Question:
How realistic is it to think that one can go through this alone?
— Kimberley D. (posted on August 23, 2002)
August 23, 2002
Unfortunately, not everyone in the world has support following surgeries
and other significant events that happen in their lives. But somehow, they
find a way to do what they need to and they make it through it. Is it
ideal?? Nope. But I do not think we have to tell you that. My suggestion
would be to run this by the surgeon. Ask him for his suggestions. Look for
a home care company in the area if he says that you WILL need to have
someone with you. Also, you may want to put out a request for assistance on
the message board. There may be another person in the Fresno area that
would be willing and able to help you for a few days. Good Luck to you. I
am sure that you will do great.
— Vicki L.
August 23, 2002
You will be ok I assure you! My surgery open RNY was Sept 7th, came home
Sept 11th. Had a hard time sleeping very long in one position. I would go
from the recliner to the couch to the bed and so on. I was driving within
3 days after I got home. You will poop out quickly so don't go too far
from home. You will do great!
— MARSHA D.
August 23, 2002
My father stayed with me for 2 days, only because I have 3 dogs to take
care of and then I told him to go home because you really can't do much. He
pretty much just sat around the two days he was there and I felt guilty
making him stay. Make sure you have all your essentials at home before
surgery; sugar free jello, etc. or whatever dr tells you you can have.
Lean on that new friend also, I'm sure they would be glad to help.
— Margaret B.
August 23, 2002
I would suggest having your WLS friend close by, just in case you need
them. My first week home from Open RNY wasn't horribly tough, I slept alot
and fortunately had a neighbor help take my toddler to daycare. However,
there were times when I was very week and needed some help with little
things! It really doesn't hurt to have someone you can call. I
understand that you're strong and independent, so am I, but it was nice to
have someone around "just in case".
— Rosario T.
August 23, 2002
Like you I am over three hours away from my surgeon. Please make sure that
someone is there to drive you home and that you have all your medications,
foods and liquids at home with you. My surgeon said absolutley no driving
for at least two weeks. One other thought, I was told to elevate the head
of my bed to make it easier to rise out of bed since there will be noone to
assist. (I am very large and have diificulty raising myself with out
contorting quite a bit.) Just a thought. Best of luck, I am sure you will
do fine.
— Carrie R.
August 23, 2002
I would definitely not describe what I went through as going it
"alone". However, that sounds really good though. I was home by
day 3 and managing my 4 children (my mom would come and lift my baby for
me). But otherwise, I was cooking, dressing, etc...If I can take care of
myself and the rest of the brood, you can manage yourself. Like someone
else said, have someone who may need to run errands, but otherwise, you
will probably enjoy recuperating in private. I WISH that I had had only
myself to take care of!! LOL I had an open procedure and I see according to
your surgery page you are having a Lap. You will do just fine!! You can do
it!! Shelley
— Shelley.
August 23, 2002
I don't want to scare you but you really should have someone available in
case there are any complications. I know we don't want to think about those
things, but let's face it, they do happen, whether they are severe or mild.
I had complications (pneumonia and fluid build up(puss) between lung and
diaphragm). I spent a whole month in the hospital and when I DID get to go
home my husband had to take care of me for another month. I was too weak to
even shower by myself. And I am a strong and independant woman too. MOST
surgeries are complication free, but there's always the chance. I'm sure
you will do just fine but you have to cover ALL your bases.
— Kim B.
August 23, 2002
I live half an hour away from the hospital. My parents live about ten
minutes away. Believe me, I could not have done it without them. I moved
into their home from the night before surgery til they left, which was a
week later. They are now out of the country and I have other family
members who call and check in on me. It definitely helps to have people to
help you get through this. It is MAJOR surgery and requires assistance by
more than the hospital staff. My family and friends were with me in the
hospital, at my parents' house, and at different homes of my friends and
family. It makes a BIG difference, believe me.
— Lawrence R.
August 23, 2002
I am married and from the second week out of the hospital my husband
started getting sick of me "whining because I could not lift
5ozs"...I have a 2 year old to care for, laundry, dishes etc. and so
on...I am doing it all because it has to be done...I think you'll be fine,
especially since you have a buddy willing to help...
— MF
Click Here to Return