Any danger in using dentist's nitrous oxide post-op?

I ask this because when the mask goes over my nose, it then gets strapped to the chair (I don't know why). So I am then unable to move my head. My fear is suddenly barfing and then choking on my barf. Is it then best to go to the dentist on an empty stomach? She said that one shouldn't come there starving but I'm so afraid that if I eat, I'll throw-up. Another thing, Is the NO in the same family as general anesthesia in that it will make my hair fall out like GA does after rny? Also, do any other post-ops take longer than "normal" people to come out of the NO? The lady that was in before me (and she used the NO) ran out the door as if nothing but I had to sit in the waiting room for 15-20 minutes before I felt "sober" enough to drive home. One more thing - are there any of you post-ops who notice that since surgery you have become more fearful of things that you had no problem with handling before? I always had some anxiety at the dentist but never enough to need the "laughing gas". But now I'm just so terrified at the dentist. Those darn needles hurt bad but I think it's the psychological pain rather than the physical pain that hurts the most! That's why I NEED to be gassed! Sorry for being such a worry-wart. Incidently, I'm 8 months post open rny, in case you need background.

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