Question:
did any one have trouble sleeping in their bed when they gor home from the hospital.

   — karen43 (posted on March 2, 2007)

March 2, 2007
yes, because my surgery hurt and I couldn't sleep in my normal positions
   — Diane C.

March 2, 2007
Yes because I am a side sleeper and it hurt no matter which way I layed for a couple of weeks.
   — thegib

March 2, 2007
I had trouble sleeping in bed or laying flat. I mostly had to be propped up or in a recliner. I also had to have someone help me up and down for the first 3 days. I was just so sore. The one that hurt the most and still does is the one where they put the port. The Dr. sd that it will be like that. I used a small soft pillow to hold to my stomach for almost 2 weeks when walking and getting up and down. It makes it feel a lot better and less painful. Good luck and welcome to the losers bench.
   — hugger1021

March 2, 2007
Yes because I always like to sleep on my left side. That's where the bigger incision was so I slept in the recliner.
   — annette R.

March 2, 2007
Hi Karen. Congratulations on your new start. I'm not sure if the emphasis of your question is the pain associated with laying in bed, or the general restlessness that might prevent you from being comfortable in bed. I'll just tell you my experience. I was plaqued with horrible restlessness for the first 2 weeks after surgery (Lap RNY 1/15/07). I would sit at the desk, or on an easy chair, or even try laying down in bed only to feel compelled to jump right back up again and wander from seat to seat. I have never felt like that before or since. It was as if my skin were crawling and I just could not rest or get comfortable. My wonderful, comfy bed was like a bed of nails during that time. I don't even remember how I managed to sleep at all. I am happy to say that the feeling passed, and I am firmly ensconsed in my own bed again. I do have to say that I had little to none in terms of postop pain, and have been able to sleep on my side and stomach since then. I hope this helps. Hang in there, its all downhill from now. Joan
   — midaem

March 2, 2007
I am 3 years out from surgery now, but I don't remember having a lot of trouble sleeping after surgery. I think that any major surgery like this causes some disruption as you recover, that would be normal. If you can't sleep on your usual position, if you snore or didn't before and now you do. Bathroom brakes, and also if you are taking narcotics for pain, this can cause sleep disruption. I don't know how far out you are, but use pillows and blankets, or whatever you need to find a comfortable position. Some sleep in a recliner for a time and that seems to help some. Sometimes it is a real lack of "peace" that makes it difficult to get comfortable in bed. I like to read or listen to my Bible (cd's). God's Word is always a comfort for me, and I find rest in my soul, and sleep like a baby. There is a scripture verse I like so well that says "I will lay me down in peace and sleep, for thou O Lord, only maketh me to dwell in safely". He is the only one that can give me peace and sleep. I trust Him for my salvation, and I trust Him for my daily walk and peace. I would wish the same for you. Take care, Patricia P
   — Patricia P

March 2, 2007
Absolutely! I am only 8 days out. I slept on a recliner for about the first five days. I am now back in my bed on my sides, but I have this little wedge pillow(from when I was pregnant) that I put underneath me. I found it was very difficult to sleep on my left side at first, but am doing much better now. It will get better with each night.
   — jlw0423

March 3, 2007
I had surgery 2/28 and just got home last night. I had a hard time sleeping because I was a little achy in my ribs and my back and I keep getting headaches. When I slept on my side, I put a pillow between my knees and that helped.
   — KristineMarie

March 3, 2007
I didn't have problems sleeping in my bed, I had problems sleeping on my back so for about a week I slept at an incline --pretty much like they had us in the hospital. Now I'm able to sleep on my sides and it hurts to sleep on my stomach so I try to keep it to my back and sides.
   — the7thdean

March 3, 2007
Congrats on your new journey! I had LAP/RNY on 2/15/07.... I had trouble sleeping from my first day in the hospital til now....and I see no relief in sight.....UGH. I am putting call into my PCP on Monday as I have to go back to work on Monday and if this restlessness and lack of sleep continues I am going to be a wreck. At first, just painful (not horrible, but there was pain) and then and now - just can't seem to get comfortable - no matter what I try. Granted everyday/night it gets easier to sleep on my sides, but I am stomach sleeper (I know, it's bad for you). I make it to my stomach, but still - just restlessness and toss and turn all night long. I spoke to the surgeon's office - they said it was OK to take Tylenol Simply Sleep - it's helped, but I still can't stay asleep. Now I fall asleep but can't stay asleep. Good luck to you....
   — jammerz

March 3, 2007
I had to sleep in a recliner the first five nights home. I also had to put a pillow in my stomach to be able to get up and down out of the chair. When I was able to sleep in my beed I slept on my side and had to put a pillow under my stomach to ease the pain. I was comfortable , but could not go to sleep. The first two weeks I was home, I could not go to sleep until 3am or 4am in the morning. I hated to see the nights come, but it also passed. Keep a positive attitude and let your body adjust to the biggest change since birth. Also don't be too hard one yourself about anything. You never fail you just try again! Janet Kendal, Bellbrook OH
   — janet-tsj

March 3, 2007
I had to sleep in a recliner the first five nights home. I also had to put a pillow in my stomach to be able to get up and down out of the chair. When I was able to sleep in my beed I slept on my side and had to put a pillow under my stomach to ease the pain. I was comfortable , but could not go to sleep. The first two weeks I was home, I could not go to sleep until 3am or 4am in the morning. I hated to see the nights come, but it also passed. Keep a positive attitude and let your body adjust to the biggest change since birth. Also don't be too hard one yourself about anything. You never fail you just try again! Janet Kendal, Bellbrook OH
   — janet-tsj

March 4, 2007
I just got home yesterday (lapband) and found lying flat impossible. I would start dry heaving the moment I laid flat. I am miserable. I don't have a recliner, but ended up sleeping on my couch with my feet propped up on the coffee table. I can't bend over forward either without instant dry heaves. I am having lots of nausea and dry heaves. Not sure what to do about it...
   — Dan M.

March 4, 2007
Hi Karen, I too had trouble sleeping in my bed at first.. I started out sleeping on a low couch with a pillow propped behind me, I used a TV Tray to help me get up and down at first until I got stronger, about a week later I progressed to a futon (also lower to the ground) with one of those body pillows to help prop me up a bit. I had trouble laying flat too. I didnt end up going back to my bed for 4 weeks, of couse mine was upstairs and is a waterbed (waveless) but a bit high up and hard to get out of .. it just takes time, you will eventually end up back in your own bed.. good luck to you!!! Sleep where you are comfortable!!
   — April

March 5, 2007
yes. I sleep on my stomach and I could not sleep on my stomach till a month after surgery. My back hurt alot so the only way I could sleep is on my right side with a pillow under me.
   — barfiep01

March 5, 2007
I guess I am a lucky one. I had RNY/LAP 5 days ago. I've been home 3 nights and find my bed to be heavenly after the hospital bed. I don't have any trouble sleeping on either side. I have had restless sleep with very vivid dreams though, but that has improved a little each night.
   — brown-eyes

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