Solo post-op recommendations (living alone)

[PricklyCactus 2]

Hi all, excited to be here.

So -- surgery is in one week -- NOV 23rd -- and I have been wondering what the recovery process is like for those who live solo or in solo "bubbles" (COVID distancing in place). The only person who comes to my apartment is a PSW once every two weeks to help with laundry, vacuuming, etc (things I could not entirely manage on my own because of other pre-existing health issues like fibromyalgia). I asked the hospital social worker if I could get an increase in hours for the few weeks post surgery and she said no.

Am interested to hear what the immediate post-surgery experience is like. Will I be okay while living alone? I expect some pain, and tiredness. What else should I expect?

I have friends who can drop groceries at my apartment door, as needed (and I have been stocking the freezer). We plan to check in via zoom.

[TrueNorth1 56]

Hi There,

I also live in Ontario and my surgery is this Thursday Nov. 19th! I am also solo. Only one person knows that I am having it done. I have not told any family or friends. So, my friend will be picking me up and dropping me off at my house. Then I am on my own...unless of course I have major difficulties. I had the lapband in 2009 so I somewhat know what I am in for. Yes, there will be some pain, but we have pain meds to take as needed. Ad tired because of surgery and lack of food. Try to walk around your place as soon as you can to relieve gas. I didn't have this pain during my last surgery but my friend had it bad for quite some time. Other than that, it's a pretty basic diet for 4-6 weeks so no major cooking to be done. Get stocked up on chicken broth and Premier Protein shakes. And pureed Soup. That will be your base for a bit.

I will let you know how I do come the weekend so you can get prepared!

[CWeaver60 10]

Hello ladies! I am also flying solo...😉 I had gastric sleeve surgery on 10/28/2020. I have experienced zero problems. I had friends and family to call to check if I needed anything but I didn't. Very grateful. I had plenty of broth, Protein Shakes, sugar free Jello and popsicles available here at home. I don't know if my surgeon is a magician or not but I promise you...I had no pain. Little bit of tenderness but nothing that warranted pain meds. Sending you both much support and encouragement!

Edited November 16, 2020 by CWeaver60

[TrueNorth1 56]

Wow! That is amazing! I am having the lap band removed and then having the mini gastric bypass. I am running with your support and encouragement!

2 weeks in - how much have you lost already?

I am going to make a daily journal of what I felt and how much I lost to help others!

[CWeaver60 10]

Prior to surgery I weighed 216 pounds. This was on my initial consultation with my surgeon in August. Immediately before surgery on 10/28 I weighed 196 pounds. Today my weight is 185.2. It's not super fast but I'm happy about it. I'm 5'3.

[TrueNorth1 56]

That's great! 5 pounds a week? I'll take it! We are not far off - I anticipate my weigh in on Thursday will be 185-187. And I am 5'4 and a bit. Hoping to be at my goal of 125 in 6-7 months (hello summer:). But quite honestly, once I reach 160 I will be super happy! The rest will be the icing on the cake!

[catwoman7 11,217]

my husband took a week off but ended going back to work after the third day. It was nice to have someone there to get things for me, but honestly, I probably could have handled it on my own.

[Arabesque 7,341]

I did it alone no trouble. Though this was before covid, you should be fine. I just made sure I was stocked with everything I needed: shakes, broths, over the counter meds, etc. so I didn’t need to go out or have anyone pick up things for me. I went out early in week 3 to get some yoghurt, milk, ricotta, etc. which had to be bought fresh. But I was in & out of the store pretty quickly. I had to lie down when I got home though. Ha!

I was happy to be alone. I could just potter around doing things at my pace, eat when I wanted, rest when I wanted. No one else to worry about.

Good luck with your surgery.

[PricklyCactus 2]

Thanks all, appreciate the confidence boost and hearing your stories. I had surgery mid-summer (full hysterectomy + stuff) to treat endo and ovarian cancers. The recovery was brutal, and I had vertigo as well so I was tilting over whenever I walked, at an alarming angle LOL. Having had that experience so recently I was not sure how this would compare, if it would be as intense. At that time I was bubbled with one other person, and he came and stayed for a week, and then popped in as needed. Learning to fly solo is hard for me, I might be under confident, I guess. Am so excited for my surgery and for all of the positive things this will bring to my life.

[PricklyCactus 2]

6 hours ago, TrueNorth1 said:

I also live in Ontario and my surgery is this Thursday Nov. 19th!

Hi, neighbour! Good luck on Thursday - will send you good vibes and wishes for a speedy recovery!!

Edited November 17, 2020 by PricklyCactus

[CWeaver60 10]

5 pounds a week is pretty daggum good, isn't it? Thanks for the reminder. I have to tell you this...putting clothes on that haven not fit in years is so stinking fun! I am so happy I made the decision to have the surgery. My confidence is much, much higher than before and I'm looking forward to this journey to reclaim my life.

[BigSue 1,389]

I live alone and didn't tell anyone about my surgery, and I didn't have any issues. I had very little pain by the time I left the hospital, but they gave me a prescription for pain medication (which I didn't need). I was able to walk around the house and take care of myself with no help. I was told not to lift more than 20 pounds for the first 6 weeks, and I think that's pretty standard, but I didn't really need to lift anything heavy. I made sure to stock up on supplies in advance and not buy anything heavy during that time.

[TrueNorth1 56]

On 11/17/2020 at 8:29 AM, CWeaver60 said:

5 pounds a week is pretty daggum good, isn't it? Thanks for the reminder. I have to tell you this...putting clothes on that haven not fit in years is so stinking fun! I am so happy I made the decision to have the surgery. My confidence is much, much higher than before and I'm looking forward to this journey to reclaim my life.

I’m very excited to be there also!! I refuse to buy bigger clothes so fitting into clothes will feel so good! And getting rid of bigger sizes will be amazing!
I am single so can’t wait to start dating again in 2021!