Help! Got questions about my daughter!

[kimdlawson06 141]

I was sleeved in December. Haven't been heavy my whole life and started at a pretty low BMI. My daughter on the other hand, is pretty heavy. She's 19 year old college student and just got approved for surgery! She's 5 hours away, so we're scheduling surgery for Christmas break when she'll be home six weeks. Is that enough time for her to recover or should we wait until next summer?

She has a dorm that has a full kitchen and private bath so I'm hoping I can help her get set with all she needs there too. How soon after RNY did you start feeling better? Are we moving too fast?

[Rebecca Friesen 80]

I think it's good timing for recovery. But you will have to be super supportive of her and make sure to keep yummy Christmas treats out of her sighting the beginning. Tough time of year for surgery!

[toasty 371]

Just remember she will have to have the pre-op appointments, the pre-op diet, the operation itself, and then the post-op recovery in that six week period.

In my case, I am taking off four weeks before I am going back to work. But even at that point, I will still be on the pureed food stage. In your daughter's case, she will need to be able to deal with fixing her own soft foods or possibly even pureed foods in her school situation.

If she's up to doing that by herself (since she is 5 hours away from you when she's there), then maybe it could be done over the winter break.

[toasty 371]

One more thing: how is she going to handle followup visits with the surgeon and dietitian? Need to consider that as well. Maybe someone local to her school?

[kimdlawson06 141]

One more thing: how is she going to handle followup visits with the surgeon and dietitian? Need to consider that as well. Maybe someone local to her school?

Luckily, the clinic also has a location near her college where she can do the follow ups. She's also in a dorm that has a fully functional kitchen that she can prepare food, purée, etc. thanks so much for the information. It's so worrisome when it's your kid! ????

[maletakay 0]

I had my original bypass surgery in 2008 and a revision in 2012. Both surgeries I was back to work after a week. Yes, there are your food restrictions, but overall I was fine.

[toasty 371]

@@kimdlawson06 I have a daughter, so I know just how you feel.

Although there are some people, like @@maletakay, who are back to work after a week (which is awesome!), there are many others who speak of being weak and exhausted for two or more weeks after the surgery. Everyone's different. Not trying to be a pessimist, but just giving you some things to consider.

If it were me, so long as I had at least four weeks to recuperate after my surgery before going back to school, I would be pretty optimistic about it, especially with the dorm environment and clinic support you mentioned. She will be needing lots of support, but I am sure you guys will all be talking on the phone a lot!

And be sure she signs up with BariatricPal, this site is incredible with great people to help. An awesome community. And there are a number of people in their 20s and even some in late teens who she will be able to relate to.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Six weeks should be fine but some things to consider/plan for:

She won't be able to lift any weight for a while, so she needs to make sure she is cleared before she starts toting around a full backpack.

She will need to carefully plan out her days so she can get in all her Protein and Water. She doesn't need to get dehydrated.

If she does have any limitations or complications, she needs to let the school know. Most colleges have some sort of a disability services office (check with the Dean of Students).

Even though she has her own kitchen, it doesn't hurt to make friends with the food services folks. Many of them have nutritionists on staff and can help her make good choices. A lot of colleges also have their dining services food in MyFitnessPal.

[AngelFaye 3]

I only took off work for two weeks. I think it just depends on the person. Six weeks will be plenty.