Really worried...need some advice

My brother-in-law just went in for the bariatric surgery today. He was supposedly doing ok and was being moved into recovery when all of a sudden he started having trouble breathing on his own. They put him on a ventilator and he is now in ICU under sedation. Ok....tell me straight up is this a bad thing? Is this common? I went straight into recovery and did not have a problem; however, he is a lot heavier than I was. He is at least 400 or possibly 500 pounds. I was reading on the internet about how some people develop phenominia from being on a ventilator. I was also reading how some people forget how to breathe on their own. My sister is freaking out. My mother is spending the night at the hospital with her tonight. I was there most of the evening. What type of advice do you have for me? Is this normal? Did any of you end up on a ventilator? What was the outcome? Thanks for your advice. Diana

Diana, I am sorry about your BIL. I will keep him and your family in my prayers I don't have any advice for you. I had a really smooth recovery, no complications. I am sure your BIL is in good hands and they will take good care of him. Hugs LYnn

Dear Diana, I have no advice or words of wisdom. I will however keep you ,your brother in law and all your family in my prayers. Diane

DIANA (((((HUG))))))) dont have information but wanted to let you know YOUR BIL is in my prayers for a quick recovery!

I had sever sleep apnea and when they pulled my tube I could not breath. They sat me up and intabated me they removed the tube after about 15 min and I was fine. I will be praying for your Bill. I am sure he is in good hands. God Bless Deloris

Diana, I don't have any answers but I have heard that sometimes people with sleep apnea have probs with breathing after surgery - especially while receiving the heavy pain killers. Wish I could be of more help.... I will be praying for your BIL. Keep us posted on how he is doing.... lots of prayers going up.... Pam

It can be common to be on a vent for awhile after any surgery if you are heavy or using pain killers. I did not experience this, but was told it could happen before I had surgery. Keep praying and we will too. Wendy

Hello. I wish that I could help in some way. All I can do is pray for you and your family. Good luck and please keep us informed. Michelle