Question:
What does immediate post-op surgery consist of?

I'm really starting to zone in on some candidates now. I posted earlier about finding low cost self-pay dr.s, and I have found one in Virginia at a $14,000.00 tag. As always any more suggestions there would help. But now that I'm thinking this might be the one, I have another concern that has come up. Can anyone tell me what immedate the immediate post op is like? My problem is that I'm relatively a loner. A nasty divorce split up all of my family years ago, and I just recently moved to where I'm living now, so while I have a couple of casual friends, I don't have any I'd ask to do anything seious like this for me. I was just wondering what kind of personal care is necessary after you leave the hospital, and if it's possible to take care of yourself, or if you have to have someone else -- in which case, I guess I better start a search! Thanks! --Joshua    — joshbowski (posted on December 22, 2001)

December 21, 2001
Joshua, I am 9 days post op. The very immediate postop will happen in the hospital, so you will have assistance. As far as when you come home, I really felt pretty good after the first day or so. The worst thing is getting up from bed and low chairs. I wish I had gotten a recliner but I didnt. Living alone, I'd strongly recommend that you do. I don't know what your starting weight is, but as far as taking care of personal hygiene (bathroom, etc) I did ok, even if it was uncomfortable. I got my kids help in putting on socks and tying shoes. But slip ons work, too. I have 3 children 10 and under so I didn't have much choice but to get up and do things once my husband went back to work 2 days after I came home. Actually, as long as I kept up with my water and protein, activity actually gave me energy. But I do make myself rest often. You'll probably have instructions from your doctor as far as physical limitations. I can use steps, but can't do heavy lifting for 6 weeks. I never filled my percocet prescription because I really didn't feel I needed it, but looking back, I think it would have helped me sleep at night. Lack of sleep was probably my biggest frustration in the first few days. I wasn't in pain, but couldn't get comfortable and it was painful trying to adjust my position or get up. I would take up any offers of help to do grocery shopping, laundry, taking out trash, etc. But I think you'll find that you will be doing very nicely within a week of being home. Good Luck!!!
   — Donna L.

December 21, 2001
I forgot to include in my original answer that my procedure was an Open RNY.
   — Donna L.

December 21, 2001
Joshua I started at 250 lbs with an open RNY and I could have cared for myself, but let me tell ya I was sure thankful for my hubby and 2 sons during that first week. I had alot of trouble standing without getting massively dizzy so they prepared my drink and food (what little I had) Each person heals and handles things differently, but if you are motivated it can be done. The traveling alone directly after surgery is what I would dread. Good Luck!
   — Lynda T.

December 21, 2001
Caring for yourself is possible, but you can't/shouldn't drive while on pain medication. I had an open rny and needed it for a while after I got home. Talk to your doctor and see if he/she will write a rx prior to your surgery so you can get it filled ahead of time. <br><br> If you are having an open surgery, you should also be very careful about carrying bags of groceries, etc. Many people have developed hernias by lifting or carrying too much. Get any food supplies you will need during the first couple of weeks before your surgery. Good luck!
   — Sami S.

December 22, 2001
I went to stay with my parents for 3 days after I got out of the hospital. I could have taken care of myself, but I live in a very big two story home with one bathroom upstairs and I couldn't have climbed all those stairs the first day. They still had my grandfathers lift recliner. I slept in that and I'll tell you it was a life saver. I suppossed I could have tackled the stairs if I absolutely had to. I would have just stayed upstairs. I had an open/rny. The only thing I worried about was the stairs. I also had to sit in the shower. So I would get a small chair to sit in the tub for showers - you will be tired. If you have those things I think you will be fine. Also, good idea that I didn't do but wish I had of is make up a bunch of broth and freeze it in ice cube trays that way when you come home you can just pop a cube or two in the microwave and go on. Standing at the counter stiring and waiting may wear you out. I'd do up some little meals and stick them in the freezer. Stock up on stuff. When I did finally come home, I stuck a gallon jug of water in my bedroom so that I didn't have to worry about carrying a glass of water up the stairs, since I need my arms to hold the rail and steady myself.
   — K T.

December 22, 2001
Joshua, I am also pre-op but do have help. I have trouble getting out of chairs (now as I have bad knees) so I figured I would really have trouble post-op. I posted on a few sites and found someone that knew of a place that RENTS LIFT CHAIRS in my area(NYC). I think that might be a big help for you. If you have one it will be easier for you to get up and down to take care of yourself. I know some people even sleep in them for a while. The cost for a month is only $75.00. I am sure you can find one in your area. Also just get all your food and supplies ahead of time and maybe you could just have someone check in every day. Good luck to you and May God Always Walk with you... {{{HUGS}}} Pheebs
   — BOOMASMOM

December 22, 2001
I am 11 days post op, I had an open rny, ended up with a 17 inch scar instead of 4-6 inches, because they ended up removing a 8lb ovarian cyst in addition to gall bladder,appendex, and the bypass. I also started at 460 lbs, I needed a toilet seat riser, I got a small cubic refrigerator, and a small microwave to keep upstairs where I am staying, i got instant mashed potatoes, made chicken & turkey soup(mashed), pbutter, crackers and instant oatmeal,canned pears, and peaches and V8 juice. I also have slept every night in the recliner. You will not be able to pick up anything that falls so get a reacher for yourself. If you can't have anyone with you please try to find someone who can stop in twice a day to check on you.Good luck!!
   — [Anonymous]

December 22, 2001
hi josh. i am 5 days post op open rny. i feel great but tire easily. my first 2 days in the hosp post op were tuff mentally & physically because of the drugs i was getting for pain & of course the aftermath of surgery. my problem is that i hate anything that takes over my brain & forces me to lose 'control'. in other words, i hate being groggy & out of the loop. day 3 i insisted my iv be removed because i would not use the morphine pump any longer, & went to tylenol liquid. believe it or not i would rather deal with the pain & be clear headed. hubby & i got home friday nite & i immediately hit the bed. i held up great for the first 4 hours of the 5 hour trip. the last hour was very hard but its not that i was uncomfortable, i just wanted to be home & in my own bed. i had to stop the liquid tylenol cause its very very sweet & gave me diarreah. so did the chewables. so now hubby smashes a tylenol caplet for me into small pieces & its working great. i made my own lunch saturday, can do 'bathroom duty' without the aid of hubby, keep water by my bedside, walk the puppies (they dont use a leash so i dont have to worry about pulled), & in general try to take an interest in the things around me as it takes my mind off my foot long incision. most important, per my dr orders, i lay down as soon as i am feeling tired. & i wake up when i have rested enuf & get out of the bed...no matter what the time is. the heck with a 'schedule'. its about taking care of urself not living on a time frame. my dr told me when i got my going home instructions from him that i was to baby my new tummy but not myself. he said the more normal routine i get back to the better i will feel, quicker. he was right. make sure u have some prepared food that u can just zap to heat up, do all ur laundry before u go to the hospital but most importantly tell ur dr u will be on ur own when u get home & ask him what advise he can give u. maybe he has a support group or some very long term post op patients that would be willing to lend u a hand. good luck!!!
   — sheryl titone