Is it necessary to have a catheter for the laproscopic surgery?

maybe in Australia? but I was 53 when I had my TWO surgeries and not cathed either time. It really is mostly dependent on the surgeon and his/her preference. For a short surgery (as most lap band "installations" are) it isn't required.

Uh no not just in australia. General healthcare is the same everywhere unless you live in a 3rd world country. And it's not just for long procedures either.

Well I'm in Aus and I'm old, 46 (well by some people's definition) and I didn't have one so I really think that it must be down to surgeon/hospital preference.

didn't mean to insult you Sarah but I don't think age or being old has much to do with it...unless maybe the surgeon's age? LOL J/k

They never mentioned in school, either, that older people are more prone to get catheterized. Especially now that, in the USA, medicare etc won't pay for UTI's caused by catheterizations, I am sure they'll be done less and less.

I'm not sure, but just want to let you know it is really no big deal if you do have to have a catheter. I had 2 planned c-sections, catheters w/both, never felt it going in, and there is nothing painful about it being in there or taken out. I don't know HOW that works because you would THINK it would be painful or at least uncomfortable in some way, but it really wasn't. Honestly, I think I'd rather have one than pee myself.

My hospital did it as a rule. For some reason I was really worried about it, but they put it when I was out so no problem. I was awake when it come out - about 6 hours after surgery, it didn't hurt at all.