Low oxygen day after gastric sleeve**

[FrancesFearless]

Hi All- my spouse had gastric sleeve surgery yesterday. This morning her oxygen was low and as the day went on it went up to normal levels. Shortly before her discharge this afternoon her oxygen went low again. To 65. They gave her some oxygen and it came up to normal levels again. They did release her and she seems to be resting comfortably now.

Any thoughts on why the oxygen level is fluctuating?

Thank you!

 

[3momchaos]

I’m not sure, maybe from the anesthesia leaving her system? What did the doctor say? I’d reach out to the office and ask if they didn’t say anything before discharging her and what to look for if her O2 dips again.

 

[RecoveringSecretEater]

I have not had vsg surgery yet, but I experienced hypoxia after one of my surgeries. I had underlying respiratory issues, but I never had surgery before so I didn’t know it was an issue. I was given oxygen therapy and nasal cannula to provide additional assistance. My surgeon said it could last a few weeks. But I have had surgeries since and they just routinely gave me supplemental oxygen through the nasal cannula without actually having the incident occur again. Did you talk to the care team to learn of possible causes? You can always contact them and gain some insights.

 

[FrancesFearless]

Thank you. I will contact them now.

 

[NewChallenge]

No help here but very happy for her that you are looking after her.

 

[FrancesFearless]

Always. Thank you.

 

[suzannethemom]

As someone anticipating surgery, this kinda worries me. How would I know if I have respiratory issues? I wasn’t tested for this. The surgeon asked me if I ever had issues after anesthesia. I’ve only received anesthesia for wisdom teeth extraction and a colonoscopy. I had no issues. Should I not worry and relax?

 

[RecoveringSecretEater]

As someone anticipating surgery, this kinda worries me. How would Iknow if I have respiratory issues? I wasn’t tested for this. The surgeon asked me if I ever had issues after anesthesia. I’ve only received anesthesia for wisdom teeth extraction and a colonoscopy. I had no issues. Should I not worry and relax?

My only previous surgery was having my wisdom teeth extracted. My respiratory issue is really connected to my neurological condition, which is rare to begin with. And to make it interesting, I have a rare form of a rare disease. But as you know, surgery teams do keep things available/precautions “just in case”. Like you granting permission for transfusion if necessary. If it’ll help ease your mind, I’m not sure if you’ve had the surgical risks conversation with the surgeon. I had the talk during the initial evaluation and again during the consent appointment after I fulfilled my requirements. I am also with the hospital that has done all my surgeries so they have access to my notes and at no point did he express concern. Also many if not all health records are electronic, and can be shared as quickly as it takes for you to sign a release of information request if procedures were done outside the hospital system you are with. During my initial appointment he mentioned not seeing any complications. When my blood work came back that I was anemic, he was concerned that there maybe an underlying bleeding issue and wanted me to see an ob/gyn and if that did not pinpoint a cause, then off to hematology. But, I had labs done during my menstration and I’m slightly anemic because of that, so I was not bothered. Also I had to get follow up labs and they were good. I say this because they do look at as much as they can to minimize risks. But this is not medical advice. You can always asks questions of your team to learn more about surgical risks and what they do to mitigate issues. I hope this helps some.

 

[suzannethemom]

I’m not sure if you’ve had the surgical risks conversation with the surgeon. I had the talk during the initial evaluation and again during the consent appointment after I fulfilled my requirements.

Nope, we haven’t had the “surgical risks” talk yet. I’ve added respiratory problems to my list of questions.

 

[JudyNY]

You might want to get an Oximeter. They run about $15-20 and is a worthwhile tool to have in your home.

 

[FrancesFearless]

Yes we did thank you. Levels have all evened out.