Will I Be Able To Handle My Gastric Sleeve Surgery Aftercare On My Own?

[ShoeLover 141]

I am planning to have surgery in February in Mexico. I've spoken to my mother about it, and she seems to think that I will not be able to go home alone after the surgery and look after myself. Has anyone had the surgery and were able to get around fine afterwards? I expect to have some pain, but I am thinking that after 2 days in the hospital, and 1 day at the hotel I should be at a point to where I can be at home alone after I fly back. I am also hoping to be able to go back to work after a week. Can anyone give me a heads up on this? Thanks in advance.

[SuperMom 33]

I drove myself to the doctor for my one week visit. After the first day I was fine to be all by myself. I sent my husband on errands as he hovers and makes me nervous. You will be fine after the first couple of days. If you take any pain killers you can't drive but other than that (and I really did not take any after the second day) you really won't need anyone else so unless you have to lift small children or something you will be fine.

On a happy note....had sleeve surgery in late May....7 months later I am almost at goal weight.....I am soooo glad I did it....whole new outlook on the new year .....good luck!

[rayray9579 0]

I just had the sleeve procedure on 12/19/2011 and am 7 days post-op today. I would suggest that at least the first week you have someone with you. The pain definately gets better everyday however the problem I had was with things like using the restroom. I was so sore and my body didn't want to twist in the positions needed to clean myself. My surgeon said I needed to be off work at least 2 weeks unless I did any heavy lifting then it was 6 weeks. I am able to use the restroom and most other things independently but today is the first day that is possible. I wish you the best of luck!

[Lissa 2,631]

I had no real pain, so didn't use the pain meds after my 1 night in the hospital. I was able to handle self-care with no issues, including showering and pottying, even at 337, which was my surgery weight. That said, it's NICE to have someone to help because it's tough to get up and down if you have a nice comfy couch like I do.

I had a drain for 8 days, but went back to work the same afternoon the drain was taken out. I typically drive 100 miles a day, but most of my work is pretty easy. I do some walking and lots of paperwork with people. My restriction was heavy lifting, so I asked people to refill the copier for me until I was about 3 weeks out since I'd have to lift the box of paper of the shelf to get a ream of paper. The two offices I work from do not belong to me, so I have to deal with their systems rather than changing it to be more comfy for me.

The one major piece of advice I give is KNOW WHAT YOUR liquid PAIN MEDICINE DOSAGE IS IN YOUR OWN MEASURING SYSTEM. I didn't know what the conversion from mL to teaspoons was, so I didn't get the one dose of pain meds I wanted to have on the 1st night home. I was too scared to wing it and couldn't find it on the 'net because I was too out of it.

Good luck! You'll do fine!!

[Becca 108]

The worst pain for me was the first couple of days. As long as I took my pain medicine, I was fine. I even went to Walmart the day I got out from the hospital (day 3 post op) to get a few things. I really think the trick is to do lots of walking. I have had a band and a sleeve and with both, I walked. I recovered pretty nicely. I went back to work after two weeks. The only problem I really had was that I became anemic because I couldn't tolerate my Vitamins. I was taking Flinstones and they don't have the correct ratio of Iron for us, so just watch for that. When I went back to work, the pants I was wearing rubbed one of my incisions and it kept opening up. I covered it with one of those big cotton bandages to help. Work made me tired, but I would just take a nap when I got home. I remember feeling so much better after week three. Good luck!!! I went to Mexico for my band and actually had a very good experience. I am so excited for you!

[Afro_Cyster 74]

I left a message for you.

[ShoeLover 141]

Thanks to all of you for your responses. I feel much better about it now. I think I may try to work from home the second week instead of going into the office.

[longer-life 139]

We don't all recover the same way. I felt great the first 3 weeks, but it was awesome having my mom around helping me out.

[Catracks 865]

My mom wanted to come and wait on me hand and foot, but I'm one of those who doesn't like to make a big deal of things. I like to putter around the house without anybody around. I was ambulatory after a c-section so I think i can take this.