Re: question for recent post-ops

[Guest guest]

How about renting a recliner with a massager in it? I bet that would help

after surgery.

[Guest guest]

Alyssa,

Assuming you have no complications, it is possible to stay at

somebody's house, but they need to understand that you will not lots

of rest and quiet. Also, you will need some kind of recliner, as

sleaping in a bed is uncomfortable. It takes about 1 month before

you are ready for a regular bed. If they don't have access to a

recliner they might be able to rent one for a week. You won't make a

great house guest, cause you just don't feel all that good. You will

have periods of time where you feel " OK " , but most of the time you

will want to be left alone.

It is a tough call. I wouldn't worry about cooking, as you wont want

to eat very much food. So the Inn is still OK if you are

uncomfortable with imposing.

Good Luck,

Hull

> I have a situation where I need some input from you more recent

post-ops.

> Here is the run-down...see dilemma at the end..

>

> 1. I'm having surgery with Dr. K in Delano on 12/20. Delano is

about 5

> hours' drive from home, so I have to stay down in Delano for 9-10

days.

>

> 2. Because I have 2 small children, my DH can't stay with me the

whole

> time. He is staying with me the nights of the 19th-21st while his

mother

> watches our babies. My mom will come down on the 23rd and stay

until the

> 26th, when my sister comes down. My sister will stay with me until

it's

> time to go home, hopefully on the 29th, 30th at the latest.

>

> 3. It's Mom's job to get me checked out at the hospital and

transported to

> the Shilo Inn, where I'll stay until my sister comes on the 26th.

When my

> sister comes, I'll be approximately 6 days post-op.

>

> 4. THE DILEMMA: My sister's fiance's parents live in Bakersfield.

> Although I've never met them, they've invited me to stay with them

from the

> 26th-29th or 30th when I'll go home. Staying in a real house would

be

> better than the Shilo Inn because of ease of cooking and because my

sister

> can be with her fiance (who will be visiting his parents at the

time).

> HOWEVER, I'm worried about how I'll feel at 6 days post-op. Will I

feel

> like staying with strangers (even reeeally nice ones)? Will I be

able to

> sleep in a bed, or will I need a bariatric recliner still? I know

that

> recovery is different for everyone, but in general, what would you

do?? (If

> it makes any difference, I'm an active person, BMI 45, with a

fairly high

> pain tolerance.)

>

> Thanks for the input...I know my sister would really like to stay

with her

> fiance's parents, but she'll willingly do whatever is best for me.

I'll

> accomodate her if I can, though...

>

> ~alyssa

[Guest guest]

Hi, Alyssa.

Regarding this:

> HOWEVER, I'm worried about how I'll feel at 6 days post-op. Will I

feel

> like staying with strangers (even reeeally nice ones)? Will I be

able to

> sleep in a bed, or will I need a bariatric recliner still? I know

that

> recovery is different for everyone, but in general, what would you

do?? (If

> it makes any difference, I'm an active person, BMI 45, with a

fairly high

> pain tolerance.)

I had surgery on Tuesday and as of THIS afternoon, I feel pretty

good. I sleep in a bed propped up with MANY pillows to imitate the

incline of the hospital bed. Unfortunately, I'm a side sleeper and

so I'm uncomfortable on my back the whole time. But a little

oxycondone helps that! I'm a real baby about pain and being

unshowered, etc., so if I hadn't had my husband with me the whole

time, I'd have had trouble. Then again, look at Peggy and how

incredibly well she did. I guess we all rise to the occasion to some

degree. Peggy was alone, and had to rise to the occasion of her

circumstances. I, on the other hand, didn't have to do any " rising "

because of my wonderful husband who was at my CONSTANT beck and call.

(Can you imagine?!) If he hadn't been around, I would have been

resourceful, I THINK. So will you.

Best,

Dr. Gagner

lap D/S

11-20-01

[Guest guest]

Wow...you're doing great! I, too, am a side sleeper -- does this mean I

won't like the recliner much??

alyssa

Re: question for recent post-ops

> I had surgery on Tuesday and as of THIS afternoon, I feel pretty

> good. I sleep in a bed propped up with MANY pillows to imitate the

> incline of the hospital bed. Unfortunately, I'm a side sleeper and

> so I'm uncomfortable on my back the whole time.

[Guest guest]

Hi Alyssa!

At 6 days post op I still needed quite a bit of help with things like

getting dressed, etc. Also, I needed help showering (someone to hold

the drain tubes while I cleaned myself off). I don't know how

comfortable this would be for you. And I definitely needed a

recliner. It would have been nice if the ones in the hotel were

comfortable enough. But, I definitely could NOT sleep on the bed.

Things to consider. Hope it helps!

Tracey in Santee (San Diego)

> I have a situation where I need some input from you more recent

post-ops.

> Here is the run-down...see dilemma at the end..

>

> 1. I'm having surgery with Dr. K in Delano on 12/20. Delano is

about 5

> hours' drive from home, so I have to stay down in Delano for 9-10

days.

>

> 2. Because I have 2 small children, my DH can't stay with me the

whole

> time. He is staying with me the nights of the 19th-21st while his

mother

> watches our babies. My mom will come down on the 23rd and stay

until the

> 26th, when my sister comes down. My sister will stay with me until

it's

> time to go home, hopefully on the 29th, 30th at the latest.

>

> 3. It's Mom's job to get me checked out at the hospital and

transported to

> the Shilo Inn, where I'll stay until my sister comes on the 26th.

When my

> sister comes, I'll be approximately 6 days post-op.

>

> 4. THE DILEMMA: My sister's fiance's parents live in Bakersfield.

> Although I've never met them, they've invited me to stay with them

from the

> 26th-29th or 30th when I'll go home. Staying in a real house would

be

> better than the Shilo Inn because of ease of cooking and because my

sister

> can be with her fiance (who will be visiting his parents at the

time).

> HOWEVER, I'm worried about how I'll feel at 6 days post-op. Will I

feel

> like staying with strangers (even reeeally nice ones)? Will I be

able to

> sleep in a bed, or will I need a bariatric recliner still? I know

that

> recovery is different for everyone, but in general, what would you

do?? (If

> it makes any difference, I'm an active person, BMI 45, with a

fairly high

> pain tolerance.)

>

> Thanks for the input...I know my sister would really like to stay

with her

> fiance's parents, but she'll willingly do whatever is best for me.

I'll

> accomodate her if I can, though...

>

> ~alyssa

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/24/01 11:27:02 PM Eastern Standard Time,

duodenalswitch writes:

<< I was kind of wondering about that part -- I mean, I've never met these

people, and here I'll be all drugged out and hunched over, etc... Not a

happy house guest! >>

Alyssa, I am a pre-op like you (getting surgery 12/18), but if you are like

me, I don't feel comfortable staying in a stranger's home, even when I feel

well. I doubt I would want to share my lousy moments in the home of

strangers........I am even kind of scared of staying with my girlfriend at

her boyfriend's vacation home for 3 days, because of the passing gas and

other bodily functions issue!

Carole

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

> Wow...you're doing great! I, too, am a side sleeper -- does this mean

I

> won't like the recliner much??

Hi Alyssa-

I was a side sleeper, too. Immediately after surgery, I didn't feel much

like sleeping on my side, though. I guess it is a matter of relative

discomfort. Sleeping on my back was my definite preference.

Best-

Nick

[Guest guest]

Nah, but what can you do? Just get lots o' pillows, baby! Whenever

I feel like too much of a whiner (hourly??) I try to remember all of

the many blessings I DO have. You know, poor kids in China and all

that? We are in such a blessed position even to be considering this

kind of surgery in the first place, etc., etc. I never got over

having to sleep in special positions for pregnancy (my youngest is 7

now!): on my side, preferably left, with not only a very thick 100%

polar goose down pillow for head support, but also another king-sized

one to hug. You get the picture--I'm a wuss--and I'm managing to

sleep just fine on my back! If I can do it, you can, too! The

recliner here at the Mount Sinai Guest Residence bites, but I'll let

you know if my one at home is any better. People swear by them,

however, so there must be something to it. At any rate, it's nice to

have a second sleeping option after surgery. I mean, there is only

so much excitement to be had when you're recovering: trips to the

chair, the bed, the toilet, the table, short walks, then do it all

again. May as well have one more place to go cuz it gets OLD being

in the same darned positions!

Best,

Dr. Gagner

lap D/S

11-20-01

NYC

> Wow...you're doing great! I, too, am a side sleeper -- does

this mean I

> won't like the recliner much??

>

> alyssa

> Re: question for recent post-ops

>

>

> > I had surgery on Tuesday and as of THIS afternoon, I feel pretty

> > good. I sleep in a bed propped up with MANY pillows to imitate

the

> > incline of the hospital bed. Unfortunately, I'm a side sleeper

and

> > so I'm uncomfortable on my back the whole time.

[Guest guest]

OOOOHHHH! Bring it on! I've gotten the impression that one can get

ANYTHING in NYC, so why not that, too? In the Manhattan yellow

pages, there's even an entry for concrete shoes!

(who's guts feel like they're about to fall out, and so had

better go to bed)

Dr. Gagner

lap D/S

11-20-01

NYC

> How about renting a recliner with a massager in it? I bet that

would help

> after surgery.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I was kind of wondering about that part -- I mean, I've never met these

people, and here I'll be all drugged out and hunched over, etc... Not a

happy house guest!

Re: question for recent post-ops

> recliner they might be able to rent one for a week. You won't make a

> great house guest, cause you just don't feel all that good. You will

> have periods of time where you feel " OK " , but most of the time you

> will want to be left alone.

[Guest guest]

try getting one of those twin bed size egg-crate foam pads and laying

it longwise on the recliner, then cover with a fitted twin sheet.

ease your body into that and recline, then say " ahhhhhhhh " .

> How about renting a recliner with a massager in it? I bet that

would help

> after surgery.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sigh...everything's so individual that it's hard to figure out what I might

want!

~alyssa

Re: Re: question for recent post-ops

> I was a side sleeper, too. Immediately after surgery, I didn't feel much

> like sleeping on my side, though. I guess it is a matter of relative

> discomfort. Sleeping on my back was my definite preference.

>

[Guest guest]

Excellent point. Apparently, their house is so big that I can have

practically an entire floor to myself, but I am concerned.

~alyssa

Re: Re: question for recent post-ops

> me, I don't feel comfortable staying in a stranger's home, even when I

feel

> well. I doubt I would want to share my lousy moments in the home of

> strangers........I am even kind of scared of staying with my girlfriend at

> her boyfriend's vacation home for 3 days, because of the passing gas and

> other bodily functions issue!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Alyssa,

This next month will be the longest for you. I know for me the month before

and then the month following surgery seemed like a year.

As for staying with this family...I don't know. I can share with you how I

felt after surgery: I was sickish, I had diarrhea, and I was weak and sleepy.

Also, I found the short ride from the Shilo to the hospital, post op,

horrible. Every bump and turn hurt. I can't imagine driving the 30 miles or

so to Bakersfield. By the time you have your follow up appointment the ride

is a little easier. And, in addition to how you will be feeling, there is

the boon of staying in the motel with other post-ops. I found this to be a

great experience. I have made friends that I feel very close to. There was

something very special about sharing this experience.

What ever you decide, I know you will be so glad once this is a done deal. I

know you are going to slide through this because you have such a great

attitude. I am so glad that you came to see me when I was in the hospital so

I can see you as I send you healing vibes. Keep us updated.

Sheryle

10-10-01

[Guest guest]

Hey Alyssa!

I guess it all depends on how long your sister has been engaged and

how much her fiance and his family want to be a " part of the family. "

You know me...I'd opt for the Inn.

Hugs,

At 10:23 PM -0800 11/24/01, Alyssa wrote:

>Excellent point. Apparently, their house is so big that I can have

>practically an entire floor to myself, but I am concerned.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Alyssa -

It won't be so much what you want as what you are able to tolerate! I noted

that someone talked about sleeping on their side right away after surgery.

I seriously doubt that many people can say that. The bolster, beanbag, or

bunch of pillows will help you stay in a semi-sitting position which you

will find to be less intrusive on your comfort than most any other position.

Also, I noted that Carole warned you about passing a lot of gas. Really,

that isn't likely to ever be as big an issue as it is made out to be. I

think that people tend to overanalyze their bodily functions and become

overconcerned about what they already do normally. It does smell worse most

of the time, though. It isn't any more frequent than before surgery.

Best-

Nick

Re: Re: question for recent post-ops

>

>

> > I was a side sleeper, too. Immediately after surgery, I didn't feel

much

> > like sleeping on my side, though. I guess it is a matter of relative

> > discomfort. Sleeping on my back was my definite preference.

> >

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Good point!!! Any other Dr. K patients out there who will be staying at the

Shilo Inn December 24-27th???

And thanks, Sheryle, for the positive wishes. )

~alyssa

Re: question for recent post-ops

> is a little easier. And, in addition to how you will be feeling, there is

> the boon of staying in the motel with other post-ops.

[Guest guest]

> Hi Alyssa -

>

> It won't be so much what you want as what you are able to

tolerate! I noted

> that someone talked about sleeping on their side right away after

surgery.

> I seriously doubt that many people can say that. The bolster,

beanbag, or

> bunch of pillows will help you stay in a semi-sitting position

which you

> will find to be less intrusive on your comfort than most any other

position.

>

> Also, I noted that Carole warned you about passing a lot of gas.

Really,

> that isn't likely to ever be as big an issue as it is made out to

be. I

> think that people tend to overanalyze their bodily functions and

become

> overconcerned about what they already do normally. It does smell

worse most

> of the time, though. It isn't any more frequent than before

surgery.

>

> Best-

>

> Nick

>

Nick,

I have found any position other than fully erect either standing or

laying down is the ticket for me. Stretching out makes me feel like

I will split in half! Hey, quasimodo was cute dammit...besides, when

I walk I just tell folks I dropped my contact and they fall for it

everytime!

Oh, and preop I was the gassiest gal I have ever met...(Aren't you

glad you haven't met me???) batts eyelashes. Since then, we say

prayers for my gas passing. The first time I passed gas in the

hospital, I thought I had found heaven. Since then, I am more burpy,

something I NEVER was preop, and those blessed air rushes down south

are few and far between.

I am sick of walking down the hall and around the couch so tomorrow

gets out the leash and we are going to walk as much as I can

stand! That hopefully will get things moving...and God bless anyone

who walks behind me at the mall! Maybe I will play the Diva and just

carry an antomizer and spritz away when those occurences should

happen. Or if worse comes to worse, I will just stare at the closest

man and say in a loud voice, " holy cow mister...could you give it a

break! "

Tittering to meself,

Theresa

[Guest guest]

.. Or if worse comes to worse, I will just stare at the closest

> man and say in a loud voice, " holy cow mister...could you give it a

> break! "

>

> Tittering to meself,

> Theresa

LMAO!! Thanks for the giggles...I'm glad you are feeling somewhat

better.

Take care,

[Guest guest]

Nick,

You know we newly weds are kinky as hell! Laughing. Can't wait till

you visit. We will be sure to hide all our stuff!

Hugs,

Theresa

> Which one of you wears the leash?

>

> Best-

>

> Nick

>

> Theresa said:

>

> > I am sick of walking down the hall and around the couch so

tomorrow

> > gets out the leash and we are going to walk as much as I

can

> > stand!

[Guest guest]

Hi Alyssa:

If you stay at the Shilo, you'll have privacy, your own bathroom, tv

and the recliner. The downside is that you won't have a kitchen, but

as long as you can warm food up somehow, it's not too big of a

problem.

I'd probably play it by ear, and if you think you can sleep in bed

and share a bathroom for a couple of days, it'll probably be nice to

be in a real home. I came home exactly 7 days post op and slept in

my own bed with no problems. It's also great to be able to use a

kitchen and get whatever you need. You'll probably be sick of the

Shilo after 4 days...I know I'd had enough of the Best Western after

4 nights!

Take care!

Gil

Dr. Keshishian

11/8 - 264 lbs

11/26 - 240 lbs

> I have a situation where I need some input from you more recent

post-ops.

> Here is the run-down...see dilemma at the end..

>

> 1. I'm having surgery with Dr. K in Delano on 12/20. Delano is

about 5

> hours' drive from home, so I have to stay down in Delano for 9-10

days.

>

> 2. Because I have 2 small children, my DH can't stay with me the

whole

> time. He is staying with me the nights of the 19th-21st while his

mother

> watches our babies. My mom will come down on the 23rd and stay

until the

> 26th, when my sister comes down. My sister will stay with me until

it's

> time to go home, hopefully on the 29th, 30th at the latest.

>

> 3. It's Mom's job to get me checked out at the hospital and

transported to

> the Shilo Inn, where I'll stay until my sister comes on the 26th.

When my

> sister comes, I'll be approximately 6 days post-op.

>

> 4. THE DILEMMA: My sister's fiance's parents live in Bakersfield.

> Although I've never met them, they've invited me to stay with them

from the

> 26th-29th or 30th when I'll go home. Staying in a real house would

be

> better than the Shilo Inn because of ease of cooking and because my

sister

> can be with her fiance (who will be visiting his parents at the

time).

> HOWEVER, I'm worried about how I'll feel at 6 days post-op. Will I

feel

> like staying with strangers (even reeeally nice ones)? Will I be

able to

> sleep in a bed, or will I need a bariatric recliner still? I know

that

> recovery is different for everyone, but in general, what would you

do?? (If

> it makes any difference, I'm an active person, BMI 45, with a

fairly high

> pain tolerance.)

>

> Thanks for the input...I know my sister would really like to stay

with her

> fiance's parents, but she'll willingly do whatever is best for me.

I'll

> accomodate her if I can, though...

>

> ~alyssa