Question:
I'm having surgery in three days.....

I was just wondering how all the pre-ops slept. I've heard quite a few people say that they couldn't sleep in their own bed because it was too difficult to get in and out of it. A lot of people said they slept on the couch for awhile. What was everyone's experience like once getting home? I'm just curious :)    — mars.renee (posted on August 3, 2003)


August 3, 2003
Hi, I had open RNY on Feb 10, 2003. I didn't have any problems getting in and out of bed afterwards, although alot of people say they did. I had a lot more problems sleeping in my own bed after my hysterectomy a couple of years ago. And my bed is quite high! Best of luck with your journey. Kathy Started 215, currently 143, goal 135.
   — kathyb

August 3, 2003
I'm 9 days postop and I back to sleeping on my tummy already. Although I have heard that sleeping in a recliner has been really important to some, my own bed has been the best! I think as long as you are not too low to the ground, your own bed should be fine. My hospital room had a recliner in it, so if yours does you could test to see - but don't compare the flat hospital bed to your own at home. You could rent a recliner for a couple weeks and have it returned early if you don't need it. I do think elevating the head of the bed helps some people, but my regular bed has been fine. I do tuck a pillow against my tummy for support, though.
   — bethybb

August 3, 2003
HI! All the best to you in your upcoming surgery and recovery period! I had open RNY and I slept in a recliner for awhile after my surgery. The up and down of a couch or bed were too much for me! Take care! Cya on the other side! Reenie
   — Reenie K.

August 3, 2003
I did just fine in my own bed. But I did get a pillow wedge at bath, bed and beyond it was just the slight incline I needed for the first few days. I am now 11 days post op and feeling better everyday. Good Luck to you and may your recovery be smooth.
   — Char G.

August 3, 2003
I'm such a dunce. LOL Original poster here. I meant to say "how all the POST-ops slept." Sorry, guys ;) And ty to those that were able to figure out my ramblings lol
   — mars.renee

August 3, 2003
Good luck to you on your up and coming surgery!! My abdominal area felt like I had done a zillion sit ups right after surgery so, I spared myself the added discomfort of pulling up and down by sleeping in a recliner for the first week. After that, I was in the bed. My only problem was trying to keep my 20 pound cat from jumping in my lap -- To keep my cats from doing this while sleeping, I slept with a piece of tin foil on top of my tummy -- the noise traumatized them briefly but we are all friends again!
   — Kim W.

August 3, 2003
Marci: Getting out of bed and standing from a sitting position was the most difficult part of the whole ordeal. What helped me was a foam rubber bed wedge and what is called a "ladder". The ladder is made of cord that you tie onto an object that will not move, such as a foot post on a bed that can be tied and the ladder end you use to help pull yourself up without straining your abdominal muscles. It works much like if someone was holding your hands at the side of your bed to help you up. I hope this helps.
   — Dorothy B. L.

August 3, 2003
hey I had my surgery 7-14.I found in the hospital I had a pillow under each arm in bed this releaved some of the pull of my stomach area.laying flat with arms at side pulled .remember to always lift your self with leg and arm muscles so you dont use stomach muscles.Remember if you need anything ask the nurse dont be shy I slept with 3 pillows. good luck and wishing you a spedy recovery.
   — patty L.

August 3, 2003
had open rny 4/1/03 - live at home by myself....rented a recliner for two months...used it for 3 weeks or so :) hope this helps
   — Neese B.

August 3, 2003
Hey, congrats to you in making this decision to get healthy and happy. I am 5 weeks post op and have no problems getting in and out of bed. I don't own a recliner and my honey didn't want to sleep alone so we found a way to make a slight incline for the help. Also the other poster was correct in saying that pillows underneath each arm help out tremendously while in the hospital. Would definitely recommend that. Again, good luck. See you on the losing side. Christina
   — Christina S.

August 3, 2003
I found it helpes alot to put a pillow under your belly it will help support it so it doesn't pull. especially if you sleep on your side like I do. Good luck on your surgery and your new start to a better life.
   — dave B.

August 5, 2003
I had a hospital bed and the side railings were a godsend for getting in and out of bed.
   — Danmark




Click Here to Return
×