Susan Grasty
Member
My Sleeve Surgery is on September 22nd. Any last minute advice???? I am 47 years old and am a little nervous. I may have to stay in the hospital 3 or 4 days due to my age.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Thread starter Susan Grasty
- Start date
Brenda2010
Member
I've never heard that age has an impact on how long you stay. And I would think that 47 would be on the lower end of the scale. We have members here into their 70s. Overall health is a factor for sure on recovery time.
My surgeon's standard was that as long as I was up walking every couple hours and could drink enough water each hour, I could be released after 1 night. As Lisa said, it's crazy how different surgeons are with their own programs and requirements.
My surgeon's standard was that as long as I was up walking every couple hours and could drink enough water each hour, I could be released after 1 night. As Lisa said, it's crazy how different surgeons are with their own programs and requirements.
dianeseattle
Member
Age is not a factor in the length of your hospital stay. There are a lot of factors but there is no cookie cutter number. It depends on your size and your response to surgery, including your blood pressure and your vitals and your ability to move, including getting up and going to the bathroom.
If you're having an open procedure, they're going to keep you for a few days. If you're having a laparoscopic procedure, overnight would be the general maximum.
They don't want to keep you in the hospital any longer than they have to. They want you to go home and start living your new life and recovering from the surgery. Whether or not you have general anesthesia is the bigger concern.
dianeseattle
Member
FYI, I was 56 when I had my RYGB with a 7" incision. I stayed in the hospital 2 nights and one day, as is normal with a large incision with 30-odd staples. Now that everything is laparoscopic, some people go home the same day. If they're properly prepared, going home is safer than the hospital these days.
And the sleeve is a much less complicated procedure than the RYGB, as it doesn't involve rerouting the esophagus and stomach in an actual bypass.
Susan Grasty
Member
I was told by my Surgeon that due to my age I could be in hospital longer possibly. Perhaps 3 to 4 nights. I also, have underlying health conditions.
missyinacage
Member
My program (as a general rule) operates on Monday and releases you on Thursday, for both the sleeve and the bypass. If you are doing what they deem exceptionally well, you can leave Wednesday. No sooner. They want to make sure you can comfortably take/keep down enough liquids and they want to watch the drain for at least that long. While I might have been more comfortable at home, I actually appreciated the extra time. I am not one to ask others to make my protein drink and bring it to me or do my dishes. So, I'd have ended up doing too much because there are always things to take care of in your own house and I'm the only one that does it right! 
