Question:
Did you have someone stay with you in the hospital.
My surgeon prefers for his patients to have a "buddy" (spouse, family member, or friend) stay with them in the hospital. Did any of you do this? Was it helpful? If you didn't have a buddy, would it have helped? Thanks, Julie Miller — Julie M. (posted on July 26, 2001)
July 26, 2001
I had my sister stay with me (my surgeon also wants a "buddy"
stay with you in the hospital). The hospital provides a rollaway bed for
the buddy. It was definitely helpful. Our buddies are in charge of making
sure we get up every couple of hours and take a walk. They are also
helpful in communicating your needs to the hospital staff which, while not
impossible, is certainly more difficult for someone right after surgery.
They are there to be your advocate.
— Gina E.
July 26, 2001
My surgery is in 3 days and I wish I could have someone to take with me.
It would be so nice to have my husband or mom to hang out with, and talk to
while I'm there. But having four kids , someone had to watch them. But if
your doc/and hospital allow it, I would go for it! Being alone after major
surgery doesn't sound real fun.
— [Anonymous]
July 26, 2001
My hubby stayed with me during the day. BTC requires visitors to leave at
night. I will say that I was amazed at the number of patience there without
visitors or family. My roomates hubby came in for brief visits.
— Lisa P.
July 26, 2001
My hubby too stayed with me almost 24-7 in the hospital. I think it is a
great idea! He helped me to the bathroom, unplugged IV's washed my hair,
got me ice chips , made me walk, put on my compression stockings, helped
with my binder. All the things a loving family member will do for you
without you feeling like you "put somebody out". I know the
nurses could do all that, but they are not available every minute of the
day!
— colette W.
July 26, 2001
I just had surgery this monday the 23rd and my wife stayed the first
night. I was happy to have her and since I have sleep apnea a private room
with monitiored bed came at no extra cost. It really helped as nights a
forever when your in the hospital. On sleepy and spent many hours sitting
in the hall,or walking the hall really bored.
I wasnt messed up by the anthestics like most are and recovery for me
appears to be fighting boredom. I am generally a activce person and this
resting is driving me nuts.
— bob-haller
July 26, 2001
My wonderful husband stayed with me the ENTIRE time I was in the hospital!
He even slept on the floor for the first two nights because they couldn't
find a roll away bed for him!!! I don't know if I could have done it
without him. He made sure I got up and walked, helping me in and out of
bed, unpluging my pca pump and pushing it around for me. Because he was
there the nurses knew that when I pushed the call button that I really
needed something and were always prompt to respond. I would encourage you
to have someone stay with you if at all possible.
— georgiacarol
July 26, 2001
My husband stayed with me the entire *eight days* I was in the hospital.
For the first two nights that I spent in ICU, he slept in a chair with his
head against the metal rails of my bed. It was a tremendous blessing
having him there; I highly recommend having someone with you. He became
the darling of the nursing staff as I was being told, "You have the
best husband! We've seen lots of good ones, but yours is the best!"
Indeed, he made their jobs easier. I don't think you'll regret having
someone with you. All the best! Lap RNY, June 29, 2001, - 51 lbs
— CaseyinLA
July 26, 2001
My hubby did not stay, I wanted him to be with our daughter and to get some
rest. In ICU you have such constant care that it really was not needed.
Once in a regular room I was able to get up and go to the bathroom by
myself, even dragging the IV behind me. I personally am the type that likes
to be alone when I am not 100%, plus when he was there I felt the urge to
stay awake and talk, even though he did not expect it. Sometimes it is
easier to be alone and rest w/o anyone elses comfort to consider. It also
gave me something to look forward to everyday when they came to visit. You
will be fine with or w/o someone. Do not worry. But having someone at home
when you go home it a big plus.
— Sue B.
July 26, 2001
Personally I don't want people around when I'm in the hospital and need to
be getting my rest or shots or whatever. I'm preop, my husband will be
there the day of the surgery then go back to work and take the time off
when I first come home and really need him. I'm one of those patients who
don't have many visitors because I discourage it. I do have an angel that's
going to visit me though, and I am looking forward to that visit. Good luck
whichever way you choose...
— Becky K.
July 26, 2001
My boyfriend had his surgery 2 weeks ago, and I stayed with him the entire
time, day and night. This really pays off if your hospital has a crappy
nursing system, if you need something, that person is right there to do it
for you. Besides, it keeps you from getting the blues too much because you
don't have time to lay there and think 'What the hell have I done to
myself!?' :) Good luck. And take a buddy :)
— jammie B.
July 26, 2001
I was in the hospital 3 nights. My husband stayed with me at the hospital
for the first 2 nights but not the third. It was really awful with him
gone. The nurses were very nice but they had the whole floor to look after
and my hubby was there just for ME!! I have 3 kids and my mother came here
from FL and stayed with them and made sure they got to school on time, etc.
so I did not have to worry about them being alone. If I had it to do
again, someone would have been with me all 3 nights. It was not as bad
during the day. There seemed to be more staffing and the nurses came much
faster when called.
— KarenW
July 26, 2001
Hi - I went in on May 29th and came home on June 3rd - My husband stayed
every night with me - The nursing staff loved the fact that I had
additional help, and freed them up for the more critical patients. My
husband became pretty proficient with IV alarms & etc!! LOL!! It was
a GREAT help to me having him there--getting out of bed was difficult and
waiting for a busy nursing staff to help may have taken a while. My
husband was there immediately. I also had congestive heart failure from
the fluids and when I would have an "episode" and could hardly
breathe, it was wonderful having him there calming me down!! Good Luck!
Karan
— chance2lv
July 27, 2001
I had a two night hospital stay, I had two of my best friends stay, one
each night,. It did help with the boredom factor and also it inspired me to
walk. I am the type of person who doesnt let on to others my pain, I try to
be too strong at times, I believe that helped me heal faster. Also Jessica
got VERY PROFICIENT with the IV alarms also. Cant they fix those machines?
I also had a private room so we werent disturbing anyone either. I dont
think they could have stayed if I was in a semi-private. Best wishes
— Kathy H.
July 27, 2001
I'm a single mom and didn't have a lot of family support in my decision to
have weight loss surgery, so I was at the hospital pretty much by myself
the entire time. I had visitors during the day and my daughter came to see
me every day I was there, and that was fantastic, but mostly I just wanted
to sleep and did a LOT of that every chance I could get. I really didn't
mind being on my own, since I wasn't really conscious for the most part!
:)
— Beth B.
July 28, 2001
Wow, I must really be a loner! Just kidding. I love my friends and family
and they were more than willing to visit me, but I made a strict no visit
policy while I was in the hospital. My mom did come see me every day,
though I slept through most of it, and my dad did on Valentine's day, but I
was so drugged up that I told them to leave. I was kinda mean. It is now
the running joke in our family. I just didn't want them to see me in pain,
and was so out of it it was much easier to just sleep and not have to
entertain anyone. My mom did stay with me when I came home for 2 nights
which was wonderful. I needed her then. But everyone is different and if
you would feel more comfortable with someone at the hospital, especially if
your doctor recommends it, go for it!
— Kelli B.
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