Well chickadees....I had my gastric bypass seminar yesterday, and I am happy to say...I HAVE MY FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH THE SURGEON!!!!!! Although it's not until November. I feel another step closer. My hubby went with me yesterday and I think it helped him to see how the insides are reworked. The only thing that left me in tears was the IV. We were told that our doc puts the IV in your neck. I am not a fan of IV's anyway. Has anyone had the IV in this spot? I have a million questions in my head about this!!

I had my IV in my neck. I believe it is called a central line but don't quote me. It was taken out at the end of my first full day at the hospital so I could get up and move about. It isn't that bad really. However, I looked like I had the world's larget hickey.

Yes it's a central line. A central line gives the doctors better venous access for medications during and after your surgery. It's much better in an emergency as a simple IV line. It shouldn't hurt but it can be annoying as it's in an awkward spot (on the side of your neck in your jugular vein). I haven't had surgery but I'm an RN and care for these lines all the time. Good luck with your surgery!

When I had my surgery they just put the IV in my hand...worked ok for me.

It must be a doctor by doctor thing...my surgeon said that in the arm is fine unless they can't get a decent vein, then it's in the neck. They got a good vein in my arm and I didn't need the carotid artery. No worries though, everything is sooooo worth it!

Angela

Just FYI, they are talking about using the internal jugular vein, not the carotid artery.

Ok...it's a neck vein! color me corrected

We'll color you blue instead of red

The only thing really is that it's irritating. I got a neck kink from being unable to turn my head fully. Mostly that was fear on my part, not the IV or the sticky tape its sealed in. 7 days out from surgery (RNY), I still have a sensitive spot on my neck, & my wife says I'll have a pebble-sized scar for a year or two.

I guess they stick it wherever is easiest. My granddaughter had 12 surgeries before age 1. They ran out of veins so she had a couple IVs in her scalp.

dedd that is terrible bout ur granddaughter. hope she is well now.