Question:
Are you awake when you enter the OR, or are you put under before you enter?

Since I am probably getting the open version, although not a modest person, I wonder if you have your manhood exposed to the entire room full of people. Probably should be the least of my concerns, but I just wondered. Thanks...    — Lynn P. (posted on December 12, 2002)

December 12, 2002
you are awake for a very short period of time. You will not be "exposed" until after they put you to sleep. And then, the exposure wil lbe minimal as they place drapes around you once they have the catheter in place. Besides.....it's nothing they have not seen a million times!!
   — Vicki L.

December 12, 2002
They gave me something to relax me ( I think it was versed) in my IV while I was still in the holding area and I dont even remeber going back to the OR.
   — maryburton

December 12, 2002
Hi there, Lynn! I guess it depends on all the circumstances regarding the big day. I personally fell asleep before. I had to have the bowel cleansing the night before and I was so excited I could barely sleep. I was really tired when we go to the hospital, when I was in the OR waiting room, the anesthesiologist came to insert my IV and Arterial line, I told him I was petrified of needles, and he gave me a shot of morphine to calm me prior, that was all it took. I was out like a light! Next thing I remember was waking up in ICU and my family and closest friends looking at me. So, if anyone was playing games with me while I was in the OR, I have no clue. But I know it was nice not to remember the Operating room, they're always so cold. :-O Vi
   — Vi F.

December 12, 2002
Hey, great question! I was awake when taken into the OR and then within minutes I was put out. I understand the concern about being out on display. They kept me mostly covered and I never had a moment of embarassment. An added bonus is that they waited until I was asleep before they put in the catheter. I was very happy about that. If only I could have been asleep when they took it out. Some surgeons will take it out at the end of the operation. Mine left it in for a day or so. I think most places will try their best to keep things covered :) Good luck to you!
   — Scott L.

December 12, 2002
That was the most nerve wrecking part of my entire surgery. They took me into the OR (with a gown and blankets on) and I was awake for about 20 minutes there. People were walking around getting things ready. I was shaking from head to toe and eying the IV trying to figure out how painful it would be to run for it. I guess the nurse read my mind, becuase she said she was giving me something to relax me a little while I waited. The next thing I knew I woke up in the recovery room. I am so glad I didn't bolt out of there. This is the best thing I have ever done.
   — Linda A.

December 12, 2002
I was also awake when taken to the OR, but it was not a bad experience for me at all! The staff was awesome, as were the "drugs".....lol...I was still in my gown and had extra "warmed" blankets on me, and when we got into the OR, they had me move over to the operating table which was very warm, very soft and actaully built wide for an obese person!!! After that, out like a light! The next time I opened my eyes (that I remember), I was in my room with family around me! No worries!! Love and Light, Lisa
   — medium

December 12, 2002
I was wide awake going in to the OR and still had my gown on. What happend after i fell asleep is all a mystery....
   — sandrac131

December 12, 2002
I was awake. I had to be because they had to put the airhose down my throat while I was awake. I cannot begin to tell you how much this sucked!!!!! I was in my gown that fit me, but no blankets and freezing. Iwoke up in recovery in a gown that didn't fit me and spent the next 2 days in that same ill-fitting gown. Finally the hospital administrator himself got me some gowns that fit. No real embarrassment, as I was concerned about the same thing before I went in. After though I just didn't care they could see whatever they wanted. Morphine is cool!
   — dkinson

December 12, 2002
I've had 14 surgeries and for "most of them" I was given something in the IV before I was in the OR. So most of the time I was not awake. It all depends on the procedures of the people who are doing the surgery. As far as if they see your "manhood" it should be the least of your problems. (Unless you are afraid they can't find it). lol (Joking). I'm sure they have seen all shapes and sizes. If you've seen one, you've seen them all... unless there is something special about yours. lol Don't let it bother you. As far as a whole room seeing it... what whole room? I assume there are only the few people who are doing the surgery (anesthesilogist, surgeon, helper and nurses). Sometimes there are people (medical residents?) who view the surgeries, but I doubt that is often. It seems you would be covered below the belt as WLS is on the abdomial area.
   — Danmark

December 12, 2002
I was awake, but out cold almost immediately when they took me into OR. They didn't take my robe off till I was out, never knew it!
   — jen41766

December 12, 2002
I was awake in the OR room, as a matter of fact I was waiting on the strecther in the hallway for about an hour while they prep the room, I took that time to pray (one of the nurse saw my mouth moving while my eyes were closed and said that's alright sweetie you can pray as much as you want because we all pray. I thought that was so sweet, anyway when I got in the OR room I was awake, told a few jokes while they put the IV in, they told me to pull my gown down a little and the last thing I heard the Anesthia doctor say "That's enough, one more inch and I'll have to marry you) They were so nice and so funny that the next thing I knew I was waking up.
   — Rebe W.

December 12, 2002
I was awake when I went to the OR but just long enough to be introduced to all that would be assisting in my surgery and long enough to help scoot my big butt onto the operating table which I can imagine was the sole purpose of keeping me awake that long. HA HA! Oh and I was wearing a hospital gown the whole time. Once I was on the operating table it was off to dreamland. So you are clothed until you are sleeping deep as far as I know. Good luck!
   — Laurel C.

December 12, 2002
That is a great question- I was awake a well. They gave me a small sedative to calm me down on the way to the OR, although it was my first surgery (I am 22) I think that is standard with that hospital and surgery atleast. I was only awake for about 5 minutes, it was a little scary, definately didn't look like the rooms on "ER." BUt then my surgeon came in and said hello, and hey put the gas mask on, and I was out. I had LAP RNY, but i actually still had my underwear on. But i'm sure they cover up the lower part of your body anyway,so I wouldn't worry about it too much! Goodluck to you!!
   — Lezlie Y.

December 12, 2002
The anesthesiologist told me he was going to give me something to "relax" me as they started to wheel me out of the holding area. I guess it did, because the next thing I remember is that the surgery was over and I was back in the holding area. I actually have no memory of having left that room. For all I know, they could have done the surgery right there! Personally, I am glad they knocked me out first. I didn't really want to have any memories of the operating room.
   — Greg P.

December 12, 2002
I was spared everything, I was not awake until I got to my room. Missed out on operating room and recovery room. Yipee. Of course it could be the versed that erased my memory.
   — faybay

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