Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How much help did you need?



Recommended Posts

So I'm trying to plan for after my surgery (3 weeks away) and I'm wondering how much help everyone needed. My wife is going to need to go back to work a day or two after I get home. Should I ask my parents or a friend to come stay with me during the day?

Also, how was doing stairs? My bedroom is on the second floor.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In my humble opinion, arranging for a friend or family member to stay with you to help after the surgery is a tad bit overkill. However, your mileage (and recovery) may vary.

It's a relatively minor laporascopic surgery that takes less than 60 minutes in most people. Mine was a same-day surgery and I drove myself home 45+ miles from the hospital that night.

Nonetheless, the extra helping hands could be useful. Good luck to you. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In my humble opinion, arranging for a friend or family member to stay with you to help after the surgery is a tad bit overkill. However, your mileage (and recovery) may vary.
It's a relatively minor laporascopic surgery that takes less than 60 minutes in most people. Mine was a same-day surgery and I drove myself home 45+ miles from the hospital that night.
Nonetheless, the extra helping hands could be useful. Good luck to you. [emoji4]


Did you have a DS? I've been told two days overnight in the hospital, which seems consistent with what I've read. I'm shocked to hear you were discharged the same day and drove yourself home! My hospital requires a responsible adult pick you up on discharge.

While it is laparoscopic, I certainly would not describe this as a minor procedure and nothing I've read indicates the norm is less than 60 minutes. My doctor says an hour and a half to two hours surgery.

I'm curious if we are talking different procedures or if practices are just that variant.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, CJ Sunshine said:

I'm curious if we are talking different procedures or if practices are just that variant.

Oops...I had a sleeve.

It pays to read the name of the forum before replying. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lol! I'm still pretty impressed you could drive yourself home after a sleeve! You sound like one tough cookie!


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@cjsunshine I had a full DS. The planned hospital stay was 4 days but I stayed 5 due to a slight fever. My mother then stayed with me for almost a week. I needed her. Preparing the little I was eating, helping me walk outside 4x/day, etc.

Can you sleep on the ground floor? Stairs may be tiring and might pull on your stomach. Esp. as you need to walk a good deal to heal. You also may want a recliner to sleep in for a while. I didn't but had to sleep with my legs up as my ankles became very swollen for a week or so.

Edited by Postop

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Postop said:

@cjsunshine I had a full DS. The planned hospital stay was 4 days but I stayed 5 due to a slight fever. My mother then stayed with me for almost a week. I needed her. Preparing the little I was eating, helping me walk outside 4x/day, etc.

Can you sleep on the ground floor? Stairs may be tiring and might pull on your stomach. Esp. as you need to walk a good deal to heal. You also may want a recliner to sleep in for a while. I didn't but had to sleep with my legs up as my ankles became very swollen for a week or so.

Unfortunately, there is no shower on the first floor, so I'm most likely going to have no choice but to do the stairs once or twice a day. My wife suggested I might want to stay upstairs for the first few days...but I know I will need to walk...and I'm not sure circles around the bedroom will be enough...besides, I cannot imagine being comfortable in bed all day. I have very bad knees (one of the reasons I've decided to have surgery) so I know this part is going to be challenging.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@cjsunshine You'll do as much as you're able. Maybe up and down the stairs a couple of times a day so you can walk outside.

So important to drink. Sipping is really the most important thing. Much more important than eating at the the beginning.

Oh, I just saw you're going to Roslin. Guess you're having the SIPS. I've had a couple of shoulder surgeries at Lenox Hill. Found it a good place.

Edited by Postop

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Postop said:

So important to drink. Sipping is really the most important thing. Much more important than eating at the the beginning.

I've been working at upping my Water intake now...so I'm in the habit of drinking water frequently...fortunately, I actually like water. It was one of the few things they told me to work on before the surgery. I know I can't use a straw after the surgery, but what about water bottles that are the kind you squeeze? are those okay?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

I was glad that I had someone around. I mostly stayed upstairs. We have a mini-fridge in our bedroom, so that's nice. However, I needed help getting warm foods and such. Also, I was a bit afraid to be alone. (I have a deathly fear of vomiting.) You'll probably be okay after a few days, but you may want someone to at least check on you. I had my surgery on a Tuesday, got out on Thursday, and went on a major cleaning spree in the middle of the night between Sunday and Monday. So, there's that. (In addition to the DS, I had my gall bladder removed and my hiatal hernia repaired.)

Edited by Twonky

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just now, CJ Sunshine said:

I've been working at upping my Water intake now...so I'm in the habit of drinking Water frequently...fortunately, I actually like water. It was one of the few things they told me to work on before the surgery. I know I can't use a straw after the surgery, but what about water bottles that are the kind you squeeze? are those okay?

@cjsunshine Gee, I don't know. You're right, no straws to begin with. But I never thought about a squeeze bottle. I'd suggest you ask Sharon.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh, one more thing. I didn't really have much trouble with the stairs. I just took it slow.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, Postop said:

Oh, I just saw you're going to Roslin. Guess you're having the SIPS. I've had a couple of shoulder surgeries at Lenox Hill. Found it a good place.

Yes, I'm having the SIPS modified DS. I'm doing it at Northern Westchester Hospital, where he also practices. I live in Westchester county. It is considered one of the best hospitals up here...I actually prefer it over Lenox Hill because it's not a teaching hospital. As a former medical malpractice attorney, I prefer residents don't touch me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, CJ Sunshine said:

Yes, I'm having the SIPS modified DS. I'm doing it at Northern Westchester Hospital, where he also practices. I live in Westchester county. It is considered one of the best hospitals up here...I actually prefer it over Lenox Hill because it's not a teaching hospital. As a former medical malpractice attorney, I prefer residents don't touch me.

Oh. Then you must have a different nutrit. than Sharon. She's at Lenox Hill.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was fine by myself, be careful standing up and go slow on steps if you have them. After about two days I was fine and felt pretty good. Just take it easy.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Goyafigs

      I had VSG 11.20.24 with Miguel Burch, MD Cedars-Sinai and I am 1 month post-op. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • DaisyChainOz

      🥳 Jan 1 2025 - Day 1 of Pre Op, surgery on the 16th! 😬😅
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      Just been waiting until time for my consult with my bariatric surgeon. It's scheduled for Jan 9th. Turns out I won't actually be seeing him. Apparently it'll be with his P.A.             Not sure what to expect. I thought this is where the surgeon would discuss the best surgery option for me. For years I had my heart set on the sleeve, but I've read so many people have issues with reflux - even if they've never had it before - that they've had to be revised to the bypass. I already deal with GERD & take 40 mg of Omeprazole daily, so I started studying about bypass and honestly, it seems like it might be the better choice for me. How can we discuss surgery options if the surgeon is not there?
      What happened at your first consult? Trying to get an idea of what to expect, or maybe I should say, what NOT to expect.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • rinabobina

      I would like to know what questions you wish you had asked prior to your duodenal switch surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×