Pre-Op Questions

[Jewelianna]

Hi all,

I just signed up, and I am glad this forum is here. I am the first and only in my circle of family and friends to get a Lap Band and so I need some friends that have a little experience. I am having my work up done next month and I heard that the arterial blood gas test is painful. Now please keep in mind, that I have never had children and so I have not experienced labor or childbirth. Most people try to compare any pain to that, so I am clueless. Is this test necessary? Also what protein powder does everyone recommend. I wanted to start my pre-op diet early so I don't struggle as bad afterwards. I look forward to everyone's responses. Have a great day!

Jewelianna

[Clynn]

Are you getting banded by Dr Ortiz? I can't speak to other doctors but when I went down they did a lung capacity test, ekg, and standard blood tests which was just a poke in the arm. Never heard of an arterial blood gas test or had any kind of test that was more painful than a little needle stick.

[GregNE]

Hi all,

I just signed up, and I am glad this forum is here. I am the first and only in my circle of family and friends to get a Lap Band and so I need some friends that have a little experience. I am having my work up done next month and I heard that the arterial blood gas test is painful. Now please keep in mind, that I have never had children and so I have not experienced labor or childbirth. Most people try to compare any pain to that, so I am clueless. Is this test necessary? Also what protein powder does everyone recommend. I wanted to start my pre-op diet early so I don't struggle as bad afterwards. I look forward to everyone's responses. Have a great day!

Jewelianna

I have never had an ABG, but I have been told they are more painful than a regular blood draw. As the name implies, the blood is drawn from an artery, which are deeper than veins and can tend to 'roll'. If you are using OCC for surgery, they do not perform this test normally. In fact, usually the test is performed on patients with respiratory difficulties, and most commonly is used to get oxygen, carbon dioxide, and bicarbonate levels.

[Jewelianna]

I have never had an ABG, but I have been told they are more painful than a regular blood draw. As the name implies, the blood is drawn from an artery, which are deeper than veins and can tend to 'roll'. If you are using OCC for surgery, they do not perform this test normally. In fact, usually the test is performed on patients with respiratory difficulties, and most commonly is used to get oxygen, carbon dioxide, and bicarbonate levels.

Thank you both for your replies. No I am not going to Dr. Ortiz. I didn't realize this forum was just for his patients. I am sorry.

[deeders65]

I have never had an ABG, but I have been told they are more painful than a regular blood draw. As the name implies, the blood is drawn from an artery, which are deeper than veins and can tend to 'roll'. If you are using OCC for surgery, they do not perform this test normally. In fact, usually the test is performed on patients with respiratory difficulties, and most commonly is used to get oxygen, carbon dioxide, and bicarbonate levels.

Thank you both for your replies. No I am not going to Dr. Ortiz. I didn't realize this forum was just for his patients. I am sorry.

An ABG is a pre-op blood test to determine your co2 and 02 (oxygen) level, they are obtained from the wrist (imagine palm up and thumb side) they use a very small , thin needle. This area is rich in nerves, and at times can be painful, uncomfortable.

It all depends upon the skill of the person obtaining the specimen. I've seen many done, and each react differently. Biggest part to remember is to be completely still, sometimes the tech will have to search a little with the needle to get back flow of blood in order to get the specimen. Good luck!