hospital stay

hi everyone. i was just wondering how is the hospital stay? do i need someone to go with me and stay? i'm trying to decide if i should say yes to my friend. she keeps asking and i have no clue. thanks everyone.  becce

you be in hospital overnight.  You will need your friends.  Take care And God Bless

Hi BECCE, you will be mainly sleeping, sipping and walking in the hospital.  Nice to have a walking companion some of the time.  She may want to spend your first day at home with you.  I was alone the first day home (while my husband worked) and did well. 

I brought a magazine and a puzzle book with me, didn't really get into either while in the hospital.    Pack very lightly to go to the hospital.  Lip balm, couple pair of underwear should do it.

Hugs, Kathy

my personal preference is to be alone, especially when i don't feel good. i had open rny and i didn't feel good for a day or two.  since the nurses were there, i didn't need anybody to help me out. vick

Hi, Becce.  I had my RNY (laparoscopic) on 10-8, not quite a month ago.  I stayed for 4 days because I had a hard time waking from anesthesia (something I've had before, but probably just me!).  The first night, I was with it enough to take a walk with my husband and nurse, even though I don't remember any of it!

My husband was with me at least the major part of every day.  We lived about 90 miles round trip from the hospital, so he had to go home once in a while to feed our dogs (he finally took them to the vets), but he was there all of the first 2 days, and slept on the couch they had in the room.  They had a blanket and pillow for him. 

It meant an incredible amount for me to have someone there I cared about with me.  Just someone I knew to reach over and smile at me and hold my hand if I needed it.  My sister in law and brother in law even came to visit.  I would definitely suggest you bring your friend for moral support, if she is someone you are really comfortable with. 

The advice to pack light is soooo smart.  I had a full suitcase of books on weight loss surgery, my journal, 2 pretty nightgowns, hand lotion, undies, etc.  The suitcase never even got opened!  I stayed in a hospital gown and robe (when out walkin or sitting up) and have no clue what I wore for undies, and couldn't care less!

Sorry for writing a book, but those are my thoughts, and the stay was fine-I had a great doc, very little pain (more after the anesthesia fully wore off at home but totally bearable, and I never even took pain meds at home, but ok if you need them), and awesome nursing care.

All the best to you and if I can offer any more suggestions, I'm here to help.  Katie

Hi Becce!  I just had my surgery (LRNY) on Tuesday.  I agree with Vicki that it depends on whether you need to be alone at times like this or need others with you....so you are the one who best knows the answer to this for yourself.  As for me, I wouldn't have been as comfortable had my husband not been there.  I was there for two nights, and at one point, we planned on him making the two hour trip back on the second night and then coming for me on the morning of the third day.  He decided to stay the whole time and I am SOOOOOO grateful that he was there.  I got excellent care in the hospital, but let's face it...the nurses are super busy and sometimes take requests a little less casually than do family members and friends.  Their attention, after all, is spread quite thin.  My husband made me his first priority and was able to help me with things in the moment when it would have taken much, much longer had I had to wait for the nurse.  Several times, he was also able to go and get someone for me or go and get something for me instead of waiting.  And most important, I was so glad to see his face every time I woke up and have him hold my hand when I needed him to.  Now, had it been anyone other than my husband....if I had felt that I had to put a mask on or buck up or anything like that with someone else, if I had to be worried about them not being bored or feeling uncomfortable about passing gas unexpectedly or the like....that would have been awful.

Other things to add to the list of things to bring: socks that are no slip to help with the walks, a favorite pillow if you have one (especially for the trip home), your own pajamas just in case (I ended up using mine and was so glad to have them on hand).  And definitely chap stick.

Hope that helps!!!  :)

Guayas

Hi Becce,
It is all about personal choice but here is my recommendation.  I am a nurse and I just had RNY on 10/26.  I wanted someone with me all the time who could help if i needed help.  In this day and age nurses are very busy.  also, I wanted someone to be able to advocate for me if for some reason I was unable to do so myself.  It just made me more comfortable to know that someone was ith me.

i want to tell each of you thank you so very much. i'm grateful for the support. becce

Hey Becce! You got some great advice and opinions.. all I have to add here is: All my best to you on your big day! Know you will be in my thoughts and prayers.