Question:
Bari bed! What is that? and does everyone after surgery lay on one.

Just exactly is a bari bed. I have heard it is very uncomfortable. What is its purpose? I am in the process of testing for surgery and I want to have as much info as I can get so I am fully prepared.    — Maureen M. (posted on January 21, 2003)

January 20, 2003
A bari-bed is usually used for patients 300+ pounds. It works like a lift recliner in that the whole thing moves down and almost tips you out of the bed. I think it is used for the nursing staff's benefit, easier to lift and get heavier patients up for walking and the bathroom, etc. Personally I don't think any hospital bed is comfortable, bari-bed or not!
   — Stacey G.

January 20, 2003
I was in a bari-bed and I had no problems with it vis-a-vis comfort. The only problem I had with it was too darned big *G*. If I was on one side of the bed and I needed something that was on the other side, it was easier to get up and walk around rather than try to roll over in the bed to get it...JR
   — John Rushton

January 21, 2003
I was in a bari-bed post op, and I couldn't tell any difference between it and a regular hospital bed. I do believe they are built different and have a different mattress than a regular hospital bed. It worked the same. I was not real big (236 lb) so it didn't make any difference to me, but maybe it would to someone 400lbs!
   — koogy

January 21, 2003
Hi Maureen....the other posters have described what a bari bed is. I'll comment on your question about "does every one after surgery lay on one?" The answer is no. I didn't have a bari bed, although many others on the floor did. I was 261 lbs. the day of my surgery. Stacey is right (see below)...no hospital bed is comfortable. First, the mattress (if you can call it that) is covered with a plastic cover, then a sheet on top of that. So you sweat bullets all the time (bring a little battery-operated fan with you whether it's winter or summer!) And, your back kills after surgery. My back hurt more than my incision. So drugged or not, you're never comfortable in a hospital bed. Either way...whether you lay in a bari bed or regular hospital bed...you'll be glad to get home to your own bed or recliner. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 21, 2003
a bari-bed is a bed for patients who have had bariatric surgery, not just for heavy patients, or for GB patients. Its very different from a regular hospital bed in that it can mechanically put you up right instead of using your stomach muscles to pull you up. I have to admit, I don't know how I would have gotten out of bed without it .. in the hospital. I suppose I would have managed, but having the bed was great. The worst part of it for me was the morphine left me so confused sometimes it took a few buttons to figure out which one I wanted to push and which was I was going. It was helpful that I could get myself upright without the need of a couple of nurses. Its a great bed, if you can get one.. ask for it.
   — Lisa C.

January 21, 2003
Hi! When I woke up in ICU I had a bar-bed. It was awful for me! I am very short so trying to use the "stand-up" method just made me hurt worse. Before I was transferred to my room I requested a regular hospital bed. By the end of the first day, all but one of us had regular beds. I do understand that they are more comfortable for many patients, but for us short folks it didn't help. In the regular bed, I was climbing in and out without any trouble by day 2. I had an open so pulling up and out was not a good idea! lol<p>I Wish you the best!!
   — Helenjean P.

January 21, 2003
Hi. I never heard of a bari-bed, but can only assume that it would be a big help to some. I have had several abdominal surgeries over the last 9 years and was aided by an air mattress that was place under my sheet, yet over the mattress. It made the world of difference since my behind is the only place I don't have much extra fat. Anyway, the last time I went in for surgery, every other word out of my mouth from the time I entered the hospital, to the OR table, to the recovery room, and on was please be sure there is an air mattress on my bed BEFORE I am put in it. When the orderly brought me to my room, I held onto the gurney until they showed me it was there. I hear from others in my support group that the hospital I will be in for the RNY next month has special beds that do the asme thing as an air mattress. We'll see!!!!
   — Fixnmyself

January 21, 2003
The bari-bed I had when I was in the hospital was AWFUL. Im 30 and had no other medical problems other than being obese. However, I am suffering immensely from back pain as a result of that bed and Im only 5 months post-op. The worst part is because they were fairly new, barely anyone knew how to use them. So, fresh out of surgery, my incision was killing me. It didnt help that they would move the bottom of the bed before the top and stretch my incision. I think every obscenity imaginable came out of my mouth. It was just extremely painful!!!! I would have preferred a regular bed.
   — c B.