Question:
When can you bend over (very carefully) after surgery?
Since you can't bend to tie shoes etc. an you lift your leg like on a bath tub rim to tie shoes.? — Cindee A. (posted on November 30, 2001)
November 30, 2001
I was farly flexible about 5 days post op, but it was 2 weeks before I
moved around without being careful. Of course I am a LAP.
— bob-haller
November 30, 2001
I could bend over while I was still in the hospital at 4 days post-op, but
it was sore. I actually just practiced a lot of foot dexterity! *grins* I
had surgery in California, so I'd have my leather sandals with velcro
closures and just closed and opened my sandals with my toes or foot. I also
picked up things like my pillow or blanket with my toes and lifted them
until I only had to bend down a little to pick them up. Plus, if all else
fails, you can always call the nurse. The nurses at Delano Regional where I
had surgery were wonderful!
— Anita N.
November 30, 2001
Right about the time you pay the bill!
— merri B.
November 30, 2001
Wow! I forgot. But if I remember right I tried to wear something I could
slip on (like bedroom slippers) all the time I was at home. If I had to
leave then I had velco sneakers that someone had to open and close for me
for awhile. Maybe 3-7 days? I don't remember the exact amount of time. But
just as soon as I could do it, I'd sit and put my foot up on a chair (or
anything that gave alittle height) and do it that way. I think it was'nt to
long before I could do this. I never ask for help on getting dressed unless
I REALLY need that help. So I've been fortunate to have all the help I need
as I never push it. ;)
— Danmark
December 1, 2001
I spent the first 4 or 5 days that I was home from the hospital in my
nightees and slippers. Then, when I did go out for a walk or an
appointment for the next 6 or 7 days, I wore very loose fitting clothing
and slip on mules or clogs. I got my socks on with the aid of a little
contraption I was given by the hospital that you fit your sock over and
then pull up over your foot. Now, at just under 4 weeks post-op, I am not
have any trouble getting my socks on, unaided, but I still wear slip on
shoes. Even though I can bend over pretty well now, I am still too fat to
reach my foot to tie shoe laces comfortably yet. All in good time! Every
day gets better and better.
— Susan M.
December 1, 2001
LOL Merri, that's the best answer I've read in the almost year I've been
coming to this site. Great sense of humor. :o) To answer the question: I
had lap and was able to bend down and take off the leg sweeze things the
next day after surgery. I think everyone is different. Good luck with
your surgery and recovery. S
— sherry hedgecock
December 1, 2001
I, for one, am hiding this question from my husband. LOL. He doesn't need
to know when I can bend over!
— [Anonymous]
December 3, 2001
I used my legs alot after surgery. I would sit on the bed with a leg bent,
laying on the bed , to put on my socks. I would put my foot on the coffee
table, while I was sitting down, to tie my shoes. I would pick things off
the floor using my toes, if my toes couldn't lift it, it stayed there.Of
course I had trouble bending before surgery due to back problems.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
— Helen B.
May 16, 2003
I am 4 weeks post-op from an open rny and a small bowel obstruction (same
incision opened four days later). I am now able to pick things up off the
floor carefully, put on socks when sitting, and working up to shaving my
legs. Everyone is different though! The key is to move carefully and listen
to your body... you'll know when you move wrong!
— Angela G.
November 19, 2004
Invest in a little contraption called the Gopher, I had one before surgery
because I'm only 5'and all top shelves are far out of my reach, It came in
very handy post op, I dropped more stuff than ever, just because bending
was a no no. You can order a Gopher at Lillian Vernon.com
— Pauline C.
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