Post Op at home care

[tommyhnj]

How much care do we need at home after the surgery? My wife just had double knee replacement surgery, and she will go back to work in early August, which is when I would most likely be having my surgery by the time all clearances and approvals are made. Do we need to have someone around with us for a few days post op?

[Ann2]

Looking back, I really didn't need in-person care. Although it was nice to have hubby around.

You'll be mobile post op. And you should definitely be moving around to speed up the release of surgery gas they blow you up with to do laparscopic surgery. But you'll be sleeping / napping a lot, too, given that it's not minor surgery.

You'll certainly need a lot less care (I'd imagine) than someone who's just had a double knee replacement. Lordy! That's got to be a tough thing to recover from.

FTR, I didn't have any complications at all post-op. Nor do 99.5% of all WLS patients have any unusual complications post-op.

[tommyhnj]

oh these is great to know, thank yo so much! Yes double knee is a MUCH harder recovery, but she is tough and determined and getting better every day!

[Tamera2]

I'm with Ann, I didn't need in care help, I was mobile and able to do dishes, laundry except I add my hubby carry laundry for me. Just can't lift more than 10 pounds first 6 weeks, I could do a lot just had to avoid the push pull movement so no vacuuming, nothing requiring abdominal work. There was plenty I could do. I also prepared all my meals. I did have hubby around and It was nice.
Your care and recovery is nothing like what your wife went through or pain level. only took pain meds twice. Sore first week but was walking all around and second week walking up to 3-7 miles.

[Luna354]

I didn't need help either. My husband had grand plans of doing all of these things for our daughter so I could relax ad rest, but he came down with the flu the day of my surgery.

[RehabNurse]

At the time I was sleeved, I lived alone and my extended family was several states away.

I drove myself home from the hospital after a same-day surgery and recovered alone. My recovery was uncomplicated and all pain was pretty much gone after the fourth post-op day.

It helped that I had no complications. However, I also have a fiercely independent lone wolf personality: I dislike people lording over me when I'm sick, vulnerable and trying to get well.

Compared to other surgeries, the sleeve is nothing major. It takes less than 1 hour in most people. There's a reason it is done on an outpatient basis by an increasing number of surgeons.

[Christie13]

I think most people are fine taking care of themselves as long as there are no major complications. Although my hubby was here I never needed him to do anything for me. Good luck.

[Kindle]

I really needed no help postop. I was out shopping and sightseeing the first two days after surgery, travelled via plane on day three, drove myself home 5 hours day four. I'm single, live alone and had three cats, two dogs and two horses and was able to take care of myself and them just fine.

[Melissa888]

Very little, if any. My husband had a business trip the day after I came home, no problem at all. Did laundry, drove, took walks, took care of the dog, etc. Much more energy after VSG than childbirth, LOL! BYT, I insisted my husband to take his trip, I did not want any special treatment, as I say, "suck it up buttercup!" (I have had no complications at all!)

[sraebaer]

I didn't need any help except for hubby to move my recliner in the family room in front of the TV with a little table next to it for my drink. Basically I napped that whole first week, and the recliner was more comfortable than my high bed. When I was awake I sipped my protein drink and walked a little. He didn't stay home from work, but was there in the evenings. I was fine home alone.

I miss those naps.

[Tuesday2]

Like the others, I didn't need any help, although I definitely would not have been able to drive the day of surgery and I was probably still pretty loopy the day after as well (I probably didn't realize it though). I slept in our guest bed for the week, which is on the main level, so he wouldn't disturb my sleep and I could be as restless as I wanted to be. I just napped a lot but I was able to completely take care of myself.

As the others have said, carrying anything over 10lbs is not allowed, so I didn't do any laundry or vacuuming.