[cjmontaukmom]

If anyone is pre-op or just recently post-op, I learned that there is a mouthwash called "Biotene", which can help with 'dry mouth' . There is also a Biotene chewing gum. You can usually get samples of these from your dentist and he/she would be able to tell you where to purchase larger quantities.

I've heard that some people experience "dry mouth" from the anesthesia. Hope it helps...oh, one girl found relief by eating sugar-free popsicles.

I will take any other tips for breaking free of anesthesia's side effects, I'm more concerned about it, than the actual surgery (my past experiences have not been ideal)

[Trulykath]

the gum would be a no-no.....if you swallow it, it can block the stoma....and then you're in for all kinds of fun! I'm interested in learning more though....I had dry mouth, but by the time I thought I was going insane, they brought me some ice and something to drink!

[cjmontaukmom]

I was at a group support meeting, at our hospital. There was a panel of 8 post-op (7 GBP and 1 LB). I was astounded to see them sitting up there, because 5 of them were sipping SODA through straws. None of them knew about medic alert bracelets (nor did our moderator) and many of the audience questions could not be answered.

The hospital is rated excellent, which I'm told there are only 2 in the state with that rating, and only 25, in the country, but I'm having second thoughts about their experience/competency. I called for a meeting with my surgeon, so I can get ?'s answered and also get some reassurance.

I gave everyone I talked to the link, for this site.

[ragdolldude]

Biotene mouth wash is also used for gum or teeth problems, where infections may be occuring. You stated your hospital is rated excellent. Do you mean it's a "Center of Excellence" rating, as I know these are a minority in the country. I had my RNY done at one of these hospitals, in Wildomar, CA. The doctors and the staff are fully trained on the special needs of WLS, have larger beds and wheel chairs, chairs in rooms, etc. Nurses are well trained too. I had horrible discomfort from the gas from surgery, and I was able to get shots to releive the gas the second night in the hospital. If possible, these Centers of Excellence are better for bariatric surgery. My surgeon operates out of this hospital, and I felt very confident having the surgery with my surgeon (he's done 3000 RNY's now) and having it done at that facility.

[ragdolldude]

BTW, I would think you'd get better answers at your support groups. Maybe it was brand new? If not, then you can probably find another support group to attend in your area.

[cjmontaukmom]

Yes, it's considered a Center of Excellence.

I did speak with my doctor and he and the other two surgeons (per my doc) says that they definitely need a more knowledgeable panel and even asked me if I'd consider being trained to participate. He also said that he would try to attend the next "panel" meeting. Yay!

I felt soooooooo much better, after speaking with him. As for support, I rely on this board for most of it and am forming a local group of people (we're all expecting to be scheduled for May surgeries) Thanks for the input, everyone.-Carol

[ragdolldude]

Take your doctor up on the support group offer. It may lead to another paying job. I know my support group leader is paid by my surgeon to conduct 4 support groups each month. He gives her suggestions on topics his clients want current information on. If you got the training offer, you'd be the first to know brand new things, and the correct sources of information. Support groups are such an imporant part of successful WLS. From your description it sounds like you need a better one than the one you attended. If I had the offer your surgeon extended, I'd jump at it. Good luck.

[sageemily2005]

i consider myself blessed I am also having my surgery at a Center of Excellence and a bonus with our support group was a surgen ... apparently they want to be able to relate and see their pateints ....im sorry your going threw what you are going threw but RagDoll has a wonderful point... all it take is one voice sweety to change it all....oh and thank you for the boitin mouth wash from the sounds of it alot of us are goin to need it...

[needanewme]

for the dry mouth I was given a swab with an edible lotion that you rubbed all over your mouth, inside and out. It helped. Brushing my teeth helped as well.

good luck. I had my surgery done at a center of excellence as well. it went very smoothly.

[judijo]

IMNSHO, I think dry mouth will be the last of my problems. I am very sensitive to anesthesia and I usually, by day 2, feel like I have been hit by a train. PLUS the pain expected from interstitial gas from the lap surgery...It will be a wonder that I will even be able to speak, let alone walk a mile.