Question:
What is in entailed in pre-op procedures?

I am not a baby or a whiner, but I am a whimp to certain things. I read in one post where in preop they put a tube down your throat, are you awake during this, and just what is in detailed in pre-op?    — Edie L. (posted on May 24, 1999)

May 24, 1999
For my surgery, the only thing I was aware of was the IV. Once that was in, the happy juice arrived and I missed out on all other probings and insertions. I woke up with the NG tube and it's not that big a deal. Irritating, not miserable. As for breathing tubes and all that, as far as I know, you must be down deep and it's all gone when you awaken.
   — vitalady

May 24, 1999
I suppose every doctor is different with the pre-op but my doctor requires you go to one of the Gastric Bypass meetings, which are held once a month, a blood test which will determine if you have a bacteria in your stomach that causes ulcers, sorry I do not remember the name of test. If you are positive it is treated with anitibiotics, (which is no big deal) we go see a dietician and go see a phychologist and have a gall bladder ultrasound. As far as the scope going down your throat, I did have that done and I was so nervous. I would actually have it done again because they sedate you to relax you and believe me you are relaxed. The knowledge of the people that surround you during this procedure is high and they are wonderful to you. So, if you have any questions they are there for you and talking to you the whole time. Enjoy, and take the plunge it is well worth it!!!!!
   — Rhonda B.

May 24, 1999
no, you are not a whiner or a baby. I worried about these exact things myself before surgery. And these are all important questions to ask "BEFORE" surgery. The more prepared you are I believe, the better experience you will have after surgery. You will be asleep when they insert the tube. So when you wake up it will be there. It is not that big a deal, I really stressed about it but it wasn't to bad. Just like having something in the back of your throat. To me it was like when you have post nasal drip all the time and you always feel like you've got something in the back of your throat. I have a real bad gag reflex so if I can handle it I know you can too! hugs Dana P.S. I'm orignially from AR, do you know where Damascus is?
   — [Anonymous]

May 24, 1999
My doctor had a complete work up done. I had to have a visit with a psychologist, an endocronoligist, as well as an EKG, UGI, Barium enema (that was the worst experience in my life!). Also an ultra-sound of my liver, gall bladder and kidneys. My doctor, Dr. Lirio, has all of this to send to the insurance company as back up for the surgery request. I had approval within a week. Although it took me 2 months for all of the appointments.
   — Michelle M.

May 24, 1999
No way, you are out before they put that tube down your throat. I had the surgery 8 weeks ago, and believe me its worth it, very much so, I feel wonderful and eat really well, the good things too, that is the key to a healthier life. right before surgery, they give you some nice meds, to feel relaxed, they put a catheter in , which really isnt bad at all.
   — Sandra S.

May 25, 1999
I was just like you -- certain things gross me out. The only thing that got me through was discussing the procedure with my aunt (had surgery similar to mine). Yes, you will have a nasal-gastric (NG) tube inserted through your nose and into your stomach, but mine was inserted after I was under. Discuss this with your surgeon. I would advise discussing all of this with him/her. You will be far more comfortable with the pre-op procedures, and your surgeon will be more comfortable as well. The only disturbing thing that happened to me was the insertion of the IV tube. That grosses me out. All I did was think about the benefits of the surgery, and kept my mind otherwise occupied. Oh, you probably will wake up from surgery with the NG tube still in you. It won't be removed for about a day. But you probably won't notice it because you will be drugged! Good luck.
   — Elizabeth W.

May 25, 1999
Pre-op they wrapped my legs with ace bandages to keep the blood circulating, and started an I.V. They wheeled me down to the pre-op room where I spoke to my surgeon and the anasthesiologist. He gave me a shot of something. The last thing I remember is the nurse in the operating room asking me if the music bothered me. Nothing else until I woke up after surgery, very groggy and in a lot of pain. They gave me morphine for that and I slept pretty much the next 12-16 hours.
   — dboat

June 1, 1999
The pre-op testing included a chest x-ray, an upper GI, an EKG, having blood drawn, having an ultrasound of your gallblatter and a complete check up from your Physician. They do put a tube down your throat but that's not until after you are in the OR getting ready to have your surgery and you won't even know because you will be under the anstesia(sp?). That was my experience it may be different for you
   — Kristen C.

June 20, 1999
The only thing done while I was awake was the IV. When I woke up I had a breathing tube and an NG tube. The breathing tube came out in recovery and I don't remember it. The NG tube came out of my nose about 36 hours after surgery and does not hurt. That was it!!
   — Donna D.

Click Here to Return