Hospital Stay when you're insecure

Surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday and you know.. the only thing that bothers me right now is my insecurity.   I joke about "please make sure the cathedar is out before I"m awake"  but in all honesty... I'm so dreading that lol.   
How soon after surgery did they remove it?  And once they remove it can you immediately throw some shorts/pajama bottoms on?

I guess being fat all my life I've never been one for exposing my self  (one of my biggest goals is to be able to take my shirt off while in the pool!)

I know doctors and medical staff like to throw open your gown to look at your incisions, I just hope I'm doped up on enough morphine that I don't give a ****

chime in please... pull me down from the rafters

Normally I post all my questions in the RNY forum, but this is totally a guy question.   I have no clue how women do it... apparently they don't get pee shy... I like to be the only one in the bathroom... going to the bathroom in groups would mentally mess with me lol

They put my cathedar in and took it out while i was under, so no problems there.  I brought extra clothes with me including a robe, and put a pair of comfortable boxer/briefs on late the first night when I started to feel better.  To be honest, I felt like total ass because of the drugs and recovery so I didn't think too much about it, so it wasn't as big of a deal as I thought it was going to be pre-op.

I am older, per your pic.  Cathedar is a piece of cake.  Dont worry about that.  If your getting info about discomfort - bull You're to doped up for discomfort after surgery for 1.5 days after.
As far as your privacy - dont worry about.   You go the bathroom by yourself unless you want company   and believe me u dont want company
Be above and be strong - you've been in tough situations before

After the surgery, I was so doped up, I didn't really care much what I looked like, or who was looking. In my case they left the catheter in for the first night and took it out the next morning. This was so I could sleep through the night and not have to get up to use the bathroom.

I wished they had taken it out before I was awake, but when they did take it out the next morning, it was not really a big deal.  I'm not going to lie, it was a very strange sensation, somewhat burning, but very quick.

I brought some PJ bottoms so I didn't flash everyone my rather substantial ass while doing my laps in the hallway. I put these on the first time I got up for a walk the morning after surgery.

Best of luck on your surgery, I wish you a speedy recovery.

I woke up from surgery w/o catheter, but about 4 hours post-op I still couldn't **** more than just a dribble and I was really getting uncomfortable from the bladder pressure. The muscle that opens up your bladder and lets you **** was still anesthesized. So they catherized me. It wasn't the most fun I've ever had, but it wasn't bad cause I was still pretty drugged up. But then they didn't take it out until about 36 hours later. By then I was on zero pain meds and it was somewhat brutal. And the nurse that did it wasn't even hot, so I didn't even have that going for me. I prayed real hard that I would be able to **** cause I didn't want that thing going back in.

There's plenty to be anxious about pardner, but if I had the chance to do it all again, I'd do it. A hundred times out of a hundred. Good luck and holla at us.

My surgeon does not put a catheder in. He wants you going to the bathroom on your own after the surgery. No cath= no reason to lay around. Get up and get moving.

I've spend about a month in hospitals over the years.  After awhile I didn't care anymore.  It's alot of "hurry up and wait".  Your not going anywhere...so just take your time and allow the healing process to take it's course.  For most guys the cathater is usually not a problem...I, on the other hand, was one of those guys who had the problems...You don't want to hear (I'm good now).  I remember the night before surgery waking up my wife at 2am (since I couldn't sleep anyways) and asking her if I was doing the right thing?  She assured me I was and after that I was good to go.  Remember that you're a walking cardiac issue anyways, by not getting this done.  You have thought (and probably prayed) about this for months and I am sure like most people, you have researched the heck out of this issue...from all sides.  Take a breath...and get ready for the ride of your life.  Brian

Hey Tony,

It is put in while you are under and yes they sometimes take it out a few days later.  i was walking around with my iv pole and my cath bag.  When it comes out, if you are awake they are usually very discreet and professional, they are not out to embarass you.  On the same note they have seen all shapes and sizes and your anatomy is nothing new.  I had never had one before this surgery and it was not that bad.  After that weight starts dropping off you will have that stuff all behind you.  Best of luck to you.

I think that is what I hated the most before going in. I do not like to be exposed and one good thing is I went out of town and nobody knew me anyway. But, I was never awake when any of that kind of stuff was done, except when they remove the catheter.

I don't think any of it was bad and would not be concerned about any of it.

Hey Tony,

I had my catheter in for a few days and that was my biggest fear about the whole surgery.  It wasn't anything more than that.  I can handle a little pain or discomfort, but to be exposed where others might see me was a dreadful thought.  By the time I left the hospital, it wasn't any big deal.   They do have to check the drain tubes if you have any and look at the incisions and they have to adjust the inflatable leg things and all that.  They didn't just rip the blankets off of me, they just exposed the parts they needed to see.  As far as the catheter, noone even really checked it unless I had issues with it.  I did have to have a bath while I was in bed, but it was my choice and by that point, all modesty was out the window.  You really won't care so much....I promise.  If you do, they will make you feel comfortable.  If it is an issue with it being a female, just ask if you could request a male nurse, whatever helps you be more comfortable and able to recover.  Recovery is the goal.  Once you leave that hospital, you will never see those people again.

Good luck with your surgery.  Let us know how it goes!