Question:
I am going in for my last pre surgery appointment June 16, RNY.

Surgery July 16th, 2 ?s. First I live almost 3 hours away from Hospital, Doc. says 2 days in hospital, if all goes well, not having open surgery. It was braught up that I may want to stay a couple of nights in a Motel? Is the drive to hard. Shall I wait and see? My concern is having the Motel pre reserved. My suggestion is to wait and see what time i am released. Just wanted to know others advise. ?2 My preop appointment is 6-16, was told that it is to meet my anatheseolagist, blood, talk w/ NP discuss my 1000 cal diet that starts on the 25th. Question had a EKG in the beginning was fine never had any exrays or anything to see inside anyone else not have this or do you think they will do this at this apt. Just curious. Thanks Tammi    — Tammi Sandoval (posted on June 9, 2008)

June 9, 2008
Hi Tammi If your dr. has done a lot of these surgeries then I wouldn't worry. He is probably on top of things. Different Dr.s ask for different things. For ex. Many have had to diet before surgery or just clear liquids, mine didn't require that of me. I only had to have liquids 24 hours before and nothing after midnight. I am not sure what he does for others. As far as driving... I lived about 45 min. from the hosp. I had the same concerns because I certainly didn't feel like going for a drive when it was time to leave the hospital. I barely remember the drive home. I guess I slept most of it but it was nice to sit in my own recliner and sleep in my own bed once I got here. He may just be concerned if you need to come back right away for anything. Are you near a hospital or urgent care? That may ease his mind if he knows you are near help if needed. I am sure that all will go well. I believe it is rare that any problems arise. And I doubt if he will release you from the hospital unless he feels confident that you are ready to go. You are normal worrying about all this, I think we all went through it. I am sure you will do wonderful.
   — Claudia C.

June 9, 2008
My hospital was 2 hours drive and I had open RNY...I was nicely sedated and slept like a log all the way home. Don't even remember the ride at all. I had an ultra sound a week or two prior to surgery to measure my gallbladder and liver...That was about it as far as looking inside went. I think there were initial exrays in the beginning...but I had a year wait and it's been 4 1/2 years so I just can't remember...I had a ton of different tests and they spread them out so the time went fast...Don't worry so much. I don't know that I would have stayed in a motel even if they suggested it. There just is no place I'd rather be to heal than in the comfort of my own home. The first few days are a little rough in the bathroom department, the gas department...and being in my own bed and bath made things so much better...The ride home was worth the two hours...which ended up being closer to three with traffic in Washington DC area.
   — .Anita R.

June 9, 2008
All tests and xrays should be done before the surgery. I dont want to scare you but I know someone who didnt have their xrays and it could have saved their life.2 weeks after surgery they died. Because simple xrays werent done. Blood work, Endoscopy, xrays all should be done way before surgery. i would call your dr and find out why this hasnt been done already.
   — Joanc

June 9, 2008
Just tell the hotel the situation, you are checking out of the hospital and not sure what time or if you will really need the hotel/motel room. Most chain hotels will make a note on the reservation so a late cancel fee will not be assessed if you end up canceling on no showing at the last minute. Be sure to get the name of the person that agreed to waive the no-show charge when making the reservation just in case or ask for the manager and deal directly with him/her. I can't tell you if you'll need the room or not but at least you can save your self the no-show charge and avoid some stress about the motel.
   — mbrendel

June 9, 2008
Thank you everyone for responding. You know one of those pre- surgery jitters. God Bless you all. Tammi
   — Tammi Sandoval

June 10, 2008
Don"t worry about the hotel, most hotels allow you to cancel up until 4-6 pm on the day of the reservation. Check for a hotel that will accomadate your needs. Most will, especially if they are in the area of the hospital. Good Luck.
   — melcha

June 10, 2008
I had a 2 -3 hour drive for my open RNY. My son came with me and we spent the night in a hotel the night befor surgery. That made it so much easier - the surgery was scheduled early in the morning. My son stayed with me in the hospital (5 days). I got permission ahead of time for him to stay as my "caretaker". The head Nurse was very nice about it, and they provided him with a recliner chair to sleep in. My son then drove me home afterwards. The drive home was fine, no problem at all..... Best wishes and God bless.
   — Gina S.

June 11, 2008
Most hospital's have a contract motel or two nearby. It is not that the drive is so hard, it is that you need to be close for about a week to make sure everything is going great. Call the hospital and asked the operator if they have a department or person that arranges for after sergical stays at local motel/hotel. Do they get a contract rate? Look on www.hotwire.com to see what is in that area, as you can always go on line when released and make a reservation and pay it then, when you know what the final doctor orders are going to be. Don't drive yourself for at least a week. There are a lot of drugs in your system for pain and you are not in the condition to drive. My hospital takes you to and brings you back to the hospital when released and you live out of town. They do not want you driving. Plan for a cooler so you can have a few things you will be allowed to eat. someone needs to get this for you before you arrive at the motel. Ask if the groceries deliver or the cab company will pick up a order for you if you pay the grocery by CC. Bill
   — William (Bill) wmil