Recovery..... do you really need someone the first few weeks?

[allielee 263]

I would think if you aren't on painkillers it is fine. I didn't need any after the first 24 hours. I bet the docs don't want you to if you are still medicating.. IMO

[mg22fpb 6]

I did very well with my recovery, but did not feel good about driving for about 4 days. I was very tired and had severe headaches. I was off narcotic pain meds after first day home. I suggest getting liquid Tylenol (Drug Mart carries their own brand) for pain if you don't need the heavy stuff. It helped me a lot and not many side effects. I took it about 3-4 times after I got home for pain and headaches. I think the headaches were from the drugs at the hospital and also to the food withdrawal (like an addict). They were debilitating and rest helped.

[joy59 81]

I am raising my 3 and 9 yr old granddaughters by myself and have surgery scheduled for Oct 7th I have just bought a ticket for my daughter who lives in another state to come for 1 week hope that is enough time.

[terry1118 1,274]

I would think if you aren't on painkillers it is fine. I didn't need any after the first 24 hours. I bet the docs don't want you to if you are still medicating.. IMO

That is exactly what they told me at my follow-up. :-)

[terry1118 1,274]

I am raising my 3 and 9 yr old granddaughters by myself and have surgery scheduled for Oct 7th I have just bought a ticket for my daughter who lives in another state to come for 1 week hope that is enough time.

As long as you don't have any complications or have underlying health issues, a week should be long enough. Best of luck to you! :-)

[mamie60 104]

I had gastric bypass laparoscopic and my husband works at home He was available for me but I really didn't need him much. I could've had someone come over once a day I think. Good luck

[mamie60 104]

I'm pretty sure one week would give you enough time to recover while she's there.

[joy59 81]

I am glad I have been reading this thread. I kept going back and fourth about bringing her here away from her family but decided for peace of mind one week would be best for the kids.

[bluedreams86 61]

Thank you everyone for the wonderful advice and for sharing!

I know I can probably do this alone, but my mother is so stubborn.....sigh.... there is no stopping that woman!! We made a pact that she can stay for a week and if I am in the clear, she can go back home on time or earlier. Quite truthfully, I am looking forward to spending some alone time after surgery. Two weeks of my mother, I would probably go crazy or check myself into the hospital lol

[AmyC65 34]

I know a few people who have recovered by themselves and done fine. But there is always that off chance that there will be complications, or that you just won't feel as well as someone else did. Everyone's experience is different. I understand not wanting your mom to jeopardize her job, but remember that it can also give her peace of mind to be with you and see for a fact that you are ok. My parents live in town (my husband took care of me) and dad called every day for over a month. They worry. Maybe let her come for a week?

[Larly109 19]

It's good to have someone with you for at least the first few days. You won't be able to drive until you are off pain meds and your energy level will likely be zapped fairly quickly. I'm sure it's possible to manage on your own, but I felt better having my Mom with me. In my case, my husband is a Type 1 diabetic with lots of complications and it was very reassuring to have extra help not only for me, but for him as well.

[pookybear 284]

I didn't need any help. If you have small children, though, you may need help because there's no lifting or heavy cleaning.