I"m New - Heather - Beginning Journey - ThinnerTimes

smilesarepriceless · 03-05-2005, 09:01 PM

Hello!

Well, i am doing tons of research on this surgery and am so excited at the gleem of hope I have of how this surgery can help me and change my life, for the BETTER.

Here's a short bio on me-

I have a 2 mth old baby girl ( our first)
I'm in Germany and am happily married for 2 1/2 yrs
I'm 29
CW - 272
Height 5 5"

A QUESTION I HAVE ---I've looked but maybe i missed it. My question is in regards to recovery time if you have Open Gastric? As i'm in Germany and far from most of my family, and my husband will be in Iraq, I am needing to know what is a realistic amount of time I will need help at my home ( as in for it to be safe that i have my daughter there with me alone)??

Plus, will I personally need help at home?

I'm thinking of asking my mom, or MIL to come over, but am not sure if 2 wks is enough time.

I have plenty of good friends here willing to help out as long as needed with my daughter, but how much time would i need someone staying with me once i'm home from the hospital.

Any advise is welcome

( just so you know where i am w/ this process, I have met with PCP and he was putting in a referral for me to meet with a surgeon and do all needed consulting ( psyc eval, nutritionists, etc..) and i should be able to make those appts. next week for the future months)

Jeanie · 03-05-2005, 10:46 PM

Hello Heather,
Welcome to our family.

When I had my surgery I had my parents with me for 2 weeks. I had it done lap not open. I went back to works 2 1/2 weeks after surgery, but I'm crazy like that. I got bored sitting at home. Everyone is different. I know that there is also weight restrictions on how much you can lift, and I'm not sure how easy it would be to bend over to change a diaper. I would try to get someone to stay with you for at least two weeks maybe a little longer if they could. Good luck with everything and keep us posted about your progress!

Dara · 03-05-2005, 11:57 PM

Welcome, Heather!

My surgery was open. As I remember, I was debilitated for about 7 days after surgery. After about a week, I started trying to do things on my own. However, I'm not sure about having a young baby around. You might want to consider having someone in the house with you for about two weeks, mainly to care for the baby.

You're a very brave woman to have the surgery in Germany, away from your family and with you husband away. Good luck in your journey!

LAD · 03-06-2005, 07:58 AM

I just recently had my surgery-open. I live alone ( with 3 large dogs). I agree with everyone else that you should have someone with you for at least 2 weeks. I had a lifting restriction of 15 pounds for 6 weeks. Bending over is difficult. We're supposed to walk a lot. That could be more fun with your baby if it isn't too cold out. I also couldn't drive for 3 weeks.

Good luck! I respect you for doing this under difficult circumstances.

TabFox · 03-06-2005, 05:32 PM

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! I agree with the others, do have someone to help you for at least a couple of weeks. I had open surgery, but was driving at the 2nd week. I was still sore, but everyday does get better. What part of Germany are you in? I lived there when I was young, in Hessisch Oldendorf, (About 20 minutes from Hamlen.) Germany is such a beautiful country. I'd go back to visit in a heartbeat!!!!
By the way, I love your picture...what a beautiful lady!
Welcome to the site!

Tabitha
Open 5/26/04
321/186/???

Blueyz · 03-06-2005, 09:43 PM

Hi Heather,
Welcome to the forum. I had Open surgery and my husband took off 2 weeks to help me out. I worked from home after 1-1/2 weeks and it was too much for me. I regret not taking 6 weeks off. My 4 year old wanted to jump around and play. She wanted me to hold her and it was hard to say no, but I had to so I would avoid a hernia. I would take any help you can get because you have an infant and you will need rest. Take care and best wishes to you.