Hi, and Welcome!! I think mobility after RNY is somewhat comparable to a c-section, although the RNY doesn't cut through as much of the muscle. You could probably use your appendectomy recovery as a guide. For me, the worst part of RNY recovery was day 2 in the hospital (3 day stay).... and that pain wasn't all at the surgery site. During laparoscopic RNY, they fill the abdominal cavity with CO2 gas and it is common for pockets of gas to cause pain (mine lodged in my left shoulder). They had me up and walking the halls of the hospital the day of surgery. Walking helps move the gas and get the digestive system working again. You should be fine walking up stairs (although you might not want to do it every hour). You'll also get tired more quickly for a couple months.

Your boys are old enough that you should do fine without additional help. You'll just need to see if they can spend a couple nights at a friend's house while you're in the hospital. Oh, and you can't drive while you are on pain meds, so that may be an issue. I believe I was on pain meds for a little over a week.

Again, welcome!

JJ

Hi, I had the surgery you're inquiring about 7 September. The key is to move as much as you can even though you may not want to. It does help make recovery happen quicker. However, the incision sites are going to hurt and you're probably going to nauseous for a few days. They give you medicine that helps but makes you sleepy. My husband helped me the first few days quite a bit. He put the cream on my incisions and a few times had to help me get out of bed. I would suggest you stay with a friend or have them stay with you for a couple days.

Welcome. I had surgery a little over a year ago. I made sure to have the foods available at home before surgery. One day I would make jello or pudding and put it in very small dishes to make it easier to just grab one when needed. I ate a lot of sugar free Popsicles. I was in the hospital for three days. I did take a long walk before each meal while in the hospital. I didn't really need help once I got home. Even though my husband wanted to help I asked him to let me do the things I could do myself. You may want to have things available for your boys to eat that they can make. The smell of food did upset my stomach occasionally. I think you are going to be surprised at how well you will do.

I slept in my recliner for about a week after coming home. I was too sore to lay on my side. Like everyone says, walking as often and as far as you can really helps, that and constantly sipping water.

Welcome, glad you decide to join in! I would highly recommend getting someone to stay with you for at least the first few days or stay with someone. In between walking a route in my house throughout the days and nights, sipping water in tiny sips with a one ounce cup, and working on getting some protein in, I was pretty much drugged and resting on the couch or in bed and letting my body heal for the first several days to a week. I can't remember exactly how long since it was 6 years ago. Recliners don't agree with my body so I slept in bed with pillows. I just can't sleep sitting up. My husband helped me get up the first few days. I didn't even consider going up and down my stairs. Congratulations on choosing to change your life!