Epidural

Have any of you had to get an epidural, you know, before surgery? I was reading something about WLS and it said some people get one to reduce post-op pain. I am scared now. I hope I dont have to get one.

The only time i ever had an epidural is when I had my two kids... I have never heard of it before for WLS..

If they do it, I think they do it once you're in lala land anyway. But it also has to be disclosed because of the possible complications. So if your doctor thinks it's an option s/he'd tell you and you'd have to sign a form. Or at least, that's my understanding.
For the record, I didn't have one.

Due to the location of the surgery you wouldn't get an effective block and still be able to breathe hence the need for general anaesthesia.

My surgeon uses spinal anesthesia in addition to general, as long as your vitals support it. It is basically painless to administer, but an odd sensation.. you are looped anyway at that time, but you are awake and responsive. I've had a spinal tap as well years ago, also almost painless.. It is not a big deal. They do tell you if they use it, and you can discuss it with the anesthesiologist beforehand.

The nice thing about opiates via spinal fluid- I had absolutely no pain at all upon waking, and the effects from the opiates lasted about 36hours. The bad: I'm intolerant of opiates- they make me nauseous! Oh well.. it was definitely an enhanced pain relief and I'm glad for the effects despite the pukey feelings it caused.

Yes, some doctors use spinals in conjunction with general.  Epidural is a little different and requires a small catheter to be placed in the epidural space so medication can be given continuously (like in labor), but this is not necessary in our case for surgery.  The spinal is one shot.

I did receive a spinal, I'm not sure if I was just loopy and don't remember or if they did it after I was under general anesthesia, because I don't recall them giving me the spinal.  They used long acting morphine.  My pain was quite minimal after surgery.  I was one of the rare folks that had a complication with my bladder not working after surgery (which can happen with long acting morphine, although rare).  Likely this was complicated by or triggered by a previous surgery to my bladder.  I required a catheter for about 18 hours and then was fine.  If I had to do it again, I would still get the spinal, because the pain control after surgery was GREAT!  Just ask the doc if they do it prior to going to the OR or after you are asleep.  Totally worth it!!!!