Question:
W/open RNY, do I need a recliner/lift chair?

Ok, I heard someone ask if this kind of a chair was needed for LAP RNY surgery BUT what about for open RNY?? How will I get up and out of my soft living room couch/chair pillows by myself right after surgery??    — kathy S. (posted on June 4, 2000)

June 4, 2000
I found it very neccesary to have a recliner. I did not have one before surgery. When I got home, I couldn't get on or off the couch. Not only that, I could not get in bed and lay down. My husband had to go out and get one. I slept in it for several days and nights after surgery. I am 3 weeks post op, and even though I am sleeping in bed now, I still require the recliner at times. The staples make it difficult to get comfortable. Also, my Dr. gave me the option of coming home on the third day or waiting, I came home. BIG MISTAKE. Stay as long as you can, even if you think you feel better it will be so diff. when you get home. Take your time.
   — Kim R.

June 4, 2000
I too, had the lift recliner. Picked up a used one in the paper-as I don't plan on keeping it. It is most beneficial-especially the 1st 4 weeks, while you're healing-inside & out! I had none of my staples pull apart, and I'm sure it was because I had no stress on my tummy getting up & down! The 1st 4 days home- I could NOT find a comfortable place to sleep-the chair provided the most relief. If you can...get one or borrow or rent one!
   — Sharon C.

June 4, 2000
I was lucky that a relative donated their old lazy boy. I slept in it for over a month. I COULD NOT get in/out bed, sofa, or anywhere else I tried to lay down - and I had worked up my biceps a bit prior to surgery to help pull myself up - part of the problem is there is nothing to grab onto, and (you'll learn to hug a pillow across your tummy) your arms are busy -- even if you can scoot over to the edge and work a leg down to use the floor as leverage, you still can't sit up. Trust me. Search garage sales - let everyone know you want one - I really thinks its worth it. I had NO PROBLEMS getting up from a seated position, or getting in and out of a car, SUV or van (take it slow and bring the belly pillow). Good luck!
   — Toni B.

June 4, 2000
Kathy, I kinda had to chuckle when I read your question because I, too, thought about getting a recliner/lift chair before my surgery but decided against it. Y'see, I have 4 strong sons living at home that can (and did) pull be up and out of any chair or sofa in my house! Sometimes, I will admit, it turned out to be a combined effort on their part, but it worked. I'd offer to share them with you if you'd like, but you'd have to feed them and I wouldn't wish that on anyone! As a more practical suggestion tho', check with some rental companies to rent a recliner for a month or so after your surgery if you feel you'd benefit from one. Good luck and God bless. cj
   — cj T.

June 4, 2000
I had my open RNY on May 10, and I HIGHLY recommend looking seriously at your sitting/sleeping issues. I do not have a recliner nor was I in the position of being able to buy or borrow one. So for sitting I used (and still do) a high back chair that wasn't too cushy. My normal TV chair is low and very, very soft which makes getting up a chore. I also put a hard pillow behind my back for support that isn't too soft. Sleeping is also something you should think about. As you can see, many of us use the recliner. I have a waterbed and knew there would be no way I could use it initially, so I got a hospital bed through my insurance, and I am so glad I did. It made sleeping much more comfortable. You can also rent them, as I am sure you can rent recliners. It's good that you're think about this now. Sitting and sleeping as comfortably as you can is important.
   — Paula G.

June 4, 2000
I, too, had heard I would need a recliner to sleep in after surgery, but with all I had to do, never got around to getting one. I slept in a normal bed my first night home from the hospital & always thereafter. I DID, however use a wedge pillow for sleeping/napping. It was fine for me. Perhaps it was different for me because I had no external staples, just dissolving stitches. Also, I had to stay in the hospital six days, so I was thru the worst by the time I got home. While in the hospital the last couple days, the aids helped me learn how to get into & out of a flat bed without hurting myself. I stayed with my Mom for about a week after the hospital & she does have a recliner. I did sit in it a fair amount, but was never tempted to sleep there. I really liked my wedge pillow; I could carry it around with me & I brought it home with me when I left my Mom's. I probably used the pillow for about 3 weeks. I did need a hand getting out of the recliner even the first few days, but didn't really need lifted, just a hand to pull on & that was only for a few days. My 68 year old Mom with bad knees was all the help I needed. Hope this viewpoint helps. I had open RNY distal 4-13-00.
   — Kathy W.

June 5, 2000
I wish I would of had one! Open RNY 5/26. Still cant get up right! Hope my extra efforts doesnt cause any hernias down the line!
   — Lisa N.