Question:
Assuming no major complications, how long will it be before I can manage by myself ?

My husband travels. He's arranging to take off for my surgery. He is wondering if he should allow additional time for helping me out at home after discharge. What are your suggestions? I'm normally pretty self sufficient.    — Liz R. (posted on June 9, 2003)

June 9, 2003
Hi Liz~ I would say if there were no complications and you don't have small children to tend to I would say 1 week from surgery, if you have kids maybe 2 weeks. Good luck.
   — Maggie M.

June 9, 2003
Hi Liz :) My hubby was away on business beginning 2 days after my surgery and the day before I was discharged. I arranged for a friend and myself to stay at a nearby hotel (friend is allergic to my kitties) until my hubby returned which was a week later. This worked out well for me and yes, I DEFINATELY needed the help the first several days out of the hospital. When my hubby arrived back, he was still helpful in terms of picking things up from the store on his way home from work, helping to lift and carry things, etc. I am 5 weeks out and having some trouble with depression, and he's been very helpful in terms of motivating me to exercise, helping with the cleaning, etc. Hope this helps :)
   — CarolineAnnMartin

June 9, 2003
Hi Liz :) My hubby was away on business beginning 2 days after my surgery and the day before I was discharged. I arranged for a friend and myself to stay at a nearby hotel (friend is allergic to my kitties) until my hubby returned which was a week later. This worked out well for me and yes, I DEFINATELY needed the help the first several days out of the hospital. When my hubby arrived back, he was still helpful in terms of picking things up from the store on his way home from work, helping to lift and carry things, etc. I am 5 weeks out and having some trouble with depression, and he's been very helpful in terms of motivating me to exercise, helping with the cleaning, etc. Hope this helps :)
   — CarolineAnnMartin

June 9, 2003
Hi Liz :) My hubby was away on business beginning 2 days after my surgery and the day before I was discharged. I arranged for a friend and myself to stay at a nearby hotel (friend is allergic to my kitties) until my hubby returned which was a week later. This worked out well for me and yes, I DEFINATELY needed the help the first several days out of the hospital. When my hubby arrived back, he was still helpful in terms of picking things up from the store on his way home from work, helping to lift and carry things, etc. I am 5 weeks out and having some trouble with depression, and he's been very helpful in terms of motivating me to exercise, helping with the cleaning, etc. Hope this helps :)
   — CarolineAnnMartin

June 9, 2003
I had surgery monday morning, home wednesday morning, Jen was at work. I did fine mostly on my own, but needed help showering and getting out of bed for the first few days. I had pillows under me for elevation. They moved out somehow and I yelled or help. WHALE ON THE BEACH WHALE ON THE BEACH! Its was funny but wouldnt of been with no one around.
   — bob-haller

June 10, 2003
I tend to be a little on the wimpy side about pain issues so we were worried about how much help I'd need after my LAP RNY, especially b/c I'm a Mr. Mom to two little girls (ages 4 and 5). But, I was able to cook for them and drive them to school after about 6 days following surgery. To make life easier, I took over one of my daughter's rooms so that I would get uninterrupted sleep and that seemed to make a big difference for the first ten days home.
   — SteveColarossi

June 11, 2003
Hi Liz- I think a lot of your recovery is a personal thing. I'm 33 years old and have no children. I had open RNY on 5/12/03 and came home from the hospital on 5/15/03. My husband was home with me until 5/19, when he returned to work. I am a very self sufficient person, so I was fine with or without him at home with me. I really didn't do a whole lot those first couple of weeks (except become addicted to the Food Network!). I really didn't have "pain" after surgery...more like "discomfort" - so I just took things a little slower than normal. For the first couple of weeks I practically lived in my recliner chair! It was very easy for me to get out of. I had a G-tube for 2 weeks after surgery, so the only thing that I wasn't allowed to do was drive, until it was removed. I went back to work full-time(I'm a desktop publisher, so I mostly sit at my computer) 17 days after my surgery. I think a lot of my success in recovery had to do with my positive outlook. I have a friend that had surgery the same day, and I know that she stressed about the recovery process, and she feels that it detterred (however your spell it) her recovery. So, if you can, it would be great to have someone to help you the first few days you are home, but after that, you should do fine on your own. Best wishes for an uneventful surgery! - Tara
   — Tara B.