The purpose of this research is to evaluate if autonomic nerve block (ANB- blocking pain and nausea signals) decreases pain and anti-nausea medication requirements as well as the experience of pain/nausea during the first 72 hours after sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned either to the standard of care or the ANB group before surgery. As part of standard of care, in both groups, laparoscopic bariatric surgery will be initiated with local anesthetic injected into the abdominal wall. In the ANB group, participants will be given an additional injection of local anesthetic medication to block nerves on and around the stomach.
Individuals able and willing to consent and participate in all study activities
Adults, ages 18-90
All patients with severe obesity undergoing laparoscopic/robotic gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy
Patients taking opiates chronically
Patients allergic to study medications
Patients with any prior adverse reaction to ingredients included in the block
Adults unable to consent