Question for post-ops about hospital experience

Had my final clearance today for next Wednesday . Question for the post-ops here. One of the things my surgeon does as standard procedure is catheterize you. It's only until the morning after the surgery...but I REALLY, REALLY don't like the idea. To the post-ops here, two questions? (1) Were you catheterized? (2) Did you feel it was necessary? Maybe I'm wrong, but to my way of thinking, if they're going to get me up to walk within 60 minutes of me coming to my room from recovery, then I can walk to the bathroom. What do you folks think?

Hi Barry: Yes I was catherized and yes I felt it was necessary. I just had surgery on Monday morning. I was very sore and tired after the surgery. The nurses let me sleep for about 2-3 hours at a time, then you have to have your vitals checked and go for a walk around the floor. By being catherized, I had less to worry about. After they take it out, they measure your urine to make sure you are going often, and keep your surgeon posted. It's only the first day and it was the last thing I worried about. Just make sure you walk, walk, walk so you won't get blood clots. Good luck to you and may you have a speedy recovery.

Nope , no catheter. Maybe it depends on your weight? I don't understand the need personally as my surgeon didn't allow a sip of water until the next morning. I couldn't pee at all until later the day after surgery and that was a trickle until I got hydrated. Also getting up and moving is the best thing so even to get up to go to the bathroom is helpful. Btw.. I brought a rubber spatula and wrapped toilet paper around it to wipe as it was tough to reach easily. The gas alone ( assuming you are a lap RNY)makes it uncomfortable. Good Luck.

To the post-ops here, two questions? (1) Were you catheterized? Nope......I wasnt. It may depend on the Dr. I had my surgery at 830 AM and was in my room and WALKING at 11:45...I really doo believe the key to recovery, is to move !! The nurses laughed and said whenever they came to my room, I was never there, instead I was in the halls walking !! Soo KEEP MOVING...it also helps with the gas from lap. Also helps ya get out of there early !!! Good Luck !! You'll doo fine Im sure !! JUST KEEP MOVING !!!

I'm not lap, I'm open--my doc doesn't believe in doing lap, says the incidence of complications is higher with lap. I don't know if I'm going to say anything to him beforehand--I may just wait until I get to my room and then TELL them to remove it. The magic words "I do NOT consent to this catheter" will work wonders .

To the post-ops here, two questions? (1) Were you catheterized? no i wasnt... i had open aswell my dr. says he likes to see what is going on!!! good luck!!! keep us posted julie k

Barry, When I awoke I did have a cathiter in. Did not feel it and was grateful. I do not awaken as quickly as many seem to and it allows you to sleep while you bladder is emptying without your knowledge. When you have an IV running you tend to have to eliminate often too. I started having complications pretty early on after surgery and believe me I was thrilled to have the cath as I became unable to get out of bed. I would prefer to have it put in whle I was out than to have it put in while awake. If all is well after surg and you are up and about they will remove it without hesitation and that is quick and painless. Prayers for a speedy recovery Mary

Barry I had open and the cat was put in before the surgery and I was alseep for it and it was remove when I was taken to my room....It might be a good thing depending on how you feel after surgery I was so out of it I didn't get out of bed right away...... Christine

Hi barry, I havent had surgery yet, but I am a student nurse and I have sat in on a few surgeries ( not to mention my c-section with my daughter) I had a cath then... you dont feel it. I do know that the reason the insert the cath for surgery is so the sterile field does not get compromised during surgery. You will be unconcious and the use the cath to empty your bladder before they begin and it continues to catch your urine during surgery so there are no " accidents" on the table... Also, the catheter makes it easy for them to be sure you are not becoming dehydrated or retaining fluid...which can lead to respiratory problems especially after anesthia... so basically they will monitor what goes in with the IV and what comes out to be sure they equal...and it makes it easy for them to monitor your urine and check for internal bleeding.... I know it seems like a pain and like it would be painfull....but its a great tool for the Dr. and nursing staff to monitor you with post op... Hope this helps and good luck! Vivian

Hi barry, I havent had surgery yet, but I am a student nurse and I have sat in on a few surgeries ( not to mention my c-section with my daughter) I had a cath then... you dont feel it. I do know that the reason the insert the cath for surgery is so the sterile field does not get compromised during surgery. You will be unconcious and the use the cath to empty your bladder before they begin and it continues to catch your urine during surgery so there are no " accidents" on the table... Also, the catheter makes it easy for them to be sure you are not becoming dehydrated or retaining fluid...which can lead to respiratory problems especially after anesthia... so basically they will monitor what goes in with the IV and what comes out to be sure they equal...and it makes it easy for them to monitor your urine and check for internal bleeding.... I know it seems like a pain and like it would be painfull....but its a great tool for the Dr. and nursing staff to monitor you with post op... Hope this helps and good luck! Vivian