Question:
After coming home after surgery can I take care of myself without help?
— Virginia G. (posted on March 1, 2003)
March 1, 2003
For the first few days even LAP its good to have someone around to help
with bathing etc. After that you should be ok but get someone to check on
you daily to make certain yur OK.
— bob-haller
March 1, 2003
I not only took care of myself, but 3 small children after my open RNY.
Other than lifting assistance with my then 8 month old (in and out of the
crib)I was responsible for my own needs and theirs. Had no problem, except
that a nap would have been nice!! Shelley
— Shelley.
March 1, 2003
I think that the hardest part of taking care of yourself without help is
the depression part of it. I had a hard time knowing that it was only my 3
year old son there. My mom came down from Ohio to take care of me, and I
had to send her home because she got pneumonia. I found it very difficult
to feel so alone. If you have someone that will help you out some, or to
come by and visit you, I'm sure that would make it easier. I enjoy my time
alone, but the anestetia really had me wishing that I had someone.
— sheri H.
March 1, 2003
I was home alone after LAP RNY, which isn't as tough as open. I was happy
to be alone. I was crabby, sleepy and wondering just what the hell I'd done
to myself. I was NOT in the mood to be around people, that's for sure! I'm
sure you'll be fine.
— Angie M.
March 2, 2003
Make sure you can get in and out of your bed without assistance if you plan
on being alone. That was the only issue I had.
— Valerie W.
March 2, 2003
Everyone is different, and some respond to the surgery with more ease,
unlike me ofcourse! lol I needed all the help I could get the first few
days: going to the bathroom, bathing, getting out of bed was the worst.
After the initial few days, I could do more of these things on my own. If
you can't have anyone there with you, I'm sure you will be ok, I just
personally think it made things a little easier for me! Goodluck to you.
— Lezlie Y.
March 2, 2003
Lap is definitely an easier recovery post-op than open. If you have no
complications, and you have lap, you probably will be able to take care of
yourself. Make sure the house is stocked with all the liquids and vitamins
you will need until you are able to get out to the store. But to be
prepared, have a backup plan just in case there are complications. I had a
complication and needed some care for a few days when I got home. I may
have been able totake care of myself, but it sure made it easier having
someone with me. Do you have some friends that could stop by to check on
you?
— Cindy R.
March 2, 2003
I agree with having a back up plan just in case. I had asked my brother
and younger sister if they would help me out, but I really meant while I
was in the hospital. I cam home and was by myself, but I developed
complications. I was in and out of the hospital for several months.
Without help, I never would have made it. I'm not saying you need to make
sure someone is at home with you immediately post op, but do try to have
someone lined up just in case.
— garw
March 2, 2003
HI
I WOULD SAY IT WOULD DEPEND ON YOUR AGE AND IF YOU HAD IT OPEN AND IF YOU
HAVE CHILDREN TO TAKE CARE OF ALL OF THESE THINGS SHOULD BE TAKEN IN TO
CONSIDERATION. I WAAS 55 AND HAD NO CHILDREN TO TAKE CARE OF HAD OPEN AND
NEEDED HELP,I ALSO HAVE A NEIGHBOR WHO HAD IT OPEN AND SHE IS 35 AND HAD 2
SMALL CHILDREN NEEDE HELP FOR THE FIRST COUPLE WEEKS BATHING THE CHILDREN
BECAUSE YOU CANT REALLY BEND DOWN LIKE TO BATH THEM SO I WOULD THINK YOU
WOULD NEED SOME HELP I ALSO FOUND IT BETTER TO SLEEP IN A RECLINER INSTEAD
OF BED FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS IT IS EASAIER TO GET IN AND OUT OF GOOD LUCK
— ROSEMARY A.
March 6, 2003
I had a lap RNY at age 47 with no complications, other than a lot of severe
lower back pain from being on the table so long. If I hadn't had the back
pain, I could have taken care of myself when I came home from the hospital.
But I wouldn't have wanted to do so. I'm a very independent, self-assured
professional woman. But I was just a little crybaby right after surgery.
I needed someone there emotionally, as well as to "fetch and
carry" for me.
— Kathy J.
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