Question:
What might be hooked up to me when I get out of surgery?

What could possibly be connected to me if something goes wrong? I'm looking at Lap RNY and want to know what to expect when I wake up? I know the NG tube is common and of course, an IV, but what else would be common to prepare for? I have a severe case of anxiety and want to be mentally ready for any possible problem. So, anyone out there that woke up with something attached to them out of the ordinary, please let me know. The last thing I want is to freak out when I wake up because I believe the worst has happened to me. Thanks for any help.    — Dawn R. (posted on March 18, 2001)

March 18, 2001
Hi Dawn, I did not have a Lap/RNY. I had an Open/RNY. In recovery, I had the NG tube, IV, Oxygen (thru small removal nose-tubes) and Thrombo-Guards on both of my legs. The Thrombo-Guards are fabulous!! They warm and massage your legs and are used to help in the prevention of blood clots...which is very important in patients having WLS. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more concerns. (((Hugs))) Sharon
   — Sharon M.

March 18, 2001
I recently had a lap RNY. When I woke up I had oxygen, the thrombo tubes, an IV and a catheter. I stayed witht the oxygen for about 8 hours and the catheter and IV for a full day. My doctor insisted that I get up and start to walk almost immediately, so I was glad to just have to push around my IV and carry my catheter. I understand your anxiety level and I hope this information helps.
   — Elizabeth B.

March 18, 2001
I had the same things Sharon had except NO NG tube.
   — Lisa B.

March 18, 2001
Waking up from surgery, I kind of felt like a marionnette. I had chosen to have an epidural for pain management, so I had a small catheter coming over my shoulder from my back. I had 3 IV's, one in the back of my hand, one in my wrist (taking blood pressure,and other stuff), and a big one by my elbow. I also had a full set of EKG leads, so sticky pads with leads from my chest, sides, legs, arm. I had oxygen coming to me in the little nasal canula, and last but not least, a urinary catheter. Not really coming out of me, but still attached, I had the inflatable leg things that help prevent blood clots. All of this was for no complications. Don't freak out if you wake up with lots of stuff on you. Good Luck to you!
   — Cara S.

March 18, 2001
I had open RNY last Monday. I had an IV with my pca attached, a catheter, an ng tube, oxygen, and a heart monitor,plus some kind of booties on my legs that inflated with air to prevent clots. I'm not sure about why I had the heart monitor,probably some precautionary measure, but I did great, I was released Friday and every thing is great so far. I feel wonderful and have had no trouble.
   — Beth E.

March 18, 2001
Hi Dawn ~ I had Lap RNY on feb 28th. When I woke up the only thing that I had on me was an I.V. I woke up in recovery and the nurse kept asking me if I had pain and she would give me something and when I went to my room I had my little pain pump. The day after surgery they took the pain pump away and took the I.V. out and left the shunt in. They gave me liquid pain meds after that. Hope this helps....
   — Heather C.