Spurameter before Surgery?

Has anyone else been asked to use a spuramerter (sp?) before surgery? Just curious. It is common practice for all patients at the hospital I am going to but I had never heard of that before surgery just after.

Hiya.............. My doctor requires that you blow up 30 party sized balloons a day (each one a new one) to accomplish the same thing. A special gal who's an RN, on the VSG site suggested that I get an Incentive Spirometer..............as it saved messing with the balloons. My local pharmacy had to order it............came in overnight. Cost was about $9.00............. Works great!! This is to increase the capacity of your lungs.........wards off problems!!..............Karen

Nope, don't have to do that. ~~betsy

Hi Misty, Yes I was given one on my pre-op day. They asked me to use it several times a day and bring it with my when I have my surgery. They said it will help me if I start it now. Good luck. Terri

Yep...I went for my pre-op testing on Monday, and the pulmonary threapist sent me home with one. I have asthma, though. She did tell me, however, that they like to know where to be able to get you back to after surgery since each person's lung capacity is different.

Thanks all. I have not been doing a good job with this request, I am supposed to do it four times a day for 2 full weeks prior to surgery. You would not believe how time consuming that really is. I am trying to get better, that is what prompted my curiousity.