Question:
Are there any 500+lbs open RNY patients out there with any suggestions?

I am a 500+lbs and am going in for an open RNY, with a gall bladder removal in 2 weeks and I was wondering if anyone has a detailed account of their experience, or any suggestions to help in the recovery. I am not so concerned about the hospital stay, but the first few weeks home. Like getting up and down from beds and chairs. I know I am a prime candidate for a hernia and I am going to to do everything to avoid it if possible.    — dkinson (posted on October 28, 2002)

October 28, 2002
Hello Donny, Well you couldnt have picked a better person to hear from. when I had my open RNY August the 7th, 2002 I weighed 565lbs! I didnt even know how much I weighed until several days after surgery. How they weighed me was I was in a baratric bed, and it had scales on the side. I cried when I found my true weight because most people thought I weighed in the 400s. Fooled alot of people, including myself. I had a hard recovery because I was on a vent for 4 days due to my oxygen levels being low. If you get a baratric bed they sit up like a chair and you can get up alot easier than a normal bed. When I got home it was hard. My hubby helped me alot getting up from chairs beds toilets. I ended up having in home physical therapy which was a Godsend. I am 90% back to being well, feet dont swell as much. You really have to watch what you eat, keep those liquids and puree foods in. Follow your dietician and surgeons advice. Now for the good news. As of Oct 1st I have lost 100lbs!!! I am going back tomorrow and getting weighed again. I know I have lost more but am just scared its not very much. I am eating solid foods now and I dont get sick or anything. I also had my gallbladder and appendix removed also. I think when you weigh as much as you and I do I think recovery is a little harder due to our ability of not being able to maybe walk or move as fast as some people. God brought me through this and I made a promise to Him that I would tell anyone my story if they asked and I would witness for Him. I dont know how your faith in the Lord is but I will say a prayer for you that your surgery and recovery will go well. Please keep in touch when you feel like it after surgery. I know I couldnt even sit in a computer chair for 2 weeks cause it bothered me so. But everyone is different and I hope I have been some help and I wish you all the best. Finally, I can love myself again, even at 400 something lbs. God Bless! Donna P.S. They make you wear an adominal binder and that holds your insides togeher and makes you feel like everything is not gonna fall out. It also prevents you from getting herinas and to this day I still wear mine, especially at bed time. Just dont do alot of lifting or bending over at least for 6 weeks. Now not everyone might not agree with my advice this is just my experience being a 500+ person. Hopes this helps hun. :)
   — Donna O.

October 28, 2002
Hey Donny. It's me again, Donna. I was looking over your profile and saw that your surgery is on my birthday Nov 11th. So see I can't forget you on that day. Just think, thst was the day I was born and that will be the first day of your new life!! God Bless!!
   — Donna O.

October 28, 2002
Donny, I wasn't 500+, but I was 425 at the time of my surgery. When I came home I rented a lift chair and yes I was over the weight limit of the chair but I used it any. Other places may have larger chairs. I used it for about three weeks. It really helped. I even sleep in it then I finally went to a bed. Also for about 2 week I had help with bathing until I felt stronger. I wish you the best with your surgery and feel free to contact me at any time with more questions. [email protected]
   — Carla S.