Question:
Specific questions about BPD/DS

My main questions about this surgery are: - what kind of questions did you ask the surgeon? - how long is the average hospital stay? - what is the average time off after I return home from surgery to when I can return to work? - I live alone; will being alone after the surgery be a problem? - any suggestions for what to take along on the hospital stay or to have at home to make live easier? I have a surgeon appt scheduled for next week so I'm trying to get everything ready. thanks in advance for your replies!    — Lori S. (posted on March 5, 2004)

March 5, 2004
Let's see. I had mine open, on a thursday, and came home the following Monday. The hospital billed me for four days, even though I would have called it five. I gather that's about average for my surgeon. How long before oyu can go back to work really depends a LOT on what kind of work you do. I wasn't allowed to lift more than 10 pounds for the first 8 weeks, but by the end of the first week I was spending some time at the computer. (It IS very important that you get up and walk every hour, to help prevent blood clots.) I wouldn't have wanted to be home alone for the first week or so after surgery, but if you're younger, smaller, and more agile than I am/was, it might not be a problem. Your doctor should give you a list of things you'll need immediately post-op, including dressings and foods. I really didn't need anything at the hospital---they supplied everything, except a small pillow to hold against your stomach when you cough or sneeze. (VERY important!!!) I did borrow a lift chair from a neighbor, and found it really helpful---but I'm very short and had trouble getting out of most chairs pre-op, too. If there's ANYTHING you feel uncomfortable or oncertain about, that's what you should ask your surgeon. I didn't really ask mine many questions---I'd done a lot of on-line research, and I'd previously attended his surgical seminar, which was very informative. I would expect him to go over the surgery with you and discuss the length of the common channel, your post-op supplements, diet, etc.
   — MsBatt

March 5, 2004
Hi, I had lap DS and I asked do you close every hole you make? (I didn't want a strangulation hernia down the road) How do you measure for the common channel? (I wanted 100 cm since I was a light weight and didn't want to have bowel issues...and I don't) How many lap surgery's hae you done? what is your complication rate? Infection rate? Mortality rate? If you have had patients die...what was the cause? Who is doing your surgery? Be sure to research and get the best possible surgeon cause this is your life you are putting in their hand. Best of luck, Laura P
   — Laura P.