Outpatient procedure?

[Tesserae]

I am scheduled Friday to get my sleeve which will be a conversion from the lapband. I am having it at an outpatient center. The more I read the more I see everyone talking about hospital stays...

Has anyone also been done outpatient?

[cowgirljane]

You will get alot of horror stricken responses as most people do have it at hospitals but there are surgeons working out of surgical centers. This is actually a growing trend for all sorts of surgeries.

I had mine at a surgical center but I did stay the night due to sleep apnea. I was given the option of having the surgery done in a hospital instead but I was glad with my choice it worked out great and for me was less stressful then a hospital setting. ( I have baggage around hospitals due to the long slow death I watched my sister go through from breast cancer and I can barely set foot in a hospital without reliving that).

I think you should ask alot of questions about this - what happens in case of an emergency, pros of having it done there over a hospital, ask if hospital is a choice you have etc. Don't do it if you aren't comfortable with it - you have choices.

[Grace]

Color me one of the nervous ones... no way to put the standard care in place for blood clots in your legs, etc.
Will you at least have someone with you the first few days? When will they do your leak test?

[Tesserae]

Hi ladies. Thanks for the replies. I will have my mom with me 24/7 at least the first 5 days. I go back on wednesday of next week for a follow-up. I'll ask about the leak test - I don't believe that was talked about yet.

[shrinkinggirl]

I do not know much about the outpatient procedure, but I was absolutely not ready to leave the hospital in one day. I stayed for two nights, mostly because of the need for fluids on IV. I would not have been able to go home- I also had a leak test in the hospital the next day before I was allowed to drink anything. Again, I am sure people have success doing it out patient, I know for me it would not have been an option, and as far as I can tell I had one of the best, easiest and least painful sleeve recoveries out of everyone here.

Good luck!! And keep us updated!! I am wishing all the best for you!

[Tesserae]

Thank you, Shannon. I hope all goes well.... I'll update as soon as I feel better. I have my liquid vicodin ready =D

[skinnyDip]

There NO WAY I would have been able to do out patient after my conversion. Conversions are even more invasive than just the sleeve alone and have a much higher complication rate. That being said, I felt fantastic the first day, but I really think you need those nights in the hospital. The second day, I did my swallow test and there was a problem, so they kept me a second night to monitor it (first night was mandatory). My swallowing problem was swelling induced, so it wasn't a huge deal. However, I wouldn't have know that if I'd left the hospital the day of and wouldn't have been able to be hooked back up to IVs to get the nutrients I needed in the meantime. Plus, I would have freaked out if I'd been home by myself and unable to swallow anything. Not trying to scare you at all, but I just don't see how a conversion could possibly be offered as an outpatient procedure!

[Tesserae]

Well, skinnydip, thanks... I'm super confident now.

[skinnyDip]

Also, I would be sure to check and see how many conversions your Dr. has done, especially in one procedure...NOT just sleeves because they are not the same thing at all. It honestly shocks me that he/she would even suggest outpatient with a conversion. And as others said, ask as many questions as possible so you know exactly what you are getting into!! Wishing you the best! This is a very exciting time, and I'm super, super happy with my decision. The band was the worst!!!!

[skinnyDip]

I'm not trying to be negative at all, just honest! That's something that would scare me. Talk with your Dr. and get them to explain why they think outpatient is the best option for you.

[Harts4you]

I'm glad you mentioned liquid vicodin. I have been thinking that I need to ask my doctor for liquid pain meds. I'm allergic to codine. I think vicodin
is codine, but I don't know too much about this. Does anyone know of another liquid pain medicine? My doctor seems to do better when I suggest what
I need, lol. Tesserae, I'm praying that you will do well. Probably woundn't hurt to have doc on your speed dial. Please let us know how you do. << Hugs>> Patti

[skinnyDip]

Try asking about liquid Acetamin, Harts4you. I think my dad is allergic to codeine (I know he's allergic to some type of pain med. I can't remember which one exactly), so they prescribed him that.

P.S. Michelle, if you have absolutely any questions or concerns, send me a PM. I'd be more than happy to talk to you about how everything went! And, please don't mistake my concern for negativity!! Also, I think it's fantastic that you'll have your mom there. I know I certainly needed mine!!!

[Tesserae]

Thanks Patti =) And he is on speed-dial. Your doc should give you all your scripts for post-op when you see him prior to surgery, at least mine did. I have already filled my liquid V, dissolving Precacid tabs, and something for nausea. I am just excited to get this done. The liquid diet is making me sick as I cannot stand the taste of protein shakes anymore.

SkinnyDip - I just spoke with my surgeons office and she assured me that if I need to be kept overnight the surgeon has no problem doing so. He will see me either on Wednesday or before depending on what he feels is best. He will check for leaks with a flouro.

Honestly I researched my surgeon a lot and I am very confident in him and his team.

[Tesserae]

Try asking about liquid Acetamin, Harts4you. I think my dad is allergic to codeine (I know he's allergic to some type of pain med. I can't remember which one exactly), so they prescribed him that.

P.S. Michelle, if you have absolutely any questions or concerns, send me a PM. I'd be more than happy to talk to you about how everything went! And, please don't mistake my concern for negativity!! Also, I think it's fantastic that you'll have your mom there. I know I certainly needed mine!!!

Thank you =) I need to finish some school work but I'll take you up on that later if I have more concerns or just need support.

[Harts4you]

Try asking about liquid Acetamin, Harts4you. I think my dad is allergic to codeine (I know he's allergic to some type of pain med. I can't remember which one exactly), so they prescribed him that.

P.S. Michelle, if you have absolutely any questions or concerns, send me a PM. I'd be more than happy to talk to you about how everything went! And, please don't mistake my concern for negativity!! Also, I think it's fantastic that you'll have your mom there. I know I certainly needed mine!!!

Thank you so much. Not sure if I'll need it, but at least I'll have it.