Question:
Would someone please share the pre-op preparations that are involved in an LAP

RYN? I would like to know hear specifically about how you are put to sleep & if you have to have an epidural. Another question is will you have to have some sort of tube with a LAP RYN? Do many patients have to be placed in ICU? Specifically I would be interested in hearing from patients who have had surgery with Dr. Champion, but any comments would be appreciated. I did not ask this questions at my visit & I guess I should have. Thanks.    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 5, 2000)

May 5, 2000
Each surgeon/hospital has their own protocols, but I would be happy to tell you about my experience. I had my Lap proximal RNY done 10/99. My surgeon was Dr. Clark at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego. The first thing they did the morning of the surgery was to wrap me in a heated blanket (that was the best, it really helped to relax me) then they shaved my stomach and began an IV (didn't hurt they numbed my hand first). A shot was given in my stomach to decrease the chance of blood clots (that one also doesn't hurt - just a slight burn for a second or two). The anesthesiologist gave me some meds in my IV to relax me prior to surgery. When they wheeled me into surgery I really couldn't see anything in the operating room. Within a minute or two after entering the operating room they placed an oxygen mask over my face and told me to take a deep breath. That was the last thing I remember until I heard the nurse in recovery ask if I wanted some more pain meds. I had two tubes in my stomach after surgery. One in my lower left suture line (this one came out on day 2) and a JP drain in my middle right suture line (this one goes into the old stomach - if I remember right). The JP drain stayed in for about 10 days. I have six small scars that now range in size from about 1/4 of an inch to 1 inch in length. I hope this helps. Please email me if you have any further questions.
   — Jilda H.

May 5, 2000
My LAP RNY was different from Jilda's. I was not shaven or given shots before. I was set up with an IV and something to relax me and wheeled into the operating room. I was given the oxygen/meds to put me asleep and woke up in recovery just as she did. I had no drains. I had 7 incisions (one in my belly button). All are about 1/2 - 3/4" long and all healed nicely. My LAP was done by Dr. Vierra at Stanford. Hope this helps. Good luck.
   — Dot W.

May 5, 2000
Mine was similar to Diane's surgery. Only difference was they gave me something to drink to settle my stomach (very small amount) before wheeling me into the OR. I ended-up with 3 visible incisions at about 1/2 to 1 inch in length and one in my belly button (not visible). I was not in ICU any longer than 4 hours. My surgery was with Dr. Gagner at Mt. Sinai in NYC. Good luck to you...
   — DOROTHY A.

May 5, 2000
Hi I had surgery with Dr. Champion 4/20/00. When I got admitted they took me to a little room where they took my weight, blood pressurre, and had me take a little pill to help settle my stomach. Then I was moved to another little room where I changed into the hospital gowns, they stuck me with the IV (OUCH!), and gave me a shot in my stomach to thin the blood (I think). That shot doesn't really hurt just a little burn. Then I had to wait. Once they were ready to take me down I hopped up on a gurney and took me to pre-op where I waited again for the anesthesiologist(sp). While waiting they brought out the leg pumps that they will put on during and after surgery, took my blood pressure again, put on the little finger cuff and I got to watch other people go in and out. After the anesthesiologist came to see me I got some "happy juice" in my IV and don't remember anything until I woke up in recovery. I didn't have an epidural it was general anesthesia. I didn't go to ICU just to recovery. There wasn't any drain tubes comming out of me when I woke up. I had 6 little incisions about 1/2-1" long closed with steristrips (almost all healed now). They don't have a morphine drip like some places seem to so you need to ask for your meds. I didn't ask that question so I was a little surprised afterwards. I hope this answered your questions. If you have anymore questions that you think I could answer for you my email address is [email protected]. Good luck and talk to you soon. Tammy
   — Tamilyn12

May 6, 2000
My hospital day pre-op preps were much like those already described. The nurse inserted an IV , I took a small dose of valium to relax me. No shaving. Wheeled to OR as happy as a clam and only awake for a few moments in the OR. I was not even awake long enough to look around and see all the instruments, which I was really curious about. The anesthesiologist (spelling?) put an oxygen mask over my mouth and nose, told me to breathe in and the next thing I knew I was awake in recovery. A nurse was telling me to breathe deeply. A request you will hear OFTEN after surgery. Now, what you didn't ask specifically about, but may want to be ready for, is the preparations the few days before surgery. I went on a light diet three days before surgery. Two days before surgery just cream soups and shakes and yogurt and stuff. One day before surgery only clear liquids. Also on day before surgery, I was required to take antibiotics (orally) and oral laxative that kept me running to the bathroom for a good three hours! No liquid after 12 PM the night before surgery. Although, I was allowed to have a sip of water in the morning with which to take my meds and that happy valium pill. Moral of the story. Make sure you get in your "last meal" four days before your surgery!!
   — f M.