Question:
I was told that just before surgery they would numb my throat and insert

a tube before surgery. They said they would give me a sedative and I would be very tired but not asleep. This has really stressed me out. I don't want to be awake when they put this tube down my throat. I feel like such a baby and hope some of you have words of incouragement.Surgery in a few days.    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 24, 1999)

September 24, 1999
Hi there! Don't be scared about this. I've had numerous surgeries (and I mean numerous!) and I've never been awake/alert for intubation. Discuss this with the anestheseologist before the surgery, I'm sure they will tell you that you will be out for it. Good luck with your surgery.
   — Jaye C.

September 24, 1999
Do you have any other problems that would call for this procedure? Air way problems? Make sure your Anestesiologist is aware of your concerns. They will make sure you are asleep before the procedure is done. Unless you have some under lieing cause then they shouldn't do that to you. I didn't have a tube like that when I had my WLS. Let me know. [email protected]
   — Ellen M.

September 24, 1999
I never felt a thing. I think they may define the difference between light sedative and heavy sedative as a technical thing on the instruments. Ask, though.
   — vitalady

September 24, 1999
The tube they are talking about may be a NG tube (the tube that goes into your stomach), or the tube they put down to intubate you-so the anesthesist can "breath for you" By the sounds of what you said, it sounds more like the NG tube. Also, it almost sounds like they may be using Versaid to make you sleepy. With that medication, you are "awake", but it produces an amnesia effect and you won't remember anything. I too am afraid of that type of stuff and when I've had the versaid I remember nothing. That's the way it like it!!
   — Barb J.

September 24, 1999
This was also my experience when I had my wls and I was afraid. But I was given some sort of sedative and don't remember the tube going down at all. All I do remember is them swabbing my throat with the numbing medicine and then I was out. I hope it goes like this for you too. Good luck. Blessings, Bev (\O/)
   — BJ K.

September 24, 1999
WOW that's interesting. I was completely out of it when they put in my tube. I don't remember anything except going into the operating room and sliding onto the operating table. The Anesthiaologist (sp) then said he was going to give my something that would cause double vision. At the time the room was starting to spin, kind of when you have been drinking too much. And that is all I remember until later that day. And I was in and out so much, it was the next day before I felt more like me again. It's not bad at all. I had so many fears about the surgery, because I had never had any surgeries before. It went really good. And I have been doing great afterward. I am now 5 weeks post-op.
   — bperrin

September 25, 1999
Sometimes, if a patient has a LOT of fatty tissue..it's necessary to intubate you when you're still awake..that's the excuse I was given anyway..LOL...they give you versad..you don't remember anything. I bet I was AWFUL when they were trying to get it in <eg>
   — Deanna D.

September 27, 1999
There are no magic words of encouragement, but perhaps if you spoke with your doc or the anesthesiologist regarding your concerns, they may help to calm you a little. The last time I had surgery (an appendectomy) they put a tube down my throat, to assist me with breathing but to the best of my recollection, I was sleeping when this happened. You do wake up with a sore throat sometimes (I did) and it was kind of painful for me to talk for a few hours. Just think of this, it is for your best interests. This whole thing is scary (I'll be having surgery on 12/8), but I'm willing to do anything not to be this way anymore. Good Luck
   — Dannielle K.

November 10, 1999
I remember many things just prior to the surgery. I recall being on the table and talking to the doctors in the room. I also was very nervous about all the tubes. Frankly, I don't remember that part at all. The tubes really shouldn't be any concern. I am the biggest baby in the world and it was fine.
   — Brian L.

Click Here to Return