Question:
Immediate post-op personal needs.

I need some feedback from those of you who have had the open duodenal switch procedure. I live by myself and I was concerned about taking care of my personal bathroome needs. How long does it take to perform these tasks. I'm not concerned about the shower but I am concerned about elimination. I have no family except a brother. Hope that someone can advise me. Please help.    — Shirley F. (posted on February 21, 2003)

February 21, 2003
Hi. I'm 7 days post-op from open RNY and had the same concerns. I followed the advice of others and bought a pair of kitchen tongs. I wrap TP around the business end and am able to reach wherever I need to. I also bought a container of baby wipes and use them in the same way. It's working very well for me.
   — Diane M.

February 21, 2003
I didn't have any problems with this. I weighed 304lbs at the time of surgery. I was a little sore when I wiped, but I was fine in a day or so.
   — SarahC

February 21, 2003
MYSELF AND MY BROTHER EACH BOUGHT SOMETHING CALLED THE BOTTOM BUDDY I BELIEVE. IT IS SOLD ONLINE ON A SITE CALLED DYNAMIC LIVING. YOU WOULD HAVE TO DO A SEARCH FOR THE ADDRESS. IT IS ABOUT $30.00. IT IS A LIKE A CURVED PLASTIC STICK (12-13 INCHES LONG)AND PUSH A BUTTON AND THE END OPENS AND YOU PUT TOILET PAPER OR A WET WIPE ON AND IT HOLDS ONTO IT. WIPE. PUSH THE BUTTON AGAIN AND THE WIPE RELEASES. A LIFESAVER. I USED IT IN THE HOSPITAL SO I WOULDNT HAVE TO CALL THE NURSE TO DO IT. HOPE THIS HELPS.
   — christina K.

February 21, 2003
OK. I LOOKED THIS SITE UP AND THE ADDRESS IS: WWW.DYNAMIC-LIVING.COM/TOILET.HTM AND THE PRICE IS $39.99. IT DOES HAVE A PICTURE AND HOW IT WORKS ON THE SITE.
   — christina K.

February 21, 2003
I weighed 330 when I had my open DS. I was a bit uncomfortable for a couple of days post. But fine after that. The first few days I used baby wipes wrapped around tongs and that worked great. Good Luck!!~StephiAZ 08/12/2002 Open DS 330/224/155~
   — Stephanie B.

October 14, 2003
Many years ago, after a severe hemmroid atack, I discovered that I could sit on the side of the bathtub and use the hand-held shower thingie to WASH gently down there. Since then, I've developed shoulder troubles that make wiping dificult, and it's a life saver! But of course, it only works at home...
   — MsBatt