Question:
my wife is undergoing surgery on 5-8, what should i expect?

i am a nervous spouce, want to know what to expect of surgery date, a few ????, have been told that surgery should take approx. 4 hours, if it runs longer should i become concerned (having lap RNY), also do most hospitals (having surgery at southside, Bayshore NY), give updates of how the surgery is progessing or will i have to wait until surgery is completed and speak to DR. and lastly how long on average do you have to wait until you can see your spouceafter surgery is completed? ?    — Rich C. (posted on May 6, 2002)

May 6, 2002
Hello, First, good luck to both you and your wife as you together, undergo this positive life change. I am a nurse and I worked in the OR for years. So from a clinical perspective, I thought I could help put your mind at ease a bit. Historically, lap procedures take longer than open ones. It is very tediousto prepare and perform surgery through a scope. Prepping and postioning takes time. Starting the IV and putting all the monitoring equipement on takes time. If she is having a urinary catheter placed, that takes time... it all takes time and so, the length of time in the OR can deviate based on how smooth the preparation for surgery all goes. Prior to the actual surgery beginning, it is necessary to pump gas into the patients abdomen to provide a clear and ample operating arena for the surgeon. That takes time, too! If one little thing takes longer (let's say it is hard to start the IV and it takes multiple attempts) this could mean 15 extra minutes to what you think is the surgery time. Multiply that by how many things have to be done, and you will see there is no way to adequetely predict the absolute amt of time the surgery will take. These are just estimates. As far as knowing what goes on during the procedure, ask the surgeon prior to the case if he can arrange for someone to come out from time to time to let you know how things are progressing. When all is said and done, you should also seek the support that you need to get through this ordeal. I wish your wife, and you the best. Regards, devices on takes time.
   — Ann B.

May 6, 2002
First let me say I think its WONDERFUL that you have joined the board in support of your wife. Let me give you a hint of something that will happen after surgery. Her hormones are gonna go crazy and she will be moody for a few days. It onset in me as crying for no good reason. My mother was taking care of me and if I even thought about her leaving I would just burst in tears. They day she left ( I was 5 days post op) I cried for 3 hours. Just be supportive. If she wants you to hold her, hold her. If she wants left alone leave her alone. Just know that its her body going through changes and its not something you have done.
   — Diane Rhoads

May 6, 2002
It's wonderful that you are very supportive of your wive's surgery. My husband was wonderful. For me, that was the biggest thing for me was that he was there for me! My surgery was only 2-1/2 hours long. Once they completed the surgery and I was in recovery, they told my husband. It was about an hour or so later (I don't remember anything) when I came back to my room. My doctor was wonderful and checked in on me shortly after surgery and spoke with my husband. I can't tell you how much my husband's presence meant to me. He never left my side (until the nurses kicked him out for the night). Be patient and very supportive.
   — dolphins94