How to get out of bed after stomach surgery: 7 steps

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 the placement of a plastic band around the stomach, while others involve the use of staples. Still others have to do with redirecting 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 choose to perform, 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 so simple: getting out of bed safely and painlessly.

If you’re 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 be fine.

2. Begin by sitting up in bed first, gently pulling blankets and sheets out of your way. You don’t want to tangle or trip over the blankets.

3. Raise your legs and roll them slowly to 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 when doing this.

4. Challenge yourself a bit by swinging and swinging your legs, rotating your ankles, and wiggling your toes. If you don’t feel dizzy, feel free to proceed to the next step.

5. Slowly get up and onto the floor with your feet slightly apart. This slightly wide stance will give you stability when getting up and out of bed. Then walk slowly to a nearby chair.

6. When you reach the chair, turn so that it is facing your back, as if you were about to sit down. Tap your calves against the chair.

7. Grab both armrests of the chair and gently lower your body towards the chair.

Remember, if you ever feel weak or dizzy while trying to get out of bed after stomach surgery, be sure to ask your helper to take you back to bed. Then call your doctor for additional information and guidance.