Stomach surgery, also called bariatric or weight loss surgery, involves any of a number of digestive system procedures designed to help the patient lose weight. Some types of stomach surgery involve placing a plastic band around the stomach, while others involve the use of staples. Still others have to do with the redirection of food around the stomach and part of the small intestine.
Stomach surgery is not trivial. This is because, regardless of the type of weight loss surgical procedure you have chosen, some important parts of your body, skin and digestive system are altered. This leads, among other things, to significant recovery time and sometimes some pain and discomfort in the process.
One of the most common problems experienced by people who have undergone stomach surgery is something that sounds very simple: getting out of bed safely and painlessly.
If you are wondering how to get out of bed after stomach surgery, here are 7 steps:
1. Make sure you have a helper. This is preferably a home health aide or other helping professional, but a spouse, friend, or family member will do just fine.
2. Start by first sitting up in bed, gently pulling the sheets and sheets out of your way. You don’t want to get tangled in or trip over the covers.
3. Raise your legs and slowly rotate them toward the edge of the bed. Then, let them hang over the bed, as if you were sitting in a chair. Pay attention to how your mind and body feel as you do this.
4. Challenge yourself a bit by moving and swinging your legs, twisting your ankles, and wiggling your toes. If you don’t feel dizzy, feel free to continue to the next step.
5. Get up slowly and on the floor with your feet slightly apart. This slightly wide stance will give you stability when getting up and out of bed. Then slowly walk over to a nearby chair.
6. When you reach the chair, turn so that you are facing up, as if you were about to sit down. Touch your calves against the meat.
7. Grasp both armrests of the chair and gently lower your body into the chair.
Remember, if you ever feel weak or dizzy trying to get out of bed after stomach surgery, be sure to ask your helper to carry you back to bed. Then call your doctor for additional information and guidance.