Question:
What is the easiest way to tell my roommates about the surgery and post op care?

I am going through open RNY on July 31st. I live about 4 hours away from my family. I live in an apartment now with two of my friends who are my age (23). I know I have the option to stay with my family for several days post-op, but that means I'll be about 4 horus from my surgeon if there would be any complications. I would prefer to stay at my apartment close to my home and my surgeon. What is the best way to tell my roommates about the actual process of the surgery? Also, what should I brief them about my post-op care? I do not necessarily want to burden them with a lot of unnecessary information, but I want to keep them well informed. Any suggestions?    — Tiffany D. (posted on July 20, 2002)

July 20, 2002
I found Barbara Thompson's book "Weight Loss Surgery" to be very helpful in how I explained WLS. I also think you should have a sheet for them explaining what you will need. For example, you won't be able to drive when on pain killers so they may be asked to pick up something from the store (vitamins, sugar free popcicles, sugar free jello, ect). Explain that you will be sleeping for a good bit of the first couple days and let them know so no parties are planned for those evenings. Good luck, Tom
   — Thomas M.

July 20, 2002
If you are being driven home, be sure and have pain medicine on hand beforehand and have a pillow to hug because you will feel every bump. After each hour of your drive, get out of the car and walk. Someone should stay with you the first 2 or 3 days home from the hospital, unless this is impossible. Tell your roomates that your range of motion will be compromised the first 10 days or so. Either a recliner chair or 3-4 extra pillows propped around you will aid you in sleeping. If you drop something on the floor, you will not be able to bend over and pick it up on day one or two after surgery. [open RNY]. Ask them to accompany you or encourage you to take small walks. Resting too much and for too long can cause blood clots. Naps are good, but getting up and moving around is necessary every several hours. Ask them to have bottled water on hand for hydration. Gatorade mixed with water helps with your electrolytes. Chicken broth, no-sugar added juices should be on hand. A handheld immersion blender, or regular blender is ideal to mix protein shakes. Tell them, that at first you will not be able to do your share of household duties, like wash dishes, carry garbage out, etc, or carry more than 15 pounds for 6 weeks, or do heavy loads of laundry. Certainly no vacuum cleaning or mopping! You will feel tired for the first two weeks, but after week three, you will probably feel pretty energetic. Ask your friends to take you out for a drive, to a support group, or out somewhere to alleviate boredom. Your roomates may have to drive you around to doctor's appointments or to the market. Usually surgeons do not permit you to drive yourself the first 2-3 weeks. This is due to narcotic pain syrup being prescribed, but also because our reflexes are a little slower while we are healing. Even the most loving spouse or attentive roomate can wear on our nerves when we are going through changes, feel pain, or are recuperating from illness. Warn them in advance of possible mild mood swings. It may not happen, but being forewarned to all possibilities is a good thing.
   — C. C.