What did you do in preparation for surgery? (kind of personal)

[chrisfla 0]

My surgery was rather quick too. I was allowed to keep my panties on. No catheter. I was probably only in there for 45 mins.

[NYCMom41 0]

Funny, I had the same thoughts as you prior to my surgery. I had an endoscopy a few weeks prior to my surgery and the same out patient facility so I already knew that you had to be completely naked under your gown. So the day of the surgery I was prepared. The day before, I had a bikini wax, shaved my legs and had a pedicure! LOL, my friends were like are you going on a first date or are you having surgery??? As many people have already posted here, the medical staff are professionals, and take your privacy seriously. The nurse made it a point to cover me and made sure I was comfortable cause boy, was it cold in there! Good luck next month and keep us posted.

[kwicken1070 0]

10 day liquid diet, all Water the day before, shower the morning of surgery and that's it.

Edited August 19, 2010 by kwicken1070

[rkwilliams1013 0]

This has to be my favorite post EVER! It made me laugh so hard!

[adagray 1]

I would just do whatever your normal maintenance is as for shaving. They don't need you shaved like w/some other abdominal surgeries so you don't have to worry that they will shave you if you didn't come in shaved. For my c-sections, I shaved myself completely clean before each one because I knew that if I didn't do it, they would do it the morning of the surgery and I don't really want someone else doing it. I feel like I do a better job myself. The nurses are also grateful if you've done the work for them. LOL But, its not an issue for lapband surgery so, like I said, just do whatever you normally do.

As for a catheter, I don't remember getting one, but I might have had one and just wouldn't know since I was completely out.

When I awoke from surgery, I felt really nauseous. I told the recovery nurse and she put something in my IV that took the nausea away. Other than that, my time in recovery is all very hazy, but nothing to worry about.

[NYCMom41 0]

Hi BabyK. I entered surgery at 1:15 and was awakened in the recovery area at 4:00PM and home by 4:45. I was a bit nauseous (but thats a normal reaction from coming out of anesthesia) and I felt more discomfort than pain (I had SILS). I was given Water to drink and escorted to the bathroom. I don't believe I had a catherer either since I peed as soon as I got to the bathroom. One thing that its important to note is that try to wear something comfortable including on your feet. I wore a sundress and flip flops. You want to wear something that is going to be easy to put on after surgery as bending is going to be a chore for a few days post op. I live in NYC so I was fortunate that the outpatient facility and my apartment are six blocks apart so I was home in a few minutes. Unfortunately although I felt well enough to walk home, the staff made us hail a cab. Be prepared when you get home if others depend on you (children, pets, spouse, etc..) cause you are most likely going to be sleeping the rest of the day. (that's if you're allowed to go home the same day). Good luck and keep asking questions! The more prepared you are the better patient and recovery you will have!!

[azarellanos 8]

I'm part of the Surgical Care Improvement Process team at work. Shaving with a razor actually increases the chance for infection. Only clippers are to be used if hair removal is needed.

I wore underwear during my surgery. I didn't consider it prior, but it made it nice.

[healthyhappyme2010 0]

I think in general if you're conscience (sp) about that area you will worry. I get a bikini wax every 3 weeks, I did make my appt the Friday before my Monday surgery. I personally perfer to have the area groomed at all times.

I know they need to put benadin (sp) all over your belly so I imagine someone will atleast see the top. I was shocked to find a monitor sticky under my left breast...someone at the very least looked/touched my breast. I was conpletely out of it so it doesn't really matter. I will feel a little funny when I see my surgeon for my 2 week check up, he's so handsome (I have a little crush on him).

Edited August 20, 2010 by healthyhappyme2010

[gigi0504 0]

I was told to use a special soap or a dial liquid antibacterial soap ONLY. No lotions, perfumes etc. I shaved my legs and groomed a little not because of vanity but because I knew it would be several days before I would feel like it. Could not believe how quickly everything was over. Most embarassing part for me was having the hubby help me get dressed because I am totally embarassed to ahve him see me that way.

[Nicole74 4]

Yes they put in a catheter....I took an electric shaver and shaved in my "private" areas than shaved my legs..I did this more for me cause I knew I wouldnt feel like doing it right after surgery and I didnt! I had a hard time waking up from surgery but once I did I just woke up like I would if I had been asleep at night just more of a druged tired feeling and oh yea pain:)

[mlmdore 0]

I would do whatever you feel most comfortable with/how you normally like things..They are all doctors/nurses who have seen it all. I remember speaking to my mom (who is a nurse) and said I didn't like the idea of just having my naked body on the table..she said that anytime they are not operating on a sensitive area, they cover you with a cloth..and then, she reminded me that the last thing they are looking at/thinking about is your fat, hair, etc..

as to how I felt after, i woke in recovery, very groggy, a bit sore and with a lot of shoulder pain...but, luckily after a few days it gets bettter..

best of luck!