PS with Lap-Band and N-G tube for anesthesia

One of the cautions I have on my medical alert band is "No NG tube ( nasal gastric ) without an endoscopy". 
Did your surgeon convey this to the anesthesiologist or did you?
Did you have an endoscopy done before your PS or when you were having the PS done?

Thank you.

Diana

This is true.  I remember being told the same by my Lap Band doctor.  I have a medic alert band that says the same!

an Ng tube is a naso gastric tube, used to remove stomac contents ie in a bowel obstruction. During anesthesia, they use an endo tracheal tube- goes down your airway to ensure breathing is maintained, so no need to worry.

You definately need to let your anesthesiologist know that you have had the WLS.  Not sure why they would want you to have an endoscopy prior to the PS, but the reason that you would need one regarding the NG tube would be for placement.  Because of the small pouch, you do not want the NG placed blindly, meaning inserted without verification that it would only go into the pouch and not risking rupturing the pouch.  Its important that your anesthesiologist knows this prior to any surgery, because occasionally they will place one in surgery especially if you have had any food/fluids prior to the procedure (in the case of an emergency).

Again, just make sure your anesthesiologist is aware...they should obtain this info prior to surgery in your pre-op interview with them.

good luck!

An NG (or OG) tube is a standard part of anesthesia care.  Deflating the lap band is also standard for several reasons, before surgery. 

Your PS and anesthesiologist should explain their plan to you before surgery. 

Thank you to everyone who answered.

Dr. L, do you mean that I need to have the saline removed from my Lap-Band? Oh, oh!

Diana

Well...the modern thinking on this is to unrestrict the band because we all know patients need increased nutrition the first week o two after surgery.  Swelling can also happen around the band in case of any anesthesia-induced nausea/vomiting and we dont want that.

Further, there are going to be medications you need to take...for pain, antibiotics, and vitamins. So an loosened band is what most of my bariatric colleagues and I insist upon.

Thanks Dr. L for your most informative reply. It makes perfect sense.

Diana

Hi Diana.  I only answer your questions because Princess Pug there looks so inquisitive.

Dr L,

MAX is offended, he's a wanna-be Prince and a true party animal!

I'm already up to 22 written questions to check out with Dr. Krieger during my next visit.

Thanks you again for all of the help you offer to everyone here at OH.

Diana