Nails during hospital stay?

I am having my WLS done at Good Sam in Portland on 4/17. Someone suggested to me that I would have to have my Solar nails removed (read: fake nails) prior to surgery. Does anyone know anything about this? I know this is a vanity question and I really appreciate your help. Patti

Hi Patricia, The only thing I can think of is if your nails are acrylic the equipment they use to monitor your oxygen level and pulse (pulse ox) will sometimes have an incorrect reading. There are other places they can read your pulse ox such as your toes or earlobes etc.... The pulse ox reads your oxygen level by a little beam of light. Its usually placed on your finger. Just a thought Take care Annette V

You can't wear nail polish because they wouldn't be able to see your nail beds, so it would make sense about removing the Solar nails. Contact your doctor about taking the nails off for surgery. Nancy

I would ask your Drs office about it, I think each hospital may be different. I have had 4 surgeries in the past two years at RVMC in Medford, I didn't have my acrylic nails with all of them but I did with two and they never said anything. I heard from someone that they used to make you remove them but not anymore. ~ Erika ~

They are an issue for infections. Nurses are not permitted to have fake nails as they harbor germs. I doubt they would force this on you. Best to ask them at the hospital. tee

Hi Patti, I agree with Tee.. Ask your Dr.'s office. I had them on with mine, at Kaiser, and my surgeon said they were watching me more closely then to rely solely on my nail color!! Good luck!! Sarah

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions. I'm calling the doc's office now! Patti

My doc said as lond as I had a french manicure it was fine. Mine were red tips with gold sparkles...they had no problems at Bay Area hospital in Coos Bay. Brooke

Its good to have them off so they can look at them to see if your oxegen is good also remove nail polish. I had an emergency with my plastic surgery after WLS. My husband caught it before the nurse did because of the color under my nails Heather