Question:
How do u sleep post op? is it difficult? have u slept in the same bed?
I'm concerned about sleeping at home after surgery. we have only one bed. i'm wondering if i should get an inflatable mattress. just so my husband and I are comfortable. or is it just not an issue -- same as before? — Mary H. (posted on July 21, 2003)
July 21, 2003
Mary, I had RNY open and I couldn't sleep lying flat for about 2 weeks. I
also couldn't sleep on my back either so I slept on my couch for the first
2 weeks. I am now 3 weeks out and can sleep on my back and sides in my own
bed but I do use 2 pillows under my head instead of just one. Hope this
helps good luck and God bless! Audrey
— Audrey W.
July 21, 2003
I'm pre-op but when I had my open gall bladder surgery I still slept in our
bed BUT stacked pillows and blankets behind me so I had support and could
sleep in a more sitting position. Planning to do the same when I have this
surgery. Also Bed, Bath & Beyond and probably Linens & things have
foam wedges you can buy for the bed. Put two of them together to elevate
your upper body on an incline. Hope this helps.
— [Deactivated Member]
July 21, 2003
Mary, I slept in my bed, on my side for the first two weeks. I didn't have
to elevate with pillows or anything. But the ONLY time I was comfortable
was when I was on my side. I couldn't sleep in the recliner like most
people do because I have serious back pain (or DID), and that was
uncomfortable. You'll figure out what works best for you. :)
— Cheryl M.
July 21, 2003
I arranged to borrow a recliner for two weeks after my surgery. I recommend
you think about this avenue. I didn't wind up sleeping in it but for a
week, as I found it near impossible to sleep lying flat. I also found it
handy to have for relaxing, as it was difficult to get on and off the couch
(too low)without help. When I did move to bed, there was no problem. If
you hubby is a fitful sleeper, you may consider not sleeping in bed for a
while because the jostling may get annoying. Just remember you may need
lots of pillows and such to prop you up if you try the bed. I can't
imagine what good an air mattress will do you, unless you plan on making
your hubby sleep on it while you take the bed! Just remember, your tummy
muscles are tender and can't take a lot of strain in the first weeks. The
less you do to strain them, the better you'll feel. Good luck to you!
— LMCLILLY
July 21, 2003
Mary: I notice you're having LAP RNY...I understand that with OPEN RNY, it
may be more difficult to find a comfortable position. I had LAP, and I had
no problems sleeping in the same bed afterwards. I have always slept on my
side, and continued to do so after surgery. If you're used to sleeping on
your stomach, you may have some discomfort for a few days. I like to hug a
body pillow (or, if he's lucky, my husband) and sleep on my side. My
husband isn't a "thrasher" in bed (he-he) so I had no worries
that he'd kick me or hurt me in any way. You'll find a way to get
comfortable. It's not so bad with LAP....Best wishes on getting to the
other side...Amy ***LAP RNY 04-09-03***
— Amy A.
July 21, 2003
I had lap RNY, no drains or anything, but I did have trouble getting
comfortable in bed. For the first two nights I slept on a couch because I
didn't want to climb the stairs to my bedroom. However, two of the
incision sites were quite sore--one on the left side and one on the right.
I sleep on my side, but was unable to sleep on either side for several
weeks. I had a lot of trouble sleeping on my back. I did better napping
in the day on a couch where I was somewhat propped up, not lying flat on my
back. Something that probably would have helped me was to have one of
those triangular-shaped bed props so that I could lie in a reclined
position rather than flat. If I ever go the tummy tuck route, I'm getting
one of those wedges first! Just find whatever makes you comfortable.
— Vespa R.
July 21, 2003
I used a recliner for exactly 2 weeks. I was extremely comfortable there.
After that I was able to lie in bed in any position. (I had open RNY).
Shelley
— Shelley.
July 21, 2003
I had open RNY in April. At the time my bed was just a matress and
boxspring on the floor, so I knew I wouldn't be able to get up from that.
I rented a hospital bed and it was the only thing I felt safe sitting on
and knowing I could lift myself up. My mom bought me a new bed and I was
able to sleep in it a week after surgery. I realize renting a hospital bed
might be covered by insurance, but sometimes there are organizations that
loan them out...like American Legions or other community groups.
— Sarahlicious
July 21, 2003
I had lap rny and for the first 1-2 weeks I had a hard time sleeping on my
side...it felt like my guts were falling out...so I just slept on my back.
For a change, sometimes I would prop my head and shoulders up and
othertimes my lower legs and feet. I think I woke up more often, but it
was really no big deal. Good luck with your sugery.
— eaamc
July 22, 2003
Believe it or not I slept on my tummy -- strange I know. I had open RNY
with 27 staples and no drains. I used a body pillow and basically slept on
my tummy. I would rool to my side and use the pillow to support my belly.
But I didn't seem to have much problem -- getting into the bed was the
challenge for me until I learned to crawl in on my hadns and knees!
HTH!!
— lilmskitty
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