Question:
I am having my surgery in two weeks..I told my friends and family that I was having
my gallbladder taken out. Some of them want to visit me in the hospital. When they come to the hospital will they be able to tell that it was not gallbladder surgery? I did not tell anyone, besides my fiance because I dont want any negative opinions. I just need to know will they be able to tell when they visit at the hospital. Thanks — Ang B. (posted on March 15, 2001)
March 15, 2001
It's totally up to you what you tell them; you're doing this for yourself
not your family. But to answer your question, if you're having an open RNY
then they may know, but if your procedure is LAP (which is the most popular
way today to take out gallbladders) then no one will be the wiser. If you
don't think that your family will be supportive, keep your own counsel. It
sounds like you have a supportive significant other which will make all the
difference in the world. Good luck!
— Michelle R.
March 15, 2001
I don't think they'll be able to tell. You'll be laying in bed, with a gown
on. Unless they want to see your scar, which will be "not" the
same as a gallbladder scar. My recommendation: tell them you'd rather not
show it to them (say it's covered, or it's messy or something). I think
most folks will be considerate of you and won't force you to get up and
walk if you don't want to. Good luck!!!!!
— Kristy J.
March 15, 2001
My mother had the surgery last June. I had a spleenectomy in August 1997.
She came out of surgery with all the same paraphenalia as I had--morphine
pump, nasal gastric tube, etc. The only difference was the small tube in
her stomach, but people can only see that if you show it to them. I
couldn't really eat after surgery either and had the same bathroom troubles
as she did because it was abdominal surgery. So don't worry.
— PT LawMom
March 15, 2001
hi...i am 18 days post op and i did not want any visitors...i felt awful.
only my parents and husband came and i sent them all home cause i was so
tired. maybe you could just tell them you would rather not have visitors
until you are home.
— Kathy831
March 16, 2001
Although I did not have this problem because I did not tell anyone except
my mom and husband that I was even having surgery. However, I was asked on
admission if this was "public knowledge". I am assuming if I had
been expecting visitors, then they would have marked my chart to reflect my
desire to keep this private. I would tell the nurses of your wishes early
on (on admission) and that way it can be recorded in your chart and given
in report. I believe the nurses will take your request to heart. You can
also verbally remind them just before your visitors are to arrive. If other
staff come in while you have visitors, then I would ask them to return when
your guests leave-just in case they didn't get the message. I would not be
very welcoming and chatty with anyone that comes in. Also, if someone does
mention it you can always play "dumb" and I do believe they will
get the hint.
— Shelley.
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