epidural

Hi... Im in the process of seeing if i will be approved for surgery - I am 16 and right now 369 pounds. I have another appt. to see my surgeon 2morrow afternoon, but im not sure what it is for. Also, if anyone who has already had the surgey has had an epidural, would you recommend it or not, and why? I have heard that they are really good for pain, but my mom isnt so sure... lol.. looking forward to hearing from you! ~*Doris*~

I had an epidural while I was in labor...and let me tell you, it helped ALOT. However, I was allergic to the medicine in the spinal and I got really really itchy! It was not fun at all. In terms of pain control it is great, but you can't feel your legs, belly, or pretty much anything below your nipples...haha. So, I'm not sure how you'll be able to walk with all that medicine in you. But if you have more questions just post or e-mail me. Thanks. ~Meggan~

Hey - Thanks I have one more question: I read some parts of your profile, and I saw that you have medicaid... I have that as well.. May I ask how old you are? And if your under 18, did you have any trouble getting approval? Thanks again!!! Doris

Hey Doris- I just wanted to wish you luck in your upcoming battle for surgery approval. I started at your weight, so its really nice to see someone elses life prepare to change in the same way mine did. As far as epidurals..I had a liquid morphine pain bump and it was perfect. Ive never heard of anyone having an epidural for WLS...either way goodluck in your decisions. xxErica [email protected] -170 Pounds.

hey doris! they tried to give me an epidural, but they couldn't get it to work! they tried to find the right spot for 5 minutes. they never found it and it was painful. i ended up with the morphine and it was great, just push the button when you need some! talk to you soon! Good luck! Jenny D

Hey it is KIm from NY I did not get the epidural.. Besides you want to get your self up and moving hours after surgery to keep your self healthy and not get any blood clots in your legs. --KIM

Hi Doris, my name is Betty and I had the GB in Sept. 2003. I had an epidural and it was the most wonderful thing in the world. It's not the same as when you are having a baby as Megghan said. It is totally different. You can walk and move around as much as you want to. Dr. Cole did my surgery and he is a wonderful surgeon. I have a soon to be 15 year old son who is in desperate need of this lifesaving tool, also. I didn't know Dr. Cole did the surgery on teenagers. Let me know if you have seen him yet, and what he says about teens getting it done. I would really like to know. Well, good luck in your endeavors. I really hope you get approved and can get this done. Your quality of life really goes on an upward spiral. I have lost 107 pounds in less than 8 months. I feel fantastic and everyone says I am gorgeous. I don't believe them of course, but hey, it's good for the ego meter..lol... Take care and I will wait to hear back from you soon. Betty Lewis [email protected]