Question:
Has anyone heard of not having to have a bowel prep before surgery?

   — sis F. (posted on August 28, 2002)


August 27, 2002
I didn't have any sort of bowel anything pre-surgery. I got a shot for blood clotting and a sedative. If they did anything like that, it was while I was out - that's when the catheter went in and the breathing tube stuff.
   — Anna F.

August 27, 2002
I did not have to have a bowel prep done either. It was a very pleasant surprise as I was convinced that I would. My doctor thinks that it is very dehydrating to the body presurgery so he does not require it. I was also very surprised as I waited in the hospital to have the "leak test" done before eating anything and was told they don't do that anymore either!! Good Luck in your journey.
   — UMMADUMMASS

August 27, 2002
i had nothing done other than normal pre-op blood work prior to my surgery
   — paula B.

August 27, 2002
I had no Bowel prep either. Also, no drains or NG tubes. When I woke up I only had an IV and cathater (sp?) Everything went great in my surgery and 3 months post, 70lbs later I'm grateful. Trust your surgeon he/she (after you have check them out well) knows what works for their patients.
   — Cheryl S.

August 27, 2002
My surgeon does not require the pre-op bowel prep. When she first started doing wls she did. At that time she also used NG tubes and drain tubes on her patients. She doesn't use any of that stuff anymore. She said that she has found those things are just not necessary for a successful surgery. The only things I did pre-op were bloodwork, an EKG, and a weigh in.
   — Jenny S.

August 27, 2002
If you're having lap, this seems sort of scary to me....the way my doctor explained it, the bowel prep is to inhibit possible infections -- when they're pulling out one of the scopes (the one closest to the bowel), they don't want any fecal matter coming into contact with the wound/port. This is also why he puts you on liquids the day before; to empty out your bowel to avoid infection. So...are you having lap or open?
   — Tamara K.

August 27, 2002
no bowel prep here, just nothing by mouth after midnight. I did fine.
   — Vicki L.

August 28, 2002
I did'nt have too! Plus, it was liquids only for the last 24 hours (actually about 36) before surgery.
   — Danmark

August 28, 2002
I didn't have a bowel prep, nor was I on any sort of special diet before surgery. The only rules were not to eat or drink after midnight, and wash with the hibiclens the morning of surgery. In fact, I ate a huge steak and lobster for dinner the night before surgery, and everything went well :)
   — Kelly C.

August 28, 2002
There was no bowel prep before surgery. Just one day before, light breakfast with clear liquids, jello, bouillon following and nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
   — Gail G.

August 28, 2002
I asked my surgeons nurse practicioner who assists with surgery in the OR. He says they require the bowell prep because clean gives them a bit more room for the LAP procedure. Plus there is less chance of infection, the bowell prep includes some heavy antibiotic doses. I didnt enjoy the bowell prep but looking back its a minor inconvenience....
   — bob-haller




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