Question:
Will I need help with basic functioning once I get home from surgery?
I live alone and do not have any family within driving range. I am concerned about how much, if any, assistance I will need with basic things like housework and personal hygiene. What should I expect? — kittymama03 (posted on August 11, 2010)
August 11, 2010
I didn't need any help, I have a husband, but he didn't have to do anything
for me. You should be fine...wishing you a speedy recovery. (I had lap
RNY).
— Jane W.
August 11, 2010
Depends on what kind of surgery. I had bypass/rny and only spent one nite
in hospital. I needed help getting up out of bed for a while. Your
stomach muscles are very sore. Best of luck to you.
— joyoga
August 11, 2010
I had lap RNY 26July10. My cousin stayed with me to help for the 1st week
but I really didn't need assistance. However, it was very nice to have
someone cook my stage 2 soups for me so I could just focus on adjusting.
There are some things I did that proved very useful. I made sure to have
spending money on hand to cover several weeks. I got all the housework etc.
caught up and done ahead so I didn't have to do it. I also got the fridge
stocked up with stage 2 diet foods from my surgeons list to cover the 1st
week. All these things really helped.
Best of luck to you!!!
- Brett Barnett
— werebrett
August 11, 2010
I did need help---I had the bypass surgery. One site, on the left was
extremely sore--I am left handed and needed some help in the bathroom. I
am three weeks post-op and just got to sleep in my bed for the first time 3
nights ago. One complication I had was what the nurse called "nerve
damage." It wasn't located near any of my incisions- it was below
them and it hurt. Apparently not everyone experiences this pain so there
is a good chance you won't either. Good luck!
— conmonster
August 11, 2010
Other than a sore abdomen I had no troubles. Believe me friend, your
attitude goes a long way toward your recovery. If you think you're going
to have a hard time you will. If you think you're going to have an easy
time you will. What you're doing is probably one of the most positive
things you'll ever do for yourself. Live life !!
Good luck.
— Arl3rd
August 11, 2010
I stayed in the hospital as long as I could, knowing what would it be like
at home. The only thing I wish I had at the time when I came home was: I
wish I rented a reclining chair with an electric lift. I had to sleep in a
recliner on account of horrific back pain.
— FSUMom
August 12, 2010
You should be fine as far as hygiene goes. Your abdomen will feel like you
had just done about 5,000 sit ups. But you will be able to bend, move,
walk, just about anything normal. Just don't lift anything heavy or over
10 lbs for the first 6 weeks, as you don't want to tear the stitches or pop
the surgical glue on your incisions. I had surgical glue when I had my RNY
4.5 yrs ago. The glue is great. One thing is don't push yourself, rest as
often as needed, you will be tired and also walk as often as you can. It
helps with the healing process. You won't feel any different other than
like you just exercised. You may need someone to pick up your post op
foods, like broth, protein etc, but don't buy a lot before surgery, because
you might not like them after surgery. You should be fine. Make sure to
take your pain meds as instructed, this is very important to keep the pain
down before it gets out of control. (depending on your tolerance). Hope
you find this info helpful. Best wishes.
— Kristy
August 13, 2010
Unfortunately I've had 3 open surgeries, RNY and 2 subsequent bowel
obstructions and I was able to care for myself without any problems.
Hygiene wasn't an issue other than it would take forever to shower and get
dressed because I would get so tired I would have to take a break. If you
can put a stool in the bathroom and kitchen so you can sit down while you
do things. Since you aren't eating it's not like you will be in the
kitchen for long preparing meals. I wish you all the best! Blessings!
— ALF
August 14, 2010
I am 4 wks post op and had lap RNY Gastric Bypass. I was extremely
surprised how easy the healing process was for me. I was on prescription
pain meds for the first 3 days, I wanted to get off as soon as possible as
a side effect is constipation. I to was afraid of what my self care was
going to be like, so I lined up my parents to come over for that first
week, mainly because I have two little guys 2 & 3.5 yo that I knew I
would need help with. With that said, I didn't need my parents to do
anything for me. I was able to get my own soups/drinks etc., get up and
down, use the bathroom. I also slept in my bed the first night home (one
night in the hospital). I did sleep with a pillow tucked under my stomach
for the first week so it didn't feel like my insides were going to fall
out. My Dr. also put on an elastic very wide belt that covered most of my
stomach area that I think really helped in recovery. It kind of held
everything in place. Huge lover of that little item. Good luck with your
surgery and your new life journey.
— Darcys2
August 22, 2010
I needed help in the bathroom (wiping) for about three days after I can
home. That was the only thing I needed help with. I suggest you get one of
those grabber things in case you drop something. And if you are by
yourself, sleep sitting up. Otherwise you may get stuck. Yes, during those
first three days I decided to lay completely down and my sister had to help
me sit up.
I had open R-Y-N and weighed 494 pounds. So you may not need any help at
all. If you are concerned tell your surgeon. They can keep you longer.
— only1leavera
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