totally embarassed to ask this (warning-a little gross)

Hey there - first time posting to this message board - glad I came across it - I usually post on the Ontario boards but was hesitant to do so cause I don't think most people would understand the additional struggles those with a BMI of over 50 have to deal with. Anyhow -- I have a BMI of 75.6 -- I weigh about 469 pounds. Though I beleive I've gained more since I was weighed. I'm finding doing a lot of everyday stuff really difficult which is why I'm having surgery done -- (surgery date for lap RNY is June 29th) -- the one thing that I've noticed I'm having a prob with lately is .... gawd I can't beleive I'm saying this .... I'm having problems .... gawd ... I'm having probs wiping after a bowel movement. SORRY I don't know how else to say it -- and I apologize for even posting this -- If you are totally grossed out and/or can not relate to this -- please stop reading and I thank you for reading this far.... otherwise I will go on to ask my question.... I can't seem to sit forward on the toilet seat and reach back like I used to be able to -- the toilet seat shifts to the one side and causes probs -- and the strange twist to do it hurts my back etc. etc. so lately I've had to stand up and do it -- gawd I still can't beleive i'm saying this!!! lol Way too much info eh?!!! It is still difficult but I can usually manage okay. So here, finally, is my question -- lol I'm worried about doing this right after having surgery while I'm recovering. I'm having a lap RNY done. I'm worried about having to twist (turning) my body in the middle -- the stretch -- and it causing probs with the incisions opening up and stuff healing etc. etc. etc. Any tips or anything would be most appreciated -- again I do apologize for this -- it's just something that has been worrying me -- and don't know who else to ask that might actually have some idea and understanding of what I'm talking about. Thanks! -- Joanne

Hi Joanne, check this out it looks like a good product http://www.dynamic-living.com/bottom_buddy.htm or you could try a long handled kitchen tongs all wrapped up....Dawn 375/244/?

I am sorry you are having such difficulty. I dont think anyone here is going to be offended. At least I am not. Being a SMO and having back surgery I understand your problem very well. I could not under any cir****tances reach for about two weeks. Thank God my boyfriend was good for something. You should have seen the look on his face when I ask him to do this. It took a minuete for him to register that he had to do this. lol Anyway when I had the second surgery ( open rny ) It was better I could use a wooden spoon wrapped in toilet paper to do the job. Actually it was more effecient then I thought it would be. Only had to do this for about a week. At first after the surgery my bowls didnt move for about week which gives you a little time to heal. Hope this helps. love marie

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/postdetail/1860836.html?vc=0 Hope this hleps

Joanne, I don't have any advice for you but I can tell you I have some of the same problems. I usually use the sink or wall for leverage. I wanted to reply to let you know that you don't have to worry no one on this site will be offended. We discuss all kinds of things that "normal" size people could never understand. I'm glad you posted and WELCOME to our group!! Good Luck with your surgery and please keep posting... {{{{{HUGS}}}} Jamie

greetings joanne i don't really have any advice for you about this. although i was 463 on the day of surgery, and had open rny, this wasn't really a problem for me. i just wanted to welcome you to the board, and assure you that you don't need to apologize for asking questions such as this here! please come back often! best of luck to you. deb -242

Joanne, I think most on here can relate to this questions. At one point or another we have all had moments of difficulty with some kind of hygeine issue! I dont know what the program you are going to has to offer, but my surgeon had a little kit for us before we left the hospital.. We were given tongs - looks just like BBQ tongs with plastic covering the tips... Along with flushable baby wipes, and a few other odds and ends.. I never used the tongs, but it was great to have just in case!! You will find a way to get through this.. And you sure came to the right place for advice and support on such matter! Welcome to the board! Keep us updated on how things are going for you! Amber M*

Hi Joanne, Nothing to be embarressed about. Thats what this board is all about, only us SMOers can relate to every day issues that hinder us from living. Just take a baby wipe and wrap it around a wooden spoon or a serving spoon to extend your reach if you dont want to purchase anything right now. You will not be that big for that long after the surgery, so you might be able to just use the things you have in the house already. Best of luck to you, and welcome to the board. We are all family here, so dont ever worry about asking questions. We have all been there and done that! Hugs, Soos

Joanna Dont be embarrased about asking questions. We have all experianced the same thing. When I was 450, I had to stand up to wipe also. It does hurt to try to twist while sitting. I had open RNY and the first couple times I needed to wipe, my partner helped me. A nurse helped me once. Thats what they are there for. I was so ashamed to have someone help me but she really did understand. AFter about a week, I was able to do it on my own. I don't think you will have troubles very long. I've heard that open is way worse than LAP. Good luck kay 450/388/332/175

Yes I had this problem. I was 458 lbs when I went into surgery. As soon as I came out of the hospital I started noticing it wasn't so hard to wipe anymore. Now 100 lbs less and I have no problems wiping. I have a hand held shower attachment and I was using that to make sure I was cleaning my nether regions.... You won't pop the incisions. You'll do fine. I can't even remember how I cleaned me in the hospital. good luck and welcometo the board.