I am looking to have a lap band done in April, but my big concern is post-op help. The nurse told me that I did not have to have anyone stay with me the first night home, as long as someone was available with a call. Frankly I dont have close friends or available family, should I pay someone to stay with me the first night?:mad:

From a post-operative point of view, you're probably going to be just fine. You would've just had a minimally invasive surgery and you were discharged the same day, generally. You don't need to have anyone stay with you. I would find someone who you could call, though, just in case.

The hospital I was at wouldn't let me leave alone or in a cab. I had to call my sister to come and get me. That was just their policy. You might want to check with your hosp. I think you will be fine alone. I spent 48 hours sleeping, sipping, walking, sleeping.....was happy to be alone. You won't need help with anything unless you do now. You will just be tired and a bit uncomfortable.

You don't have ANYONE you can call that you wouldn't have to pay?? Maybe a co-worker, even? Surely SOMEONE cares enough about you to be available in case of an emergency. Heck, if I was in the same city as you, I'd do it!

That being said, I didn't really need much help the first few days except for getting into and out of bed, and I could have done that myself, but my hubby was available, so he helped me. It was just very painful to go from an upright position to a prone position to sleep. A recliner would be helpful in this, though. Unless a complication arises, you should be fine, though.

Just be sure to be stocked up on whatever you'll need for the first week or so post-op, in case you aren't able to drive yourself to get supplies and groceries. I was told no driving for one week, and then it was fine, but your surgeon might have a different opinion, so make sure to ask!

I did fine by myself. I just had my pain killers filled before I got home and don't think that I took but one. Depends on your pain tolerance. mimigirl

Thanks all, I will figure out an emergency person somehow.

No i don't think you should have to.Just make sure you have anything you need near by for yourself so you do no stairs...Good luck

Thanks all, I will figure out an emergency person somehow.

Well, most everyone's post on here regarding this is different than mine. I had both my sister & my daughter staying with me & I'm sooooo glad they were there. I couldn't get in & out of the bed or my chair by myself. It hurt too much for me, but truthfully, I'm a weenie when it comes to pain so...I also couldn't drive for a solid week & even after that it was sore for me to go over bumps & potholes & such. The bottom line for me was I couldn't have done it alone. The first couple of days, I slept a lot, but I needed people to go to the store for me, get things out of the kitchen for me, etc...just because it was less painful than getting up & doing it myself. Now my Dr. did tell me no stair climbing, but to make sure I did at least a little bit of walking everyday, so I went to the mailbox & back everyday by myself, but I was pretty much helpless for the entire first week. I hope you can find somebody to be there for you. Good luck!

Maybe a nice neighbor?

What's your story? It sure seems like you're reaching out, and if you are, we're here to listen.

I understand where you are coming from ... I was banded 12 days ago. My insurance required an overnight stay, but I think I would have been fine at home. I did have someone take me to the hospital and pick me up, we stopped to fill a prescription on the way home, but I was fine to go into Walgreens, etc. My friend spent the first night with me, but only because it was Mardi Gras weekend and her house is the heart of the celebration and she did not want to be there. I've been alone since then and have been fine. My house is two stories and both bathrooms are on the second floor so I was doing steps, taking care of the dog, etc.

Now, all that said, it was really nice to have someone around so I could be a bit lazy. This was my first time having surgery so I was not sure what to expect. I also, to the point of someone earlier, made sure to stock up on broth, etc., so that I could stay at home if needed (I ended up going back to work within 72 hours of surgery). I did hire someone to help with cleaning for a couple of weeks, but that was mainly to help make sure that I take it easy and not try to carry the vacuum up and downstairs, etc. Good luck!

My apartment requires several steps to get to, so I am swallowing my pride and letting myself be an inconvience at least for a couple of days and stay with my cousin if I can. I have time to work it out. Thanks everyone.

My apartment requires several steps to get to, so I am swallowing my pride and letting myself be an inconvience at least for a couple of days and stay with my cousin if I can. I have time to work it out. Thanks everyone.

Well good luck. I hope it all works out for you, and I'm sure it'll be fine.

My apartment requires several steps to get to, so I am swallowing my pride and letting myself be an inconvience at least for a couple of days and stay with my cousin if I can. I have time to work it out. Thanks everyone.

smiles... glad you have found an answer. And well done on asking for help... trust me it does get easier the more you do it and amazingly people are often glad to help out.