klus263 9 Posted November 28, 2011 I was a stomach sleeper. I slepted on my side but placed a pillow under my stomach and my leg to keep my side and back in alignment so it did not pull on my stomach. Everyone is different. I napped in the recliner but I could never sleep all night in one. Good Luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lsereno 2,525 Posted November 28, 2011 I used a lot of pillows and slept like I was in a hospital bed: knees and upper back elevated. I was super comfy with the pillows and slept well. It was over a week, maybe two before I could return to sleeping on my side and even longer till I could sleep on my tummy again. Buy some pillows and a couple of nightgowns. Much cheaper than a recliner. Lynda Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sasicas 194 Posted November 28, 2011 I used a couple of big pillows under my head and one under my knees. My bed is also very high up so I put a step next to it as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lml32937 65 Posted November 29, 2011 I am a stomach sleeper and wake up as soon as I roll over onto my back (pre op). Post op the first 2 days I propped myself up with pillows in bed; it is waaaay lower than the hosp bed so getting in and out was a bit uncomfortable at first. One night I got frustrated and rolled to my R side and was like AHHHHH this isnt bad- I did that for a few more days- After drain was out I was able to prop a pillow on my L side and sort of half tummy half side lay but not fall asleep- Now 10 days out I can lay on my tummy but god for bid I sneeze or cough- it contorts me to the point of hurting so I have been trying to just stay on the R side. I do have recliners as well and they are good for during the day or napping but I could never sleep a whole night in them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GetInMyBelly 80 Posted November 30, 2011 I'm one month out today and oh Gosh is it hard to sleep all of a sudden! More nighttime belly pain then ever. Weird . I guess things are healing n it hurts more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PdxMan 4,292 Posted November 30, 2011 I used several pillows to prop me up in a semi reclined position on the bed. I also slept on my back for the first few weeks (have always slept on my side). It was rough but after 2.5-3 weeks I could sleep on my right side & after another week or so I could sleep on the left. This was me exactly. My wife propped up a bunch of pillows on the bed and I nestled myself inside them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GotItDoneInHarlem 302 Posted December 20, 2013 I just got home from the hospital and had an awesome side nap. I also had a rough recovery, so I see this as a good sign. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joanne Morris 0 Posted February 2, 2015 Ive heard that many people can not lay down when they get home from the hospital. I've seen that people sleep in their recliners for 2 weeks to be comfortable. What has your experience been? Should I be investing in a new recliner? i been sleeved 7 days ago and i cannot sleep in the bed i tried woke up hurting so much so i went down into the recliner and thats where i been more comfortable i was always a side sleeper i still cant wait to be able to get back into my bed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BLERDgirl 6,417 Posted February 2, 2015 @@Stacey Nicole - Pfft! I climbed in the bed as soon as I got home! I was happy to be in my own bed after 2 days in the hospital. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertgirl_74 114 Posted April 25, 2015 (edited) I'm 5 days post-op and haven't had any issues climbing in or out of bed. However, I'd desperately love to sleep on my stomach, but that's not happening right now. So I'm suffering sleeping on my side for the time being. Edited April 25, 2015 by desertgirl_74 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eyhornmom 36 Posted April 25, 2015 I used a big pillow to stay a little elevated when I went to bed. It wasn't that laying flat hurt, but sitting up from a flat position was really painful. Once my JP drain was removed I was right back to sleeping on my side. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CarolynPagano 0 Posted April 27, 2015 I used a lot of pillows to help prop the bottom of my stomach and one on my back and two for my head. I also had a small pillow to splint across my belly when I move. I know a plethora of pillows but I am able to sleep well! Good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wannaBthinsoon 1,634 Posted April 27, 2015 I'm sleeping in the spare bedroom downstairs away from hubs and pups. I am generally a side or stomach sleeper, but am sleeping fine on my back. I stack pillows in such a way that it props me up some. I'm so comfortable that I wake up in the same position I went to sleep in. I told my hubs I like it down here, I think I'll stay in the spare bedroom. He didn't like that idea too much. Don't buy a recliner, unless you really think you need a recliner. If it is just for your comfort after surgery, get pillows instead. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
craigcu 96 Posted April 27, 2015 I've always recovered in a recliner from previous ab surgeries. I can recommend buying a recliner with a 30 day guarantee then taking it back after about 20 days. Did that for my wife's last surgeries. I know, not good karma, but when in pain and poor, gotta do what you can. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites