Worried about safety

[SpartanPrincess 82]

Am I the only one actually worried about the surgery part of the band? My husband is an md and says it's no big deal but I worry about it. Concerned about general anesthesia and such.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Honestly, no I wasn't worried from a logical standpoint. Emotionally- I was nervous. But logically I knew that statistically speaking the odds were incredibly low that anything would go wrong.

[gowalking 10,790]

same here. not concerned about the surgery itself and fyi, it went off without a hitch.

[GoingforGoal 1,734]

Spartan,

I understand your anxiety, it's natural and to be expected. Risks should never be weighed lightly, however, the typical outcomes should be a sense of comfort.

As a nurse I consider 3 factors for the prognosis of a surgery:

1) The type of surgery. Is it an open surgery, is it laproscopic? Is it a short surgery or will it last for 3, 6, or 8+ hrs? How invasive is the surgery (ie incising organs, accessing vessles etc or are we superficial to organs/tissues)?

2) What is the health of the patient? Have they had negative surgical experiences/outcomes in the past?

3) What is the experience of the surgeon and the facility performing the surgery?

This surgery is performed laproscopically typically drastically reducing healing time and risk for infection. It is typically performed under 1 hr and is noninvasive in regards to accessing vital organs and vessels that could pose risk of infection, internal bleeding etc. Since the procedure is so short, the adverse effects of anesthesia are seldom seen and can easily be reversed with other medications.

If you are having your procedure done by a bariatric surgeon, take assurance that he/she is well versed in the procedure and the routine of the surgery. His/Her support staff is also well experienced and will know how to assist any diversions that may occur. It's a well oiled machine designed for the very best outcomes.

Yes, there are some risks and we dwell on that statistic but these risks are as prevelant as walking across a street or driving at night. A healthier view is to compare the potential risks of surgery with the very real risks of being obese. Which is more likely?

Deep breaths, you'll be fine

[SandyM 1,956]

Yeah, what she said. You'll do great. I think my surgeon said it took 15 minutes for mine.

[StacyK 11]

My doctor reminded me the other day that the operating room is probably the safest place in the hospital. There will be a whole team of people monitoring you very closely and ready to respond quickly to anything. Of course there are risks for rare complications, but there are risks with every move we make. Every time we drive a car or take a med or try something new. Your surgeon wouldn't have agreed to do your surgery if he or she didn't believe that the risks were low. I'm an RN and I'm feeling anxious too but not afraid. I think some anxiety is just part if the process of major change, and the unknown. My surgery is on Thursday. Good luck and keep us posted!!

[GeorgiaRN 36]

I'm a nurse as well and I was slightly nervous about being put to sleep but it all went perfectly fine. I had about 8 hrs of bad gas pains. I took my liquid lortab and went to sleep as soon as I got home. When I woke that night - those gas pains were already 90% better. My stomach is tender but I also had a hernia repair. Its been hard as far as the food goes because I have been hungry - like my third day post surgery. broth and Jello fill me up shortly but then I feel hungry again. I'm sure you will all do great! Good luck!

[MzEboni912 177]

Am I the only one actually worried about the surgery part of the band? My husband is an md and says it's no big deal but I worry about it. Concerned about general anesthesia and such.

SpartanPrincess have you had any surgeries before if so think of how you handled them. I am sure you will do great. The posts from the nurses are giving me reassurance. I am to have my banding in January. Please keep me posted on how you are doing. Best wishes to you.