Anyone go into surgery alone?

[Hop_Scotch 1,627]

I was alone by choice, I had travelled interstate. I wasn't nervous that probably helped. I wouldn't hesitate to go alone again, I think that is my preference generally.

[Officially Not Fatty Matty 459]

On 09/29/2020 at 21:35, Hellie1028 said:

I was told the same. It doesn’t matter how I arrive, but I can’t even take an Uber or taxi when I leave. It has to be family or friend.

They can tell you this all day long and most people just go along with it because “doctors” but you’re not in prison, they cannot confine you against your will. Worst case scenario they ask you to sign a waiver, but they can’t even force that. If they feel you’re a danger to others driving they can call the police on you but again they cannot legally confine you (there are exceptions for psych evaluation of course but that’s not what we’re talking about here). I had to do it once... “am in in custody?” “No.” “Bye.”

[SAS11 54]

My upcoming surgery in November will be alone because of COVID. I’m really upset that my partner won’t be allowed to be with me. I’m having the roux-en-y on November 3. Dreading it with everything in me. You are not alone in being concerned about having no one with you.

[Morethanaprettyface22 7]

On 10/01/2020 at 17:12, EllaKop said:

I had mine on September 25th and went in solo. Just breathe and relax. The doctors and nurses are there to care for you and you’ll feel their care. Ask them questions about themselves if you are feeling anxious. It helped me a lot. After the procedure I was so doped up I didn’t seem to mind being alone. You’ll sleep a lot. Stay calm and BREATHE. This is about you. Enjoy the trip!

I so agree. Because of Co-vid My husband dropped me off and picked me up late the next day. I was so doped up and sleepy, I don’t think I would have wanted anyone there. The nurses were wonderful walking me up and down the hall & the bariatric Coordinator came in and went over stuff & gave me info & then the nutritionist. I mostly slept & got used to sipping Water.

[Topaz_Black 45]

I was alone as well due to the hospitals Covid-19 policy. The staff was great, and I kept my phone until I was wheeled in to surgery. Like others have said, too coped up and sleepy to want anyone around me. My surgery was at 10am, and the first time I even thought about my phone was after 6pm. I sent a quick text to my family and went back to sleep. On day two my focus was sipping and walking, no time to miss family. Again, the nurses are amazing, I never felt lonely.

[Lanie992 168]

My sister took me & stayed until the surgery was over.. she was allowed to come into the recovery room .. but not to my actual hospital room. She left soon after I was in recovery. Then I stayed the night by myself.. the next day she wasn't allowed to come in --- they wheeled me out to her car. I guess all hospitals have different protocol because of CoVid. I doubt many (if any) allow people to be in the patient's hospital room.

You really do not need anyone there. The medical staff will take care of you. I brought my laptop and extra long charging cord for my phone--- I did fine. In fact, I am glad I was alone.

[waterwoman 172]

I had surgery alone as well. My daughter lives out of town. All I needed was a ride there and a ride home. There really wasn't anything for another person to do, other than sit there. You will be fine. The kind of care you will need in the hospital will be provided by the professional staff. I think it might be more important to have someone available when you get home.

[Arabesque 6,565]

On 10/2/2020 at 8:58 AM, Slightly Less Fatty Matty said:

They can tell you this all day long and most people just go along with it because “doctors” but you’re not in prison, they cannot confine you against your will. Worst case scenario they ask you to sign a waiver, but they can’t even force that. If they feel you’re a danger to others driving they can call the police on you but again they cannot legally confine you (there are exceptions for psych evaluation of course but that’s not what we’re talking about here). I had to do it once... “am in in custody?” “No.” “Bye.”

I think the requirement to be taken home by/with a family member/friend is to ensure if you do become unwell on the drive home, your family or friend are better placed to make decisions about your health & can offer assistance if required. They will also get you settled back into your home. It is a lot to expect a stranger to make decisions about your state of health & needs. Many taxi/Uber drivers would be reluctant to touch you if you are sick or collapse especially if you are female. And they’re probably even more reluctant in the age of covid.

[moni3609 0]

I had a friend drive me and I spent the day alone. It was super weird but I was so ready for surgery, I was so ready.

[GivinItMyALL 169]

I'm an extreme introvert, and actually prefer to do stuff like this alone. I won't have to feel like I need to keep someone else... entertained isn't quite the right word, but, yeah. I'll likely sleep a lot, or do my color by numbers app on my tablet [emoji4]

If you're more of an extrovert, I guess make sure you bring something to chat with friends on, or engage the hospital staff in conversation. They're there to care for you [emoji3531]

[JRT Mom 919]

I had to have my surgery in a hospital 5 hours away due to the lack of bariatric surgeons where I live. I had to go by myself since my husband is unwell and can't travel. I took an Amtrak train and stayed in a hotel a half mile walk from the hospital. I walked in the day of surgery and then after discharge I took an Uber back to the hotel and stayed another night. The hospital tried to say I couldn't take an Uber but it was either that or walk back to the hotel since I was alone. They finally okayed that after some phone calls.

As far as being alone in the hospital I actually prefer it. I like to be left alone and not have anyone hovering over me when I don't feel well. I love my hubby but I'm glad he wasn't there.

Good luck, you'll be OK if you have to fly solo!

[swise99 4]

I was able to have my mother with me until I was taken to surgery (I was in a private room pre-op) after that I was alone until I was wheeled out to them on my discharge.

[MandoGetsSleeved 432]

Husband dropped me off and plucked me up about 24 hours later. Being alone made it easier for me to concentrate on walking and getting some fluids in without any distractions.

[tarotcardreader 196]

On 9/28/2020 at 3:28 PM, samiaam25 said:

I am just wondering if anyone had surgery alone with no family/friends there with you on surgery day? I am getting nervous about my upcoming surgery and won’t have anyone there at all. Is that really out of the ordinary? Will my surgeon and the nurses think it’s odd? Will I be okay without that moral support? Or am I worrying for nothing?

I did mine alone due to covid. I was in there for four days. I could see for the average person having someone there to be an advocate for you while you are groggy would be helpful. However, i recall sleeping an entire day so its not necessary. I would say helpful but not necessary

[ljvassallo 1]

Due to COVID, no one was allowed to go in with me. The doctor called after my surgery to tell them how it went. The nurse called when it was time to leave so they could meet me at the front door.