple days I'd be at the hospital and then I'd probably need someone to check in on me at home a couple days after that.  Without any children at home, I'd be fine to do things at home, I was told. 
However, now, I'm seeing things online that are saying, "no lifting (I knew that) and no driving for two weeks."  The latter I didn't know.  Is this something everyone else has had to follow?
Also, am I on the right track about not needing anyone at the house with me for more than a couple days to just "check on me" and/or be with me in case I need anything?
I've started hearing a lot about the headaches and dry heaving after the surgery--little bit nervous about the surgery now.  I've been SUPER excited, now getting a little nervous.  Just trying to get as much info ahead of time so I can be as prepared as I can.  (Hopefully not overdoing it and freaking myself out! LOL!)

Everyone, of course is different and different Drs have different ideas about recovery.  I did have a lifting restriction for 10 days but it was 10lbs and when are you lifting more than that.
I was allowed to drive as soon as I was off pain meds, which was after the first day or 2 at home.  After that, I did one at night for another couple of nights but I wasn't going to drive when I was sleeping, LOL.

I had a textbook recovery, no nausea, no headaches, no problems other than the normal trying to figure out the schedule to get protein and fluid in.  If I hadn't had the farm, I would have been fine by myself.  The first few days you mostly sleep, walk and drink anyway. 

There are folks who have a harder recovery, won't lie.  But those of us who have no problems are the majority, I'm almost sure.  We just don't write in saying we are having no problems. 

Just stock up on liquids, protein, gax-x strips, whatever meds you need, soups, yogurts and soft stuff in case your group progresses you to that quickly.  You should be fine.

I couldnt drive for 2 weeks per my surgeon.
Like Price, my recovery was routine.
Just remember, walk, rest and sip, sip, sip!
It never hurts to have someone around for a couple of days after a big surgery. Especially for moral support. Make sure you discuss this with your doc, and if you do have problems, make sure you call so you dont end up in the ER dehydrated!
Congrats on your date!
 

Thanks so much!  Yes, I suppose most don't write in saying how well everything went!  Didn't think that way!  LOL  It was good to hear again the validation that most go as per norm.  Sigh of relief.  And yes, I have most everything already stored up.  Things are set.  I think I've just been reading too much getting myself worried the other way.  New day, new outlook!  Back to the excitement again!  Yay!!  Thanks again!!
~ Mary Lou

Perfectly normal to have the preop jitters!
Its good to know that some do have problems postop, but alot of us do not.
Make sure you have sugarfree products in your pantry like jello, pudding, crystal light.
Decaf tea and broth. Sugar free popsicles.
Do you have a variety of protein samples for postop? My tastes changed dramatically after surgery then seemed to get better as time went by. Vitalady has a large variety. Kept a log which ones were keepers and which ones were a no way!
How about your vitamins? Alot of the bariatric companies sell or have free samples you can send for.
You can find alot by using the search bar here or the world according to eggface has alot of options too.
Chap stick was a the only thing I was so grateful to have at the hospital besides my slippers.
A pillow for your tummy for the ride home is a good option too.

So exciting to start your journey!

Some of the differences in recovery also depend on what type of surgery you're having - Lapband, RNY, VSG or DS, as well as whether or not it is done laproscopically.  My recommendation is to just take it as it comes.

My experience was much like the others - I expected to be in the hospital a couple of days - but I was home within 36 hours of walking into the hospital.  I was told not to drive for a couple of weeks - I did feel like my reaction times weren't up to speed until at least a week out, even though I wasn't on pain meds.  You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital - most places have that rule, and you'll still have a bit of anesthesia hang over as well.

Get walking as much as you can - it clears your head, and also helps you breathe a lot better, and sip those fluids so you don't get dehydrated.

Good Luck

To be honest, I didn't want to drive the first couple of weeks. However, as long as you are no longer taking any pain medicine, you should be okay for very short trips. The thing is, most surgeons ASSUME you will be taking pain meds for a week to two weeks. Some people come off of them faster than others. I was off all pain meds associated with surgery by the time I got home from thie hospital. So had I wanted to or needed to drive, I could have...just didn't want to and didn't need to.

Liz

Had sleeve surgery just over eight weeks ago. I live by myself and my sister dropped me off at my house the day I left the hospital (of course she lives a mile away and I just needed to pick up the phone and she would have been there for me!) I never filled the prescription for pain or nausea meds. I had no restrictions for walking or stairs and a 10 lb. limit on lifting. Just do what feels right for you and have a back up plan if your recovery is a little rocky. Good luck - this is the best thing you could do for yourself!

Regarding your recovery, one of the things I did that helped majorly was to whean myself off caffeine, sugar and fat before surgery.  I had a clear diet for four days and went through all kinds of withdrawls including headaches and nausea. Although it sucked, I am glad I dealt with the side effects BEFORE surgery instead of after sugery as I had enough to deal with.

I had no major problems either...cleaned to drive after 1 wk follow up visit.  Day 3 after surgery cleaned out the kitchen cabinets, day 4 hung curtain in family room that did not get put up after painting, day 5 cleaned out my sons playroom of old toys, day 6 cleaned out the closet of fat clothes, day 7 was planning to go back to work because I was bored at home but we had a snow storm and work was closed!  Day 8 & 9 weekend, Day 10 went back to work!  I have a husband at home and a then 3 yr old. 

Everyone is different but I was fine.  Plan to have help and call and cancel if not needed but make sure you stock up on what you will need.  As your Nut what your post op diet will consist of so you can prepare. 

Good luck.