Volumetric Incentive Spirometer - Has anyone used this pre-op? What does it do and what is its purpose as it relates to this particular surgery? I wasn't sure if this was something I really need to go buy, but my pre-op directions say it is "highly recommended".

I don't know about pre-op, but I was given one post-op at the surgery center. It is just a little breathing tube that measures how well you can breathe out of your lungs. I understood that it was to "get you going" again after all the anesthetic, etc. Make sure you are breathing properly. I was told to just use it to measure my lung capacity a few times a day / for a few days after surgery.

If you are required to buy your own, I sure would not spend a lot of money on one. Get the cheapest you can find. Heck, I'd find out why my surgery center isn't supplying me with one. Most hospital patients end up with one of these things after a hospital visit. It's like the required plastic hospital I.D. bracelet on your arm. lol

Terry

Thanks Terry,

I just looked it up online...my pre-op instructions 'recommend' it and that we use it 7 days pre-op...Maybe just to exercise the lungs?? I don't really know, so I suppose I'll call and ask the nutritionist. Favorite reqired hospital item: the $28 dollar footies! LOL

Good grief! What all do they make you go buy? Do you have to go buy those hospital footies ahead of time? Again I was just given a pair a the surgical center before my surgery. Well, I'm not trying to say it's bad or anything, just goes to show that each of us here has a little bit different experience with the whole process.

Best wishes to you on your band journey and happy shopping!!!!

Terry

You don't need to buy an incentive spirometer. Post-op it's used to assist with deep breathing. When you're in surgery, you're lying flat, getting anesthesia and on a ventilator. Therefore, you need to expand your lungs by taking it deep breaths through your nose and slowly exhaling through your mouth. This opens the tiny breathing pathways (alveoli) and prevents pneumonia or other respiratory associated problems.