Question:
Did anyone have trouble wiping their bottoms after a Lap RNY?

I'm still pre-op, and am unsure as to whether I need to take anything special with me to the hospital to assist with hygiene after using the toilet, or ask for help. Will I be able to bend over enough to wipe? I have no problems doing so now.    — Ginger V. (posted on February 25, 2006)


February 24, 2006
that is a problem I had before surgery and it was very embarrassing! It was one of my main concerns after surgery but to my surprise I only had a problem for a very short time. I never had difficulty due to the surgery which I am sure you are wondering about. Oh there my have been a little pull but nothing anyone could not live with so put your worries to rest because you will do fine. Also the nurses are there to help you so don't be afraid to ask. Good luck and God Bless. Laural Hw-313, SW-292, PW- 201, GW-135
   — Laural D.

February 25, 2006
YOU CAN ALSO ASK FOR HELP IN THE HOSPITAL .....NEVER BE SCARED TO ASK FOR HELP ...... AND WHEN YOU GET HOME IF YOU HAVE FAMILY .......YOULL WANT HELP THE FIRST FEW DAYS WHEN YOU GET HOME.......AND DO ALOT OF WALKING IN THE HOSPITAL....IT HELPS GET YOU BACK TO NORMAL THE FASTEST
   — MIKI4

February 25, 2006
I actually practiced using a long handled wooden spoon and wrapping PLENTY of toilet tissue around it. (don't want no splinters, do we?) To my surprise, I didn't need it. The pain after Lap RNY was minimal, BUT, be prepared just in case. There are occassions when the expected Lap surgery ends up open and in that case, the pain may be more severe. I have to admit that the wls wasn't nearly as debilitating as my previous three c-sections! Good luck........and be like a boy scout, "always prepared". :o)
   — LauraA

February 25, 2006
I had open RNY and had no problem at all.
   — RebeccaP

February 25, 2006
You probably don't need to take anything with you as you may not have a bowell movement for a few days post-op (no food) I did, however, have trouble with this the first few times (only about 1-1/2 weeks). I was really sore for a couple of weeks after my surgery and couldn't get my hand back there without hurting. Luckily, my mom is a nurse so she is used to doing that kind of stuff.
   — gettinthin2006

February 25, 2006
I had open and I had a bit of a problem. I didn't have a bowel movement in the hospital but I would still wipe back there. I used a water bottle with warm water to keep things clean and then use salad tongs with a wad a toilet paper. I chose tongs over a spoon so that there was no unwrapping after wiping. The tongs could just release the paper. I have had friends have no issues after lap and I had one that gave me the advise about the tongs. It is better to be prepared. I wish you lots of luck...Take care, Julie 265/140/130 size 22/24-size 6
   — J. Stinard

February 25, 2006
I don't know about the hospital you are having surgery in, but at the hospital I had mine in, they gave me a gadgit to help me wipe my bottom..
   — mzb2u

February 26, 2006
I definitely remember having problems because I was so sore, it was hard to get my hand back there. I think I used my oposite hand and felt less soreness when going from the left side.
   — gerardlovesjoy

February 26, 2006
In the Pre-op classes in Denver Bariatrics, we tell people to go down and buy a $.99 pair of tongs and take them to the hospital with them. When you need to reach, wrap TP around them and reach. Also, ask the nurse for those whipes that are used to wash up with and they complete the job for you. It is easy and less imbarassing then asking a nurse to help you, and you can continue the same way when you get home. I know that I didn't want to ask my husband to wipe my butt!
   — jk_harris

February 26, 2006
I am 3 days Post Op and I have problems wiping my backside, I hurt in my left shoulder blade when reacing back from the right and left side so I just wipe from front to back and then use the wet toilet paper (you can buy in stores) to make sure I am clean. This pain in my shoulder blade is from gas /air build up. I had it severely in the hospital. (you will too) walking is best for first 3 weeks for gas. Even in the hospital, they WANT you to walk off the soreness. My surgeon was well please and my pain went away.
   — WannaBSlim

March 5, 2006
Go to amazon.com and search for "bottom Buddy" it's a tool just for this :)
   — catgibson




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