So, I talked to my doctor about getting the lapband done in September. He told me to think about for a few months to make sure I was positive it was something I wanted to do. (Because my father had just passed away and he didn't want me acting on impulse) Friday I go back in and he's going to refer me to a surgeon. I've read up a lot about this, but are any of you military? What happens if I get PCS'd(moved) to another state, or country? What should I expect when I go to the surgeon for the first time? The only thing is I'm absolutely petrified by the thought of having a tube shoved down my throat..lol. Cut me open all you want but that just freaks me out. Also, I have thin blood and I read they give you blood thinners before surgery.. what if I start bleeding bad? My father had a history of DVT(Deep Vein Thrombosis). I was tested for that to make sure it wasn't passed down so I know that's ok there. What are the things they do test you for? I don't mean to ramble on, but maybe some of you can give me a run down of what I should expect, with details.Any encouraging stories help as well!

I am not military, so I cannot address that questions.

I was banded and completed many pre-op test, none of which required a tube being inserted down my throat. Usually, with band patients, you complete an Upper GI. Gastric patients complete an endconscopy test, which is a camera down the throat. However, you are given twighlight sleep meds for this procedure.

So, during the surgery there is no tube inserted in your throat to your lungs to keep you breathing?

I am sure there is, but they put me to sleep before they did that. I woke up with nothing in my throat. I was out like a light.

I too was freaking about the tube thing, so you aren't alone. The tube isn't put in your throat until you are out. Some people come to in recovery when they take it out, but I have had two surgeries in the past 6 months and I don't remember the tube for either one of them.

thanks for the reply =)

their is a tube that goes down your throat to keep you breathing. but you will be asleep. i was yuo only wake up with a scratchy throat. the doctor will tell you everything thats going to happen to you step by step.i had my surgery on the 13th i am two weeks post-op.

I don't know anything about the military issues, and hope someone can assist you on that.

My doc did an EGD as one of my pre op tests. Which is a long scope inserted thru your mouth down the throat, but I too was terrified I would not be "out" enough when he did it. I just told my nurse anesthetist of my fears and she made sure I was medicated enough to not know a thing when they did it. And it was a piece of cake! (LOL, ok bad comparision for us) but it was so easy.

The intubation tube won't be inserted until you are out, so don't fear that. Your throat may be a little sore when you wake up, but its not bad.

As far as the bleeding issue, you need the anti-coag agents to keep you from getting clots post operatively. Your doc can test your blood to see how thin your blood is now, and throughout your course of thinners to monitor them if necessary. Just keep your doc and surgical team imformed of your concerns and there should be no worries for you.

Good luck!