Question:
Will I be able to drive my kids to school?
I am a single mom and I am in the begining of this process. Right now it looks like my surgery will be sometime around Jan/Feb. I live in New England hince snow also I have two young children. Will I be able to drive them to school. And will I be able to use my snow blower. I am a single mom and $$$ is tight it may not be possible to hire someone. Can anyone tell me about post op recovery. — Athinnermom (posted on November 5, 2009)
November 5, 2009
first of all recovery depends on the kind of surgery you're having, your
age, current weight, etc. this is an outpatient procedure, but there are
always chances you will have to stay in the hospital. i stayed for 3 days
because i couldn't urinate. you will have some pain, but like i said
everyone is different. no lifting over 15lbs for 2 months. i was not
allowed to drive for 2-3 weeks. i was definately in bed for the first 5
days just got up to walk. after surgery you will start to feel weak and
tired a lot because of the lack of nutrients and liquid. this started for
me at about 3 wks out. it's hard to do things during this time. if you
have young children i would definately have a family member or friend come
and stay with you for at least a week or two. you probably won't be able
to do a lot of the household work that you normally do for them. i
wouldn't change a thng and i would do it again in a heart beat, but you
definately need help. don't attempt to do everything on your own.
— alojah82
November 5, 2009
I had never heard that WLS is an outpatient procedure (unless perhaps
lapband is). All of the people in my Kaiser group have stayed in the
hospital 3 to 5 days. But otherwise what I've seen with my group is as
Brandi describes. Plus there's a big energy drop after the first few
weeks. Best success!
— Janell C.
November 5, 2009
I really don't think you'll be able to use a snow blower or scoop snow.
Also, driving any distance in bad weather is not going to feel real good
either. Give yourself some time to recover from the surgery. Do you have
any friends whose kids go to the same school that could pick your kids up
and take them to school for a couple of weeks? If you can't think of
anyone, try calling the school, and explaining your situation. See if they
can suggest someone who might be able to help you out for a while. Also,
check with the members at your church. Maybe a couple of different people
could pitch in to help you out for a
while. Just start getting the word out that you need some help. I'll keep
you in my prayers. God Bless.
— KimM
November 5, 2009
I would suggest that you contact your local Boy Scouts of America troop and
ask if there is a group of guys that would be willing to help with the snow
blowing etc. Sometimes the kids do this voluntarily to earn their badges
for scouting. My daughter is a single mom with a big weight problem which
she is working on, and the local scouts will be helping her this winter.
— katiecakes
November 5, 2009
Another idea Paulette, is if you could get your doc to schedule you so that
your surgery falls just before a holiday when the kids will be home. Most
Doc's will work with you when there is a need. Also is there a local
volunteer organization in your area that would help with the kids, or is
there a chance the school would let them ride the bus for a couple days?
Usually if you explain things to the people you are associated with, they
are willing to help. Good luck with the surgery Paulette!
— katiecakes
November 5, 2009
When I had my surgery I wasn't allowed to drive as long as I was on pain
meds (codiene). That was the only reason I was given for not driving and,
of course, it made sense.
— Muggs
November 6, 2009
Too bad you couldn't have your surgery in the spring or summer. I had my
RNY surgery August 13, 2009, I stayed in the hospital for 4 days and about
5 more days I drove.
Good luck!
— FSUMom
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