Hello all.

I have to ask, after surgery, can one go to the bathroom without help? I find it very humiliating having someone else help me clean up in the bathroom.... What has been your experiences?

You should not need to have any help with the bathroom. I was in the hospital for 3 days during which time I had to go to the bathroom a few dozen times (thanks to all the IV fluids) and had no need for any assistance. It's a little like using the bathroom drunk- you have to pay a lot of attention and try not to fall on your face, but with concentration and creativity, you can do it yourself.

I woke up having to pee in recovery. They put me in a wheel chair to get to the bathroom, but I walked in and took care of business on my own. You're not going to be an invalid after surgery. Depending on your pain threshold you may or may not have a bit of pain but you should be able to manage most things on your own.

I had a catheter which was removed the morning following the surgery. No need for assistance either before or after.

No help needed here!

No help needed here. The only hassle was getting the rolling IV tower in the bathroom with me.

No help needed here. The only hassle was getting the rolling IV tower in the bathroom with me.

Once I started drinking and they saw I was peeing frequently enough that they didn't have to worry about dehydration, my IV was unhooked.

I needed help getting to the restroom for the first day or so but no help in the bathroom before or after. Try to get your pain meds in and working before heading to the potty and/or going for a walk so you can do more on your own.

All these responses are surely good news. It would be really humiliating I think. I know what I go through with my mom at the nursing home and I have to clean her when i bring her home for a visit. It must be humiliating for her and was hoping I don't have to go through the same thing.

I wonder if they give you some kind of belly belt that will help the pain if one has to cough or sneeze? Do you all know?

I wonder if they give you some kind of belly belt that will help the pain if one has to cough or sneeze? Do you all know?

I've heard some posters were sent home with girdle like contraptions, however I wasn't sent home with one. Since my pain was pretty much nonexistent it wasn't really an issue. Honestly it wasn't any worse than the after effects of a vigorous workout at the gym.

I've heard some posters were sent home with girdle like contraptions, however I wasn't sent home with one. Since my pain was pretty much nonexistent it wasn't really an issue. Honestly it wasn't any worse than the after effects of a vigorous workout at the gym.

Really? That is great to hear! I fear the pain a little. So hearing that makes me feel better...Thanks!

Really? That is great to hear! I fear the pain a little. So hearing that makes me feel better...Thanks!

Nope no a bit. No pain, no gas, no constipation, no nausea, no vomiting, no crying jags or mood swings. Everything I have had to eat or drink has been tolerated no problem. I resumed Water aerobics at 3 weeks po-op.