Question:
Will having my period during surgury be a big problem?

I am worried about having my period which is scheduled to arrive 1 day before my scheduled surgury date. I am worried about what to do for the surgury, because they are going to put in a catheter, and how hard it will be once I have had the surgury. Any input or suggestions would be helpful.    — Michele L. (posted on May 15, 2002)

May 15, 2002
I had surgery a week and a day ago, and, of course, I was on my period at the time. It was really no big deal. I made sure I had pads with me in the hospital, but I didn't use them much. I asked the nurses for some of those pads that you can lay on the bed, and I just made sure I stayed on those most of the time. As far as the catheter goes, don't worry about it. They removed my catheter the day after my surgery, and believe me, being on my period was the farthest thing from my mind that first day. Nurses and nurse aides are used to seeing bloody sheets and bloody clothing--they will be sure to provide clean items for you. One thing you might want to remember: after they removed my catheter, I had to pee into a special little container the nurses placed in the toilet. At first, the nurses were concerned that there was blood in my urine. I just had to be sure to tell them that I was on my period, and that the blood wasn't some complication from surgery. Good luck!
   — Kristie B.

May 15, 2002
If it is going to happen to anyone, it'll happen to me...that's my motto...lol!! I started my period the day before my surgery....go figure!! Just let the nursing staff know!! They understand these things and are trained to deal with it!! The nurses I had were GREAT!! Good Luck, Karan - 1 year post-op May 29th!!! down 120#s
   — chance2lv

May 15, 2002
This pretty much happens to all menstruating women (not sure if it just WLS related or perhaps how long you stay under anesthesia)- but it will HAPPEN and there is nothing to be embarrassed about or to fear (or that you can do about it). If you look in the past posts, you will see all sorts of women freaking out about it and they all survived. You will not feel your catheter, nor will you feel your period. You also will not be getting up very much..... you just need to relax, and not think of trivial issues such as a period when there are far more important issues you should be concentrating on - such as a positive frame of mind, and a speedy recovery.
   — Karen R.

May 15, 2002
I started my period early the day after my surgery. I was told that it happens a lot but the nurses were great. I was so glad when I wasn't supposed to start for like 2 weeks and then I started early, I was hoping to not have to deal with that right after my surgery. Just concentrate on being comfortable and be prepared in case you do start. Best of luck as you start this journey.
   — Monica F.