Question:
do you have to be catheterized before lap band surgery?

   — tchewysmom (posted on March 19, 2007)


March 19, 2007
Yes you do. I'm not sure why, except after surgery you might not be able to go to the bathroom on your own.
   — roberta45

March 19, 2007
Yes, everyone is catherized to make sure the total area stays sterile. But it is not done until after you are gently sleeping and when I woke up I had to double check to make sure I actually had one....lol... I didn't feel a thing while they inserted it, it was not uncomfortable once I awoke and if you remember to breathe through it when they remove it your muscles will not spasm as bad.
   —  CarolynK

March 19, 2007
I just had my surgery last Monday and was not catheterized. In fact, when the doctor came into the holding area from another surgery he told me that if I could get up and go to the bathroom at that moment they would not have to cath me. I know many people who have not been cath'd. Do not worry about that aspect of it. If your doctor is one who believes that catherization is necessary, chances are very good that they would do it after you are out, just like the intubation.
   — fluphystuph

March 19, 2007
I'm not sure if it's a "have to" situation or not. I was cathed and the reason being those IVs are running through you and your bladder feels up and has to be released and it also lets the medical staff know whether or not there is blood in your urine and to ensure that your bladder is functioning as it should. Trust me, they cath you after they knock you out. And you don't feel it when they take it out.
   — the7thdean

March 19, 2007
Most Drs cath you for your surgery. Some hospitals do it before you are put under and some do it after you are under. If your Dr says they will do it before they put you out, ask to have it done afterwards becasue it will be more comfortable for you and less stressful. Most Drs. do have them removed before you get to recovery or shortly thereafter. The reason you have one is because you are getting IV fluids during surgery and your bladder will just automatically release the fluids while you are under the anesthesia due to all of your muscles being relaxed. Your body does not know how to "hold it" while you are under. Talk to the nurse during your PAT's and have them document your preference to not have the cath in while you are awake. They can probably accommodate your request. Good Luck!!!!!!
   — barefootgirl

March 19, 2007
I have already posted an answer to this one time, but I want you to realize that you asked about the lap band surgery specifically and I am the only one thus far who has answered and has had the lap band placed. The other three are RNY patients and it is very possible that they do require catheterization for that surgery. I wanted to make you aware of that so that you did not look at the majority of the answers and see that you had to do something that you are frightened of when that is probably not the case. Hope this will help calm your fears.
   — fluphystuph

March 19, 2007
I had my lap band surgery in November and was not cathed. But make sure that you talk to your Dr. about it since every patient and every Dr. are different. Good luck to you.
   — Beth_B

March 19, 2007
I had my lap-band surgery in Dec. and was Catheterized. Dan
   — bigdooba

March 19, 2007
I had lap ryn done. They catheterized me once I was asleep. I had to keep it in for a day. I was worried that it would be very uncomfortable, but it wasnt. I didnt even know it was there until I went to walk and you have to hold the bag.
   — barfiep01

March 20, 2007
"Have to?" Not sure, but both my husband and I were for our Band surgeries. They do it after you're asleep (ask to be sure) and you will be uber-grateful for it post-op. :) Sometimes I wish I still had the cath, when I have to get up at 4:00 am to pee and am tripping over the cat.
   — Jeanie

March 20, 2007
Aloha! Yes, I had a lapband done in September 06 and had a urinary catheter. It was placed after anesthesia, which you can request. The reason? You are given a lot of fluids in the operating room and you won't be getting up to go to the bathroom until you are fully awake. Mine was removed the following am.
   — gtali1954

March 20, 2007
I should add that pulling it out doesn't hurt or anything. It feels .. wierd. :)
   — Jeanie




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