Has anyone gotten an epidural instead of general anesthesia during lap-band surgery?

Has anyone gotten an epidural instead of general anesthesia during lap-band surgery?

I had one when I had my daughter. It was sooo nice! I slept through most of my labor!

Why would you get an epidural instead of general anethesia?

I am worried about effects of anesthesia, since bad reactions run in my family. My mom suggested that they might do an epidural if I asked, so I thought I would see if anyone else had had one.

I am worried about effects of anesthesia, since bad reactions run in my family. My mom suggested that they might do an epidural if I asked, so I thought I would see if anyone else had had one.

Oh, that makes sense. I was just curious...

They cant do an epidural for lapband surgery because they're working too high up on your body and they cant paralyse your muscles from that point without also taking over your heart and lung function with a machine.

They can do it for a labour or caesar because they dont need to insert it at a point where it affects heart and lung function.

^^^^^^^.....exactly what Jacqui said

Hi Laurend, I found this:

Epidural anesthesia is not usually possible for laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Good news is "not usually" isn't very definitive. Bad news is - it could be a catch all.

Here is the source, along with the info for the surgeon who made that statement: http://www.netwellness.com/question.cfm/43988.htm