IV Sedation/Anesthesia Concerns

Hi all, I'm new here, just discovered this site and love that there are so many supportive people on here.  I've been going back and forth with the decision to have WLS but have a lot of reservations. I've been having a lot of upper middle stomach pain.  I went to the GI doctor and he says I need to have an endoscopy done which is done under IV sedation.  I was told it's a good idea to have this done before WLS anyway.  I also have had a gallbladder attack and think I may need surgery to remove my gallbladder. 

I am absolutely terrified of sedation/anesthesia.  I am 391 lbs and I had a doctor last year tell me that I could never have surgery at this weight because I wouldn't survive.  I have rescheduled the endoscopy 3 times but am in such pain now I think I really need to have it done. 

I was just hoping someone could tell me if they have had any kind of surgery or sedation before and it wasn't that bad or if they were also told there would be problems by their doctor. 

Thanks

Oh sweetie GET THE ENDOSCOPY!  I waited much too long to have my gall bladder out because of some of the same concerns (and also because I had no money) - I ended up with pancreatitis and possibly damaged my body permanently. I was 350lbs (and at 5'0 that is a very high BMI for surgery) and I recovered easily and had no problems. Everyone is different with anesthesia and there are no guarantees that you won't have problems, but remember that the people in the OR are trained for them, especially during an obesity surgery. They know exactly what they are dealing with.

My endoscopy (after RNY for complications) requires some sedation but I was not completely out, I actually remember the entire thing (which most people don't). I was given Versed and then something to numb my throat.  In my opinion it was not nearly as scary as a surgery and also it was VERY fast, so its unlikely that you would have problems.

Finally, they can removed your gall bladder during the RNY and often will if you have stones.

Try to put your fears aside. You will do fine. I weighed close to 530lbs. during my RNY (open) on 12/22/08. I have severe OSA. I made out good.

have the endoscopy.  maybe they'll just take the gallbladder with your WLS?  wishing you the best of luck and may you be pain-free soon.  lys

Boy don't those anthesists and anthesians scare us to death.
I weighed 450 and had two total knee replacements 4 years a part, my WLS and just had an arm surgery in September.They tell you the worse that can happen .... I am also now 61 . Think of it this way if you wait until it is an emergency it will not be good for you!!!

I was 487 and had anesthesia for another operation (three times) and was fine. I had RNY (Laproscopically) at 406 and it was hard recovering but no ill effects from anesthesia, it's going to be OK. You are dealing with experts!

For an endoscopy they do not put you "out" under general anesthesia... they just give you a little IV and send you to la la land for 15 minutes. Trust me, it is nothing and totally safe.

I jus****ched an 800 pound man on TLC go under general. He is alive and well.

Weigh your risks compared to staying SMO. They don't compare.