I only have a few months to go and I will be getting a banding surgery date; I have a question. I do not lie on my back, ever, when I sleep because I choke and can't catch my breath... I sleep on my left side. But, when they do surgery I will be on my back. Did I read somewhere that I would be "tubed" with anesthesia to keep me breathing OK during surgery? If so, does this tubing take place after I am knocked out? This is worrying me to death! Thanks for helping this nervous ninny!

Yes you are put under and will have an oxygen mask until the anesthetist intubates you. S/he will also paralyze you so that you don't twitch or move during surgery (which, when you think about it, is a good thing). They bring you out of it and remove the tube before you wake up. You will have an oxygen mask before you are tubed and will have one in recovery, so you'll be able to breathe even on your back. Sounds like you have sleep apnea....you may need a sleep study and a cpap machine. I don't sleep on my back either and had absolutely no problems breathing pre op, during, or post op. and I slept on my left side the 1st night after surgery and on my tummy the second night. Did that answer your question?

You will not feel a thing! I just had my surgery 9/17 and my concern was like you... the tube--- only to find out I did not feel a thing. They do it once you are knoced out, and will have it out before you are awake. You may feel a little scratchy in your throat, but use the incentive speromiter they give you to breath, and you will be fine!

Good luck!!!