Question:
Bari bed! What is that? and does everyone after surgery lay on one.
Just exactly is a bari bed. I have heard it is very uncomfortable. What is its purpose? I am in the process of testing for surgery and I want to have as much info as I can get so I am fully prepared. — Maureen M. (posted on January 21, 2003)
January 20, 2003
A bari-bed is usually used for patients 300+ pounds. It works like a lift
recliner in that the whole thing moves down and almost tips you out of the
bed. I think it is used for the nursing staff's benefit, easier to lift
and get heavier patients up for walking and the bathroom, etc.
Personally I don't think any hospital bed is comfortable, bari-bed or not!
— Stacey G.
January 20, 2003
I was in a bari-bed and I had no problems with it vis-a-vis comfort. The
only problem I had with it was too darned big *G*. If I was on one side
of the bed and I needed something that was on the other side, it was easier
to get up and walk around rather than try to roll over in the bed to get
it...JR
— John Rushton
January 21, 2003
I was in a bari-bed post op, and I couldn't tell any difference between it
and a regular hospital bed. I do believe they are built different and have
a different mattress than a regular hospital bed. It worked the same. I
was not real big (236 lb) so it didn't make any difference to me, but maybe
it would to someone 400lbs!
— koogy
January 21, 2003
Hi Maureen....the other posters have described what a bari bed is. I'll
comment on your question about "does every one after surgery lay on
one?" The answer is no. I didn't have a bari bed, although many
others on the floor did. I was 261 lbs. the day of my surgery. Stacey is
right (see below)...no hospital bed is comfortable. First, the mattress
(if you can call it that) is covered with a plastic cover, then a sheet on
top of that. So you sweat bullets all the time (bring a little
battery-operated fan with you whether it's winter or summer!) And, your
back kills after surgery. My back hurt more than my incision. So drugged
or not, you're never comfortable in a hospital bed. Either way...whether
you lay in a bari bed or regular hospital bed...you'll be glad to get home
to your own bed or recliner. Hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
January 21, 2003
a bari-bed is a bed for patients who have had bariatric surgery, not just
for heavy patients, or for GB patients. Its very different from a regular
hospital bed in that it can mechanically put you up right instead of using
your stomach muscles to pull you up. I have to admit, I don't know how I
would have gotten out of bed without it .. in the hospital. I suppose I
would have managed, but having the bed was great. The worst part of it for
me was the morphine left me so confused sometimes it took a few buttons to
figure out which one I wanted to push and which was I was going. It was
helpful that I could get myself upright without the need of a couple of
nurses. Its a great bed, if you can get one.. ask for it.
— Lisa C.
January 21, 2003
Hi! When I woke up in ICU I had a bar-bed. It was awful for me! I am very
short so trying to use the "stand-up" method just made me hurt
worse. Before I was transferred to my room I requested a regular hospital
bed. By the end of the first day, all but one of us had regular beds. I do
understand that they are more comfortable for many patients, but for us
short folks it didn't help. In the regular bed, I was climbing in and out
without any trouble by day 2. I had an open so pulling up and out was not a
good idea! lol<p>I Wish you the best!!
— Helenjean P.
January 21, 2003
Hi. I never heard of a bari-bed, but can only assume that it would be a
big help to some. I have had several abdominal surgeries over the last 9
years and was aided by an air mattress that was place under my sheet, yet
over the mattress. It made the world of difference since my behind is the
only place I don't have much extra fat. Anyway, the last time I went in
for surgery, every other word out of my mouth from the time I entered the
hospital, to the OR table, to the recovery room, and on was please be sure
there is an air mattress on my bed BEFORE I am put in it. When the orderly
brought me to my room, I held onto the gurney until they showed me it was
there. I hear from others in my support group that the hospital I will be
in for the RNY next month has special beds that do the asme thing as an air
mattress. We'll see!!!!
— Fixnmyself
January 21, 2003
The bari-bed I had when I was in the hospital was AWFUL. Im 30 and had no
other medical problems other than being obese. However, I am suffering
immensely from back pain as a result of that bed and Im only 5 months
post-op. The worst part is because they were fairly new, barely anyone
knew how to use them. So, fresh out of surgery, my incision was killing
me. It didnt help that they would move the bottom of the bed before the
top and stretch my incision. I think every obscenity imaginable came out of
my mouth. It was just extremely painful!!!! I would have preferred a
regular bed.
— c B.
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