How do/did you sleep before WLS?

When I saw my PCP last week, I described the Tower 'O Pillows that I sleep with to make my 2/3 of our King-size bed comfortable for me. Some nights I just can't get them right. She suggested that I sleep in a recliner until I have lost more weight. I've also noticed in reading people's journeys that other folks have used a recliner as well.

Then on one of the Discovery Health shows, I saw a bariatric recliner. Now, I tend to mash up most furniture. If I need to buy one of these, I will, but I don't expect to need it very long. Or do I rent one? Or buy a wide-ass regular one from Goodwill that I will beat to death but throw out later.

Do I want Power-lift?

What other ways have you slept when SMO?

Help!

Patty

Hi Patty,

 

The most important thing is to be comfortable.  When I was 500 lbs. I always slept on my side and never moved as it was an effort.  Having lost 200 lbs. I toss back and forth, but still sleep on my side.  I only slept in a recliner for one period of time when I had my first panni and had drains on each side.  Your comfort is most important, so if you feel a bariactric recliner will be the ticket then invest the money.  If you find your bed with lots of pillows work for you then go with that.  Most furniture store will allow you to try out their products, check that out before you buy.

Good luck and good sleep to you. 

 

Jeanne

Thanks for the answer about sleeping. 

 I used to sleep really well in my soft old double bed in my own bedroom, but when my step-daughter moved in with us in July, I moved back to sharing a king with DH. I was liking having my own bedroom, but that's a whole story in itself!

At first I think I was trying to recreate my soft bed with pillow arrangements, but I do find that I sleep better in more of a recliner-type posture. Then the last 2 nights, the kiddo was at her other mother's house and I had to sleep in my old bed with the dog. (We spoil our doggy grandaughter) And I found that I didn't sleep as well there as I had with my pillow pile.

 I just don't know if a regular recliner or a bariatric one is better. I'll shop around and try things. I'll look 1st online to save my feet. My ankles are pretty bad after carrying too big a load for too long.

I know someone who used a recliner for several years, she's not quite a year post-op and still uses it most of the time.  I don't know exactly what her weight was, but she's lost 180lbs and still doesn't feel comfortable on a bed, so you never know how little or much your sleeping will improve - she also refuses to use her cpap so I'm sure that has something to do with it.  I have always slept on the bed, but I do have apnea and use a cpap most of the time.  I used to have to use one soft flat pillow so I was almost laying flat (no towers here).  Since surgery I seem to be sleeping a lot better and need a much thicker firmer pillow, and if I do take the cpap off my husband says I hardly snore at all and sound much much better.  I would find out about renting a bariatric recliner - your insurance might even cover it as durable medical equipment if your doc prescribes it.  I would check in to that for sure!  As for whether you need a lift or not, I guess only you would know that.  Best of luck! Jenn

 Thanks for your comments, Jenn.

I am considering the lift aspect because I really struggle sometimes to get up off my loveseat. I don't have much trouble getting out of bed, probably because it is higher.

I can deal with getting up from a lower seat OK now if I have a cane or something else solid to push on. My concern is how much harder will that be immediately post-op? I know we are all different, and it will depend on if my surgery is Lap or Open. I just want to be fully prepared.

I've had a CPAP for over 10 years, and won't sleep without it, even just for naps.

Right now I'm in a waiting phase for the intro meeting with the surgery group I've chosen and if I work out this sleeping thing, I'll at least feel like I am making progress.

Of course, getting to the pool today is also on my agenda!

Hi. I sleep in the king bed in a semi-recline position currently. When I had surgery I rented a bariatric recliner with a lift. It was really heaven. With the soreness of surgery and the drains it was just the ticket. I did lay in bed sitting up for some of the night but went back to the recliner and slept good. I think your comfort must be the big decider for you. You could go to one of the larger medical home supply stores that have a show room. They will most likely have the chair you need on display and you can try them out to see if it does the trick for you.

That's a great suggestion. Thanks!

--Update--

Just talked w/ my neighbor who had a RNY in Mar 2007. He's 60 (4 years older than I am) and really recommended the recliner with lift. He clued me in on where to try one out locally too! I feel like I'm on my way with this one!

Thanks everyone.