Was wondering once you are released from the hospital and free to go home to do you need someone to be home with you because my fiancé has to work so my mom was gonna come in town for a few days and help me out if needed, what's your thoughts did you need anyone with you once you got home, all input would be great...thanks

I was outpatient and I had a very easy recovery. That being said, I was SO THANKFUL to have my wife around for the few days post surgery. There are just so many little things that you just don't think of where it is soooo nice to have someone help you.

And again, I had a very easy recovery. I would hate to imagine if I was dealing with any issues. Even normal, post anesthesia kind of weirdness. This is major surgery. You are going to have 85% of your stomach removed. How much are you willing to gamble on your amazingness?

I spent most of my first day to day and a half back sleeping and I also had an amazingly easy recovery. I didn't need constant help or supervision. But it might be nice for you to have someone there, especially if by chance your recovery doesn't go as well.

I was not told that I was required to have someone around. I needed my parents and my husband though because we have young kids who are very attached to me and very demanding. I had no complications and a great recovery so without the kids I wouldn't have needed anyone. You never know though if you are going to have complications and need someone there.

Hi,

It was nice to have some help for the first day or two but not necessary but of course I am sure each person and their surgery is different. I'd say try to get some help but if not don't sweat it and be strong.

Good luck with it!

I agree with everyone else. It's nice to have someone there. I would have been fine to be home alone, but we have 3 kids all 5 and younger so I had to have someone here who could mainly look after them. I'm now just shy of 2 weeks post op and back to normal except that I still can't pick up the little ones. But they have handled that pretty well and know to be careful around my tummy.

I live alone, so no kids wanting stuff from me -- but I was very glad to be alone after surgery. I was able to focus entirely on getting my fluids, protein, and walking in. I could nap when I wanted to without someone doing something loud and waking me up. I didn't feel like I had to entertain anyone or do things for anyone else. Really, if someone did live me, I probably would have sent them away for the first few weeks! I did need a little help with pet care (changing kitty litter boxes = lifting stuff that is too heavy per dr's orders) and really heavy housekeeping like vacuuming and mopping. So I had my housekeeper come for a couple of extra visits to take care of that. And that wasn't even truly necessary, it was just nice to have the house kept sparkling clean for me. I could have done without it if needed.

I didn't need help post surgery caring for myself at home. With that being said, I put our two dogs in the kennel for 4 nights and my children slept at my parent's house for three nights post surgery. My parents have helped with running the kids around to their various activities. I have middle school and high school age children, so they are pretty self-sufficient anyway. If they were younger, I would think it would be more difficult. If its just you, I think you will be fine alone. Stock up on the foods/drinks/supplies you think you will need post surgery. The first 24 hours were brutal. The second day I felt 70% back to normal. Everyone's experience is different though.

I just discovered that those 3 oz Dixie cups (you normally use in the bathroom) are a God send! I hate doing dishes and it doesn't make sense to dirty up a whole bowl or cup to have a scoop of something! It's also the perfect 3oz size to pre measure!

Good luck!

Just drop something on the floor and ull c just how important having someone around for the first few days is. Odd r if ur by yourself, unless it's a $1,000 bill u drop, it's just not important enuf for u to pick it up. I had a rough recovery (it took my dr an extra 30 mins for my dr to dig my band outa my stomach, so I was much more sore than normal) and everyday commented how I felt like I was hit by a semi. U have no idea going in what kind of recovery you'll have. It was summer so I wore flip flops. Otherwise I woulda needed someone to tie my shoes. I fixed my own "food" (heated up broth, blended my Protein shakes and retrieved my own popsicles from the freezeer) but it was nice to have the company, if nothing else.

I find it nice to have someone else around to b---ch to when needed. And b---ch I did, especially that first week. If nothing else, someone else around might come in handy to take out ur post op pain aggression on. But did I actually NEED physical help after getting home? probly not. It's nice to have someone around, if u can. If not, then thats ok too.

Marci

I didn't need help post surgery caring for myself at home. With that being said, I put our two dogs in the kennel for 4 nights and my children slept at my parent's house for three nights post surgery. My parents have helped with running the kids around to their various activities. I have middle school and high school age children, so they are pretty self-sufficient anyway. If they were younger, I would think it would be more difficult. If its just you, I think you will be fine alone. Stock up on the foods/drinks/supplies you think you will need post surgery. The first 24 hours were brutal. The second day I felt 70% back to normal. Everyone's experience is different though.

I just discovered that those 3 oz Dixie cups (you normally use in the bathroom) are a God send! I hate doing dishes and it doesn't make sense to dirty up a whole bowl or cup to have a scoop of something! It's also the perfect 3oz size to pre measure!

Good luck!

4 1/2 yrs ago, when I was banded, my dr suggested those little Dixie cups. I was to drink 1oz of Protein shake every hr and it makes it very handy to just fill 1/2 of 1 of those little cups, chug it down and toss them. I did the same thing for my revision 9 mths ago.U can get them for like $2.49 for 200 of em.

The less dishes u have to do the first couple weeks, the better. SO I would recommend to those looking for ideas for post op items, that u buy these little beauties at ur local store.

Edited April 24, 201412 yr by marfar7

I had a smooth recovery and didn't have anyone there to help. The house did get a little messy as I couldn't bend down and pick up my toddler's toys off the floor.

I had no help. I have a 19 yr old son who, although compassionate, had to work and was hardly around. You will be fine. Recovery is quick!!

Thank you guys so much ladies and gents, I just wasn't sure you know...I didn't know if I would need help getting around or if the meds would have me messed up who knows I might not even need meds at home, just getting nervous and want to make sure I had someone if needed....