Question:
Do I need to stay with someone right out of the hospital?

I dont get along well with my mother and I dont want to stay with her if I can help it (just causes lots of tension) I live in a tiny condo and I can sleep on the couch. The only reasons Id need to get up would be to go to the bathroom, drink, or let the dog out. Can I just come straight home alone and ask people to look in on me during the day??    — Shelley C. (posted on April 22, 2003)

April 22, 2003
I had open rny and didn't need to have anyone wait on me. My husband was in the house and the only thing he did was load the washer and dryer for the first week. You should be able to do everything you need to do . I don't know what your starting weight is and how much this will affect you but if you can get around now, it seems to me you would be alright if you had a friend you could count on to call you a couple of times thru the day and that you could call if needed.
   — Delores S.

April 22, 2003
You need to be better safe than sorry. I had some pretty seriouse complications and needed a lot of help after an open proceedure. Set up some help. You can always cancel if it is not needed.
   — Jane S.

April 22, 2003
I'm with the previous poster on this. Have something set up just in case. If you get home and find you don't need anyone, you can decline offers of help. However, if you have any complications or find that you can't fend for yourself without a little help, it's nice to know there's someone you can call. I, too, had major complications. Without my brother and sister taking care of me, I would never have made it.
   — garw

April 22, 2003
Shelley, I would say you'd be fine as long as you DO have someone check in on you regularly. I not only took care of myself but also prepared dinner for hubby...simple things mind you, but a little something (yes, he's that helpless. but also, he spoils me so i spoil him right back) he did do the dishes most of the time for the first week or so, as well as the laundry, in addition to his 50 hour work week. I'd recommend you have someone check on you and also call you from time to time. Anesthesia, pain meds, hormones etc. play with your mind and you may find yourself weepy, depressed, doing the "what have I done to myself?" thing. If your mother is 1/2 the pain mine is, you don't want her around! LOL Hang in there girl, you'll do fine! :) - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -123lbs.
   — Anna L.

April 22, 2003
p.s. Don't forget to do that walking! I did laps from one end of the house to the other, every couple of hours. Sometimes that's the advantage of having a "nagging soul" around, they do remind you to do the stuff you need to do for your own health and safety.
   — Anna L.

April 22, 2003
I don't know what CIGNA is like but I do know that my insurance company called and asked me if I will be needing any help when I'm released from the hospital, I don't, but if I did I would not be calling my mother that's for sure and another story all together, but you might want to call them to see if they cover that, and if the hospital can recomend something. They do have people that are very trained and do this sort of thing...Good Luck...Gods Speed...
   — Tamauralee H.

April 22, 2003
Shelley, I am also pre-op. I know that I can count on my sister to help out some after I have my surgery, but she can't be there all of the time. As the other people said, complications can arise, so I have made arrangements for a home health nurse and a home health aide to come and make sure that I am okay and to see that my needs are taken care of. I have friends and family who are concerned for my welfare; I just want to have all my bases covered. I want my recovery to go as effectively as possible. Your doctor's office can refer you to the proper agency - or the social services department at the hospital can also help get things set up. My insurance will pay for the home health care I receive. Good luck on your WLS journey. :)
   — Judy K.