Autonomic Neural Blockade in Bariatric Surgery

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.

Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * 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 * Pregnant women * Prisoners