Question:
Dealing with Stairs Post Op

I am planning to stay at my mother's home after surgery for about a week. My concern is her stairs. It would not be considered a full flight (it is a split foyer) and once I get up them the only thing I would need to come down for is to go outside and walk. Will I be OK? I am having a Lap RnY. thanx for any help in advance!!    — Jennifer E. (posted on July 27, 2002)

July 27, 2002
Jennifer, I am 7 weeks post-op open RNY and I had similar concerns pre-op. I was in the hospital for 5 days, and when I returned home I had NO problems with stairs. I live in a 3 floor townhouse and I went up and down between the couch and bathroom without a problem. I took my time and started slow to check things out at first, then climbed with ease. It all depends on the person and I would imagine it might be even easier with you having the Lap. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kelly C.

July 27, 2002
I walked up the stairs in my house 3 days post op. Granted it was rough and took about 15 min, but I had to go up and see the dogs. They were locked up so they would not jump on my belly at first ;) Good Lux
   — Robert L.

July 27, 2002
I climbed a flight of 13 stairs to my bedroom the day I got home from the hospital. No problems what so ever!
   — stacey L.

July 28, 2002
Call me a weekling, but I couldn't climb stairs till 2 weeks post op. I didn't have enough energy. I would see about arranging a back up plan. Good Luck.
   — Sarah K.

July 28, 2002
I walked up and downstairs, about 15 steps after I got home. I did fine. But the way you walk is slower, put 1 foot on the step, then bring your other foot down to the same step. 1 step at a time. If you walk normal you could get dizzy and fall. You should be fine. Good luck to you and God Bless!
   — stacjean

July 28, 2002
Jennifer, I had lap rny in June, and I was climbing stairs in the hospital. It wore me out, but didn't hurt anything. My doctor's discharge orders said I could climb stairs without limitations. Just go slow, because if you feel like I did, the pain meds. had me a bit fuzzy. Best Wishes.
   — Tina B.