Average time I will need assistance??

[AmandaD. 35]

Hey everyone!

I just got my surgery date for May 15th and assuming I would have more time I am in complete chaos getting everything together in two weeks! My husband is planning on taking a couple of days off when I get home from the hospital, but I keep going back and forth as to what is a good amount of time to keep him home with me? I know everyone is different, but I can't keep thinking of the horror stories of dehydration and those who can barely stand, and I just worry that would happen to me when I have no one around. I am taking a full six week off (I get fully paid through short term disability) so I am definitely going to be taking it easy, just wanted some advice from those who went through Gastric Bypass (with HH) surgery and how it went for you! Any advice would be helpful.

Thank you!!

[catwoman7 10,870]

I hear stories about dehydration fairly often (so try to keep up on your fluids if at all possible!!) - but not stories about not being able to stand. It's a bit painful getting in and out of bed - but once you're up - or down - you're fine. It really wasn't a problem for me.

As far as someone staying home with you, my husband took a week off but ended up going back to work after two or three days - i just didn't need him here. It was nice to have someone bring me beverages and stuff, but it really wasn't necessary.

I should add, though, that I didn't have hernia surgery - just the gastric bypass - so hopefully someone who had both will respond.

[Hop_Scotch 1,626]

I live by myself and I was fine at home alone. I didn't need any assistance but having someone around would have been nice.

I would think a couple of days would cover it for you, but if he is able to access personal/carer's leave for a few more days that would be handy for you.

[Arabesque 6,488]

I live by myself too & was fine too. Friends & family rang every day to check on me.

If you’d rather you could have your husband there just in case for a couple of days & then have him arrange with his work to have extra time if you find you need it or can leave work if you need it.

Keep your fluids up. Get up & down slowly & carefully. No heavy lifting (usually less than 10lbs the first couple of weeks - check with your team). Keep meds, shakes, broths in a handy, easy to access location. Take short walks around your home or outside as you’re able. Rest. Listen to your body.

All the best.

[Possum220 222]

Depends. Are you being treated as a day patient and sent home the same day or will you be able to rest in hospital for a day or so? I had the bypass and a hernia repair at the same time. I was in heaps of pain and being hydrated on a drip. Four days in hospital and then I was allowed to go home. I live in Australia. I felt very sore and sorry for myself but treated myself with care. I live on my own,

Whatever facility is treating you should have a back up plan to help you if you find yourself in difficulties. Check in with them to ease any worries.

When you do get home and things are okay then your hubby may be needed for a couple of days just to make sure that you are okay. Hope every thing goes goes well for you on preop. 😊

[sharonwg 110]

I really appreciate the views here as I too live alone with my two cats. I've taken a couple of weeks from work and will work from home the third week. I'm hoping i will be ok to go in on the fourth week. I think planning in advance is essential - I plan to prepare a load of little meals in advance and freeze them and ensure I have my shakes and other bits in stock at home. I wont be lifting anything heavy and plan to take easy here on my own - I've just got the cats to feed and change the litter which I'll do slowly. I'm going to do my best to heed the advice regarding keeping my fluids up and if I feel 'funny', ill contact my medical team or emergency services. I had the gastric band fitted years ago (which was very successful until it had to be removed a year ago) and came home alone. I did not have cats then but was fine. Thank you for sharing - I feel more confident now

[sillykitty 10,705]

I took only my surgery day off (I wfh). I did not need any assistance once I was home. Other than learning my new tummy, I felt pretty much normal from day 2

[ChubRub 1,696]

I also didn't require any help once I got home. I was sleepy and took lots of naps, but other than that I felt completely fine. If I recall my surgery was on a Wednesday, and I was back to work on Monday.

Best of luck to you!!!

[Sigh 192]

I have told not one single person that I had the surgery— I took off thursday to fly to Mexico, had surgery Friday, stayed in hospital two nights and flew home sunday. I drove myself home from hospital that night after 4 hour flight home- and took one day off work. I worked from home for a week- that’s it, but I have a job that allows for that anyway. I didnt need any extra care past those two hospital days- but I’ll admit i had no real pain and have a high tolerance for it if i do- but i took no pain meds at all. I’d had hysterectomy in November (my VSG was march 1) and knew the incisions wouldn’t be terrible.

I probably just looked tired to my kids- but they pay no attention to me anyway, so there is that. (Teens). To date, they have not said a word about my weight changing either. LOL!

[BabySpoons 531]

I had gastric bypass and hiatal hernia repair last month. I was in surgery 4 hours, kept overnight and released the next day. I was up walking off the gas which was minimal and going to the bathroom with assistance but most of that first day I slept and rested.

I also read all the horror stories so was surprised how well it all went. First week there was some pain but nothing that I felt was severe. Mainly just from standing up, sitting, bending etc. I think 2 days of help at home from your husband should be sufficient unless you encounter more pain than what is considered normal.

As for dehydration or standing... they won't release you from the hospital if you can't keep Water down or stand up. As least mine wouldn't.

Good luck on the 15th!!!

[sharonwg 110]

Thank you all - this has all been so very helpful - so insightful. How did you all find driving after surgery; how long before yo could drive some distance? 😊

[LindsayT 558]

Thank you all - this has all been so very helpful - so insightful. How did you all find driving after surgery; how long before yo could drive some distance? [emoji4]

You can drive as soon as you're off all narcotics. I just drove today, a week out from surgery, and was fine. I probably could have driven soon, but I didn't have the need to. It really just depends on what medication you're on and how you're feeling.