Do you need help at home post-op?

[395Ron 396]

Once I come home from the hospital will I need help doing things. My wife is trying to figure out if she needs to take time off from work beyond just the hospital time. Will I need help getting up from the bed, from a sitting position, do I need to be escorted on any walking exercise down the block I may do? Is there another reason to have someone there and if so for how long?

Any of your experiences would be helpful. Thanks.

[James Marusek 5,244]

I had a RNY gastric bypass about 26 months ago. I was in the hospital for 2 days and then returned home. While I was in the hospital, I was up and about every 2 hours walking. I needed someone to drive me home but once home I didn't need any help getting around. So in general, I think the answer is no.

But I did not use any pain medicine after I left the recovery room. If you are on pain medicine, it might affect your balance. Also some people in the hospital found it very difficult to get up and walk. So I guess it depends on the person and your particular medical conditions.

[395Ron 396]

Thank you James!

[red37 116]

I was in the hospital for three nights. By the time I got home I was doing things on my own though I did have someone staying with me to help out. It was nice to have someone just in case. I was only on Tylenol. I wouldn't say you have to have someone but if she can stay with you just the first full day at home it would probably make you both feel more at ease.

[395Ron 396]

red37 Thank you!! I appreciate you guys taking the time to respond. Unless I hear from someone else saying differently I will let her know she is not absolutely needed but it would be nice the first couple of days if she could be there.

[catwoman7 11,219]

I took three weeks off work. My husband was home with me for the first week (I was on my own for weeks 2 and 3).

It was great having him around to do things like take care of the pets and bring me things (my abs were pretty sore the first few days), but I probably could have managed on my own if I had to.

[395Ron 396]

Thank you catwoman7 my wife let her boss know she will be taking that week off just in case.

Edited July 24, 2015 by 395Ron

[SkinnyDown 409]

I was in the hospital for a week, but I still needed help once I got home. I had my sister with me for 3 days after I got home. It was a lifesaver for me.

[395Ron 396]

Wow carolm1965 why were you there a week? Complications? We are planning on getting a hotel for my wife for 4 nights just in case. My surgery is scheduled for a Tuesday and that would be a Saturday checkout for her. I am hoping to check out Wednesday or Thursday but I know things can happen.

[aelovelady 243]

I didn't need any help either. My doctor does not prescribe pain meds either, so I wasn't "out-of-it". I was able to sleep in my own bed, walk on the treadmill and get drinks and food from the kitchen. Good luck and check in with us so we can share your success!!

[gin1979 10]

I spent one night in hospital. Both my husband and I did the surgery together. We only needed help because we cannot bend so well. But you should be fine on your own.

[WithanH77 3]

My husband took 2 weeks off after my surgery expecting the worst, but I was fine after a couple of days. I could have managed on my own from day one, but we have 2 small kids and a small farm so it was a huge help.