Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Random Pre-op Questions



Recommended Posts

Hi! My surgery is scheduled for March 15th and I have a couple of random questions.

1. What is this dry mouth spray I have seen on here?! I already have cotton mouth from the liquid diet (sounds counterintuitive, but I feel like I can't get enough to drink), so I think I will definitely need this when surgery day arrives. What is the brand? Cost? Where can I find it?

2. This pre-op liquid diet is definitely a struggle. I am SO TIRED and I'm on day 4. Is this normal? Will I be this tired until I have surgery? All I want to do is sleep, I don't even think about food because I just want to sleep all the time.

3. I am terrified to take pain medication for the risk of addiction. My surgeon said he will be prescribing me 2 mg of DILAUDID after surgery, which I hear is highly addictive. Has anyone else taken this pain medication post-op? I haven't had good luck with oxycodone and hydrocodone in the past, as they do nothing for my pain. I trust my surgeon, I am just looking for other people's experiences.

4. What pain treatments did you receive in the hospital? I am apparently going to have IV medication along with 2 other medications. My surgeon explained to me that one of them is given pre-op around the spine (kind of like an epidural, but I've never had kids). The other he said is injected into the blood vessels surrounding my abdomen while I am in surgery. I am a little freaked out about the one that is given pre-op, but he said it really helps people transition smoothly out of anesthesia. Is this a common thing? Has anyone else had it?

Sorry for the long post, and thanks for your responses!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

30 minutes ago, Jnfinney said:

Hi! My surgery is scheduled for March 15th and I have a couple of random questions.

1. What is this dry mouth spray I have seen on here?! I already have cotton mouth from the liquid diet (sounds counterintuitive, but I feel like I can't get enough to drink), so I think I will definitely need this when surgery day arrives. What is the brand? Cost? Where can I find it?

2. This pre-op liquid diet is definitely a struggle. I am SO TIRED and I'm on day 4. Is this normal? Will I be this tired until I have surgery? All I want to do is sleep, I don't even think about food because I just want to sleep all the time.

3. I am terrified to take pain medication for the risk of addiction. My surgeon said he will be prescribing me 2 mg of DILAUDID after surgery, which I hear is highly addictive. Has anyone else taken this pain medication post-op? I haven't had good luck with oxycodone and hydrocodone in the past, as they do nothing for my pain. I trust my surgeon, I am just looking for other people's experiences.

4. What pain treatments did you receive in the hospital? I am apparently going to have IV medication along with 2 other medications. My surgeon explained to me that one of them is given pre-op around the spine (kind of like an epidural, but I've never had kids). The other he said is injected into the blood vessels surrounding my abdomen while I am in surgery. I am a little freaked out about the one that is given pre-op, but he said it really helps people transition smoothly out of anesthesia. Is this a common thing? Has anyone else had it?

Sorry for the long post, and thanks for your responses!

1. Probably biotene mouthwash but not sure, I didn’t use anything

2. Super common and you maybe tired for a little while post op too

3. Morphine, oxy and hydrocodone also have no effect on me. I requested Dilaudid post op (while in the hospital only) transferred to oral tramadol at home for a couple days then used extra strength Tylenol until I was pain free. I did not form an addiction (I have no issues with addiction to pain meds and had several surgeries after with the same routine with no problems, but I always stay vigilant by using pain meds pony when truly needed ❤️)

4. Only IV the pain pump (Dilaudid)

Edited by GreenTealael

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I should note that I've never had a drug problem, but all the warnings on these medications always scare me a bit!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, Jnfinney said:

I should note that I've never had a drug problem, but all the warnings on these medications always scare me a bit!

Same

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I didn't use any dry mouth spray.

I had oral tramadol in the hospital and was given some to take home. I never took a pain pill beyond 12 hours post surgery.

I don't know what was in my IV prior to surgery. I remember being wheeled down the hall and then waking up in recovery. Nothing in between.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Jnfinney said:

Hi! My surgery is scheduled for March 15th and I have a couple of random questions.

1. What is this dry mouth spray I have seen on here?! I already have cotton mouth from the liquid diet (sounds counterintuitive, but I feel like I can't get enough to drink), so I think I will definitely need this when surgery day arrives. What is the brand? Cost? Where can I find it?

there are a couple of major brands names - Biotene is one - G.U.M. Hydral is another - but even a generic equivalent should work fine. I think I just got it at Walgreens.

4 hours ago, Jnfinney said:

2. This pre-op liquid diet is definitely a struggle. I am SO TIRED and I'm on day 4. Is this normal? Will I be this tired until I have surgery? All I want to do is sleep, I don't even think about food because I just want to sleep all the time.

I started feeling better around day 4. I think it's the carb withdrawal. Well that, and you're only taking in a few hundred calories.

4 hours ago, Jnfinney said:

3. I am terrified to take pain medication for the risk of addiction. My surgeon said he will be prescribing me 2 mg of DILAUDID after surgery, which I hear is highly addictive. Has anyone else taken this pain medication post-op? I haven't had good luck with oxycodone and hydrocodone in the past, as they do nothing for my pain. I trust my surgeon, I am just looking for other people's experiences.

they won't give you enough to get addicted. They usually give you enough for 3-5 days. A lot of us don't have any pain with this surgery, so we don't even bother taking it, but do take it if you're one of the unfortunate ones who have pain. I would worry if you had something like 30 days' worth, but 3 or 4 days, no.

4 hours ago, Jnfinney said:

4. What pain treatments did you receive in the hospital? I am apparently going to have IV medication along with 2 other medications. My surgeon explained to me that one of them is given pre-op around the spine (kind of like an epidural, but I've never had kids). The other he said is injected into the blood vessels surrounding my abdomen while I am in surgery. I am a little freaked out about the one that is given pre-op, but he said it really helps people transition smoothly out of anesthesia. Is this a common thing? Has anyone else had it?

I'm not sure if I had that or not, since I would have been out like a light on the operating table while they gave that (although maybe not that spine one you mentioned - not sure what that is. They may have given it to me, though. That sedative they usually give you before they even roll you down to the OR always knocks me out - I'm always gone while they're rolling me down the hallway. But anyway, if they gave me that spinal one once I got into the OR, I was long gone by then and wasn't aware of it). I DO know that I had a morphine pump in my room, which was hooked up to my IV bag, so I could just press a button when I needed some, which I really didn't. I really never had any pain with this surgery, just some nausea a few hours after it.

4 hours ago, Jnfinney said:

Sorry for the long post, and thanks for your responses!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I took biotene spray to the hospital, but didn’t use it.

I can’t take oxy, morphine, hydrocodone etc. because they make me insanely nauseated.

they did a TAP block in my abdominal muscles and I had Tylenol postop. No pain to speak of, not even the gas pain many folks talk about.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I took biotene dry mouth spray, found at CVS, Walgreens or Walmart or online. My wife and I really used it a few times as it gives a fresh mint flavor and helps to moisturize the mouth.

We also had dilaudid and it worked for us in the hospital. Our doctor did give us hydrocodone but we only took one dose before transitioning to just tylenol as our pain was not that bad.

I can't comment on the other items as my wife and I never had anything like that during our surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have really bad dry mouth from meds I take and I have found that sour sugar free sucking candies (the equivalent of breathmints) really do well for me. I only need one for several hours worth of relief. You could ask your program if that is okay, since it only has like 3 calories per piece and it's not swallowed or chewed. Other people like gum, but I can't chew gum due to the dental problems from the dry mouth. I never found any biotene stuff to work for me, but I know other people swear by it. Another thing that works is iced mint tea. just make hot mint tea and pour it over ice or make a pitcher and keep it in the fridge - it's herbal so no caffeine unless you buy "green tea with mint" which is something different.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had bypass and also got the painkiller injected around the incisions in the hospital. I was surprised at how little pain I had afterwards--I didn't even need any pain medication.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×