I went through pre-op yesterday and the only thing that concerns me is that my doctor requires that he remove the intibation tube after you are awake and alert. I have had the tube before but it was always removed before I woke up. Did anyone else have it taken out while you are awake? If so did it suck as bad as I think it will?

Greg

I've had three surgeries, and for some reason, during my second surgery (not the lapband), they said I fought getting the tube, so they left it in until I was awake in case I had a problem and they had to react quickly (they didn't want to struggle getting the tube back in). I remember coming to and being aware there was something in my mouth (throat), but I wasn't fully aware of what it was. The nurse removed it very quickly (at least it seemed pretty fast), and the only bad part I remember is it stung while being pulled out. I wasn't gagging or anything of that sort, and while a little painful, it wasn't terrible. I guess it was sort of like the pain of coughing while having a sore throat. Given the option, I'd rather have it removed while I was still under, but I wouldn't fret about it if I knew they were going to wait until I was awake.

Edited September 16, 200916 yr by kiz

I had the breathing tube still in when I woke up and it was a traumatizing event for me. I didn't realize that the tube was still in and I was trying to breath and nothing would go in or out, I thought that I was dying. The nurse that was supposed to be monitoring me was talking to someone about her weekend and I kept thinking "shut the hell up and look at me" lol.

She finally came over and asked if I wanted the tube out and I nodded yes. Taking the tube out was nothing, but I'll never get over the feeling of not being able to breathe.

I went through pre-op yesterday and the only thing that concerns me is that my doctor requires that he remove the intibation tube after you are awake and alert. I have had the tube before but it was always removed before I woke up. Did anyone else have it taken out while you are awake? If so did it suck as bad as I think it will?

Greg

I had surgery on Monday, and they told me that I would be awake when they removed the tube, but that I would still be under some of the anesthesia so I probably wouldn't realize it. To tell you the truth I don't remember them taking it out, I just remember having an oxygen mask on my face when I finally came to. My throat is a little scratchy though.

Edited September 16, 200916 yr by amwash23

No! Mine was out when I awoke. I would have been completely traumatized if that tube was still in my throat when I awoke. Best wishes.

I was like Kim... couldn't get anyone's attention & it was "panic city". I did my best to wiggle my feet and the nurse finally noticed. I could hear her commenting on it and they removed the tube. The actually removal was not a big deal. Coughed a little and it was out. But oh such sweet air! I never want that experience again. However, I like my band and if I had to choose again would definitely do it all over again. Finally getting restricted after 6 months.

They told me the same thing prior to surgery. They were especially concerned because I'm a smoker, and I have apnea. Apparently they did take the tube out while I was waking up, but I don't remember a thing. The only thing I remember is having an oxygen mask over my mouth and nose. Otherwise you'll be so out of it from the anasthesia that you won't remember or know. Don't worry.

I had mine removed BEFORE I woke up, but in a previous surgery woke up before it was taken out. I freaked because I couldn't breathe, I tried to pull it out myself, then the nurses came over and took my hands away and I fell back asleep; when I woke up the tube was out. I told my anesthesiologist (for the band surgery) that I did NOT want to wake up with the tube in me and he promised he would not let it happen. I am still traumatized by it, BUT I wasn't expecting it so maybe it will be less stressful for you. I'm not sugar-coating, it sucked for me, it was also my first surgery and I was in high school at the time (maybe I was whimpy??) Good luck to you.

Oh jeezz... I didn't even consider this. I have had two prior surgeries and didn't wake up with the tube. I will make sure I tell the surgeon the tube MUST come out prior to me waking up or I will freak!

my guess is I will be pretty out of it so I am not that worried about it. Worst case it is probably 30 seconds of discomfort

Greg