I am scheduled to have surgery this Monday Sept 15. I just noticed Friday night I have a strange rash the left side if my back near my rib cage. It is around 1in by 2 in wide and it itches and kinda burns. It looks like chafed skin but not really where anything could have chafed it. I am worried it may be shingles but it is not to painful and I have had none of the other symptoms of shingles. It also does not look like blisters just a red and raised blotch. Does anyone know If it is shingles will I still be able to have my lap band surgery ? I am really nervous about the up coming surgery and maybe I'm just freaking out about every little thing lol.

Sounds like you might also be having an allergic reaction to something.. Did you try taking some benadryl and see if it goes away?? All you can do if that does not make it go away is be up front and honest with your doctor you don't need anything that will put your life in danger. I mean I don't think a skin rash would, but I am just saying. Always keep your doctor in the loop. good luck and I hope everything turns out fine for you and your surgery

having just recently gotten over shingles, I can tell you that what you have doesn't sounds like typical shingles... i had an EXTREME back ache (real deep feeling) before the blisters came up... then the blisters appeared individually... not in one "rash like" place... I think you are safe. Good Luck with your surgery!!!