manicures

Hi. I was just thinking of treating myself to a full set of nails. However I know I read somewhere that you have to remove them before surgery. Has anyone run into this? I would hate to spend the money to have to remove them a few months from now. I know this probibly seems trivial but getting my nails done is a nice pick me up and I could use it right about now. Chryssie

Hi Chryssie, You don't have to remove the nails...... You may chose to go with no or just clear polish for surgery. They like to be able to see your nail beds. I don't have tips, just acrylic over mine and I get them done every two weeks. I took the polish off for surgery but kept the acrylic on. Getting my nails done is my treat to myself!! I just had my toes done to match Linda

Chryssie, yes, you do have to remove them before surgery. You cannot wear nail polish either. Your nail beds can give off early warnings for problems, like you not getting enough oxygen. Also, the pulse oximeter can't read through the nail polish or an acrylic nail that well, so they won't be able to track your oxygen saturation. I'd wait until after surgery, when you're feeling a little ickier (like I am now) to get this stuff done. I plan on getting a pick me up done soon.. manicure.. of my real nails.. b/c I'm afraid to bite them and put them into my new stomach (gross I know, bad habit) so they should be long in a couple of months! And a pedicure, of course.. love them. Also, I want to get some highlights in my hair. Hope this helps.

Chryssie, You need to check with your surgeon or the OR department. Every hospital is different. I have a friend who didn't have to take off any polish or nails. It's always good to double check with your own Dr. Maggie

Hi Chryssie, I had to take my nail polish off. But I know what you mean about treating yourself. How about a massage or facial? Both are just as wonderful and decadent. I just hit my Dr's goal and I'm treating myself to a day at a spa...facial, massiage, mani/pedi. I've been saving my pennies and like the commercial says "Girlfriend, we're worth it!" -Deb

All thetalk about manicues,pedicues, facials, spa treatments, ooooooo I'm gonna treat myself soon to something wonderful!!!!! Years ago when I had my C-sections they had me take off nails and polish. Nothing was said when I had my by-pass 8 weeks ago but back then I didn't have any polish or nails on. I also was a nail biter and have totally stopped that nasty habit! Now with all the vitamins, calcium, milk and good protein my own nails are long and beautiful!!!! I just had a manicue done and the people at work thought they were fake! That was a nice little pick me up.

I'd go with Linda's advice. She is also a patient of Dr. Bell. The decision is very specific to the doctor and the hospital. I know that personally (I had a different surgeon than you) I did not have to remove anything, but they asked that if I wore polish to wear a light color. That was it. Nobody paid any attention to my nailbeds as an early warning sign of anything. The PulseOx thingy can read through nails and nail polish. Please make sure that Dr. Bell's policy is still the same though. Have fun! Lisa C

Hi Chryssie - I can understand your concern about spending money needlessly and how feeling good about your image can do so much for your self esteem. I have a full set of acrylic nails and usually wear a darker colored polish. I was hospitalized twice at Middlesex Hospital in the last 15 months (hysterectomy and then WLS) and the subject was never even discussed. I suggest checking with your doctor or the hopsital's admission nurses to determine if it is even an issue. If it seems reasonable to pursue prior to surgery, go for it and consider it the next step in your list of positive lifestyle changes. Enjoy! /Lyn