Urgent Priority Hospital Stay -- ICU?

I was just reading some entries in the Hospital Reviews section of the Message Board, and saw something that got me a little anxious . There were several entries that mentioned a day in the Intensive Care Unit; do all WLS patients go to ICU after surgery? I have had some very anxious moments in ICU's and just want to know what to expect. Peace, Ken P.

Neither myself or my hubby had an ICU stay...depends on your co-morbidities I would assume. Good luck! Kristin

Hey Ken, Don't worry. I did not have to go into the ICU either. It depends on your comorbities. Your surgeon will go through all of this with you. Don't get nervous, stay focused and you will do fine. Good luck and god bless KimC

Hi Ken, I didn't have to go to ICU either. Like everybody is saying, those are special cir****tances and I'm sure your doctor would know before hand if the need may arise. Talk with your doctor about it and I'm sure he will be able to shed light on the issue. Be Well, Julio

Hi Ken... I think it's a very small percentage that end up in ICU. Don't worry yourself about it!! So how are you and your family? How is your pre-op testing going? Keep me up-to-date on your progress. I'm here for you!! My time is drawing near and I'm getting very excited. Doing all the last minute things that I need to get done. My surgery is at 7:30am a week from this Monday. My mom and my best friend will be there with me. My best friend is coming more as a support for my Mom to help her through the anxiety of waiting for me to come out of the OR. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a fabulous holiday weekend!! Kim K.

Hi Ken, My doctor puts everyone in the ICU after surgery. I believe right now he does it due to it being a newer program at the hosptial and felt better with the ICU staff.....which was at Midstate Medical Center in Meriden. I was very stable when I was in the ICU and very suprised how well I did. Personally I recieved better care there than on the regular floor -in ICU they woke you up every 4 hrs and made you walk, which helped me out more. I believe as the program progresses at the hospital that the patients are going out to the regular floor right after surgery. If you have any questions, please contact me. Christine C

My doctor used to put post op patients in ICU if they had a C-Pap for sleep apnea. I do not think he does this any longer, as they are more prepared for gastric bypass surgery patients on the regular floor than in ICU. Research and make sure the hospital is prepared for a patient with your specific post op needs...I have hears horror stories. Good Luck XO Joanie

I was in ICU immediately following surgery, then what they call a step-down room before being transferred to a regular room. There are many factors that could lead you to end up in the ICU for a day or two. You might have low O2 levels, elevated or low blood pressure, high or low heart rate, lower than normal blood count, etc. The ICU gets you immediate and closely supervised care where someone can quickly respond to a problem. You are monitored constantly. From what I can tell, this seems to be a precautionary measure in most cases. Surgery is not an exact science. I'm sure there are "textbook cases" of certain operations, but often the surgeon doesn't know what he or she might come across, or how long a surgery might take if there are complications. Bypass surgery is serious business. I'd rather my surgeon be proactive and err on the side of safety rather than take a chance. I don't think you should be concerned about it. --Steve

THANKS TO ALL *****SPONDED TO MY QUERRY, I am relieved of most of my anxieties. I was just taken for a loop, after reading about several individuals who were immediately placed in ICU's post-op; but having heard your responses, I realize that there could be any number of reasons why this is done. So, I'll just chill until I get a date; hopefully soon. ken p.