Question about IVs and Update

I have a question about folks IVs. When I had my son, it was a very, very difficult experience getting my IV started. They had to get two anesthesiologist and it ended up pooling in my arm so they had to start another one. Now, I'm about 20 pounds lighter and not as swollen, but I expect this to be an unpleasant experience. I was wondering how some of your experiences with IVs have been? My hubby says to insist that they put me under before they started it. Also, just an update...I have been approved. Supposedly, I should hear from Dr. Duncan's office this week for my pre-pre op appointment. From there, I'll get my surgery date. I'm a bit nervous but excited at the same time. Thank you guys for your input!

I don't know how your doctor does it - but I had to have the IV to be put under. they have to start the fluids and they give ya the "feel good stuff" through the IV. Maybe with the weight loss your veins will be better able to withstand an IV..... Keep us posted when you get your date!

Stephine, So glad to hear you are approved . My advice on the two days you have to only clear liq and you do the bowel prep drink drink dont geet dehydrated . drink up untill midnight. This also helps your veins . At AMC they put the iv in . in the pre-op room to start iv and the feel good stuff like DEE DEE said I wish you luck . I about paniced when they told me they had to give me a shot in the stomach. It was a blood thinner but I didn't even feel it . I was so embrassed......Beth Keep us posted

Hey Steph, I am usually not too hard of a stick but... when I went in for my surgery they were sticking me all over and finally after like 4 nurses tried they took me to surgery with no IV. They were talking about doing my neck... gulp... when the anesthisiologist got me on the first try, in my arm, exactly where I had been telling the nurses to begin with! He accused me, jokingly that I must be a heroin addict cuz they always know exactly where to stick...lol Its the one thing you shouldn't be worried about.. they'll get ya hooked up, and you won't even be thinging about that! Let us know when you get a date. I'll be remembering you in my prayers! Barb

I have always been a hard stick. Always. Even when skinny. Infact for my knee surgery it took them over 30 minutes before they could start an IV on me - I went through 3 folks before the head anethesiologist finially got it started and I too kept asking (after feeling like a misused pin cusion) I asked could you just put me out THEN start the thing? I was told nope can't do that. So, you can imagine that was fresh in my mind for my WLS! In fact, I was MORE worried about starting my IV then I was about the surgery itself lol. It took her a few minutes of searching carefully and smacking the back of my hand to get the veins to 'wave' at her, but the nurse was good and started it on the first stick. I was SO relieved! Of course, it infiltrated on the second day (Like my last surgery too), but by then they said I could go home so they just removed it I agree with the other poster, the more hydrated you can get, the more the veins will stand out and make it easier on you both before surgery. Good luck to you! Kia 284/204/155

My mother has really bad veins and everytime she needs an IV she does not let the nurses do it. She always asks for the head of the IV team. Just wanted to let you know.