[kbfrmaz]

I am scheduled for lapro gastric bypass Roux-en-Y January 11.
I am a stay at home mom with a 3 and 5 year old. I want to know if things go as planned for a normal surgery how long will I really need someone home to help me daily? Basically I just have to feed my kids and drive my daughter to and from school each day. No lifting- they are pretty self sufficient! Any clue would help, since my hubbie can only take off so many days!

[Kenyar]

its tough to say. everyone heals different. congrats on having a date already ! i have a 5 year old and i am a single mom. i sent my daughter away for the first week. after that we were fine at home together. just be mindful of the pain meds (you cant/ shouldnt drive while taking them) but if everything goes well you will be up and running in no time.

[clancythecamper]

Congrats on your date - I agree with Kenya - you'll also want to ck with your doctor as they'll probably have a time period in mind that they recomment.

[lazell]

It is really hard to say.I hope it goes really fast for you. Jan.11 is gonna be here soon.Are you excited?

[Avanterre]

Just as everyone else has said -- this is a very individual journey... SO, it is hard to gauge how you will feel.

I had a Laparoscopic Roux En Y on October 2nd. I can tell you that for any surgery with general anesthesia, it is recommended that you do not drive for 3 weeks. The other thing that is sortof universal is that you do need to plan to give your self plenty of rest time...it just takes energy to heal. I felt well enough to return to work after 3 weeks, but others that were at my 2 week appointment weren't ready for a couple more weeks.

It has been 2-1/2 months now and I still have times that I just need to rest. I always think I can do more than my energy will let me. You will learn quickly what protein and how much sustains your level of activity.

Good luck! I will watch for your progress. January 11th is just around the corner.

[traciflud]

I was told no lifting over 10 lbs. for 3 weeks, no driving for 1 week. It took about 7 weeks before I felt "normal" again, friends and family brought dinner for the guys for 1 week, and I was grateful, felt like I could have handled it after about 3 days but they insisted I let them for 1 week. I went to bed VERY early for about 7 weeks and napped during the day during that time too.

[Trulykath]

I had lap RY and went back to work in 12 days....everyone is different...just take it easy at first, walk and get moving around as you are able...that helps the healing!!

[kbfrmaz]

Wow- my Dr. told me 2 weeks, but the P.A. told me 1 week. I am pretty young and recoup quickly, but now I am a bit worried! I only have "help" for 5 days. I guess I will have to see how it goes, but luckily my kids will understand if I can't do too much for a bit. Thanks for your replies! I am a little shocked I was scheduled so quickly- someone canceled and I got the slot instead of March! AHHH!!

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board, thank you for joining us.
Congratulations on your date.
As for down time, everyone is different, but the first week or two are not always easy. Best to go by your surgeon's directions.
(((((HUGS))))) May your journey go well.

[dolphinlover]

I had surgery on Nov 26, Monday. I drove my daughter to school the next Monday and came back home and went to bed. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days, after 5 you won't be up bopping around and cooking. Maybe you can get some things together and in baggies for her so all you have to do it nuke it or throw it in the oven. You can premake about 5 days of things that she likes and have them set up in the freezer or the fridge. Just think ahead. Don't know what she eats but you'll be able to get up but not bend over to get her dressed. Get her clothes laid out now. Get your water bottles set up in the fridge. Buy your sugar free popsicles, get your laundry done and lay clothes out for yourself. You'll be cluttered for a bit but that will be okay cause you're organized. We'll all be thinking about you.