Hi I am preparing for the sleeve in may. I am single mom to a 5yr old and need to plan for help. If all goes well how much help after the surgery will I need? Should I stay with someone post surgery? When do you think I can be alone with someone caring for me? Thanks

Well, it's hard to answer because everyone is different. My surgery was as if I hadn't had surgery at all and I would have been fine caring for a five year old. On the other hand, many had issues that would make it difficult to care for a child of any age.

Personally, I think as long as your child knows you've had surgery (no need for details), but make sure he understands your tummy will have a boo boo and needs gentle care etc.. It also depends on your child mannerism and temperament etc. you know best. Maybe lots of play dates?

I have a 7 year old and was home with her alone. I scheduled my surgery so she was with her father for the weekend and I was sleeved on a Thursday so I had a few days to get back on my feet. I had got some easy to make meals, frozen things if I didn't feel up to cooking. She helped me with laundry and such. Also I live close enough to the school maybe a mile so I walked her to school a few times to make sure I was off meds. If you think you can handle it then you can try but maybe set up some play dates in case you get exhausted. I didn't have much pain after surgery but everybody is different.

You may want to set things up for ease after, like having pre made meals for your child and such. Also have some help for him/her if you think he/her will need it..

But myself as a 46 year old woman I needed no help for myself afterwards.. Driving was not fun the first couple days after so I didn't.. I was able to care for myself.. I've read some stories here where people say they needed help for very basic things like pulling up their pants, wiping after going to the bathroom and even showering..

I think it it depends on your personal health history and issues really..

Good luck to you,

Laura