catheter

I haven't been sleeved yet, but I have to say that I'm sort of hoping for one because the last time I had general anesthesia, my bladder stayed asleep for about 7 hours after the rest of it had worn off.  I had broken my ankle almost to bits and had surgery to repair it and getting out of bed was not possible yet.  They were pumping me full of fluids and I thought my bladder was going to burst. 

Surgeon's preference.  Mine didn't do a cath because he said you're not on the table long enough to need one, and they want you up, out of bed, and getting to the bathroom after the surgery.

 My doctor does not put one in during surgery. He want you up and walking afterwards. BUT, after my surgery, I could not go potty on my own, I could feel it, but it would not come out. Finally they had to put in a cath. to stimulate my bladder. So, they put one in for a few hours and took it out. Afterwards, I could go on my own just fine.

About how it feels.....This was the second time I have had a cath. put in while awake. The last time was back in May. I was crying and screaming, so afraid, and before I knew it, it was in. I did not feel it either time! When they take it out, it was not bad, just uncomfortable. To me, it felt like taking out a dry tampon. 

Thank you all so much for your feedback & sharing your experiences. This helps! At least I have a better idea of what to expect...lol

I have been cathed too many times to count. They do not hurt. Just take a deep breath and exhale when the take it out. Also, keep an eye out for a UTI afterward. Sometimes they can develop after having a foley put it in. Best of luck!!

I was told my doc does not put them in for surgery. I did not have 1 my surgery was 1 hr long.

Just ask. I asked my DR right away and he told me he doesnt use them. I was SO relieved!

mine was put in while asleep and removed before i woke up in recovery. I had no trouble after that emptying my bladder. They pump a lot of fluids in your IV. I thought it is pretty standard to have a catheter inserted to keep bladder empty during surgery. Don't want anything in the surgeons way while he is performing the surgery. the colon, bladder, urters can get perforatted during surgery. So a good ideal to keep everything out of his way.

 I had one which was put in after anasthesia. Dr. told me in advance he would be doing that. And it stayed in me until  2 days later when I left the hospital. I did develop a UTI from the catheter which I am told is not uncommon. But it was easily treated with (liquid) antibiotics and all  was well after that.