dumb question

What is an epidural? Do you have to have one?I believe i am having the lap band does that make a difference with the epidural?

An epidural is basically a needle put into the soft tissue around your spine. Not directly into your spine like a spinal. At least that is how it was described to me. It doesnt paralize you like a spinal (from the shoulders down) but lets you have movement while dulling or taking away any pain you might have. It isn't fun to get one but the results from it takes away the doubt about having one, for me anyway.