Hi! New here with a question regarding blood clots...

[journey2thin]

Hey guys. I've been lurking for a few days and have found this to be a great resource!

I currently have a lapband and am looking to convert to the DS. I have an appointment on Oct 8th with a DS surgeon. I've met with an RNY surgeon but also want to check out the DS as that's always been my plan B if the band wasn't successful.

So...regarding blood clots... 3 weeks after I gave birth to my baby girl, nearly 4 years ago, I had a pulmonary embolism. It was determined that it was completely pregnancy related and I do not have a clotting disorder of any kind. Does anyone here have any experience with PEs? I'm curious if anyone has a history of them and had a successful DS surgery.

I'm more worried about blood clots than the actual surgery.

Thanks guys!

[bboop]

I haven't but I wanted to welcome you to the forum. I'm sure there's somebody here who has a history with PEs and they will chime in.

Come back and ask questions.

[OnMyWay2Thin]

journey2thin,

I don't know if it counts since it's a different surgery, but my mother had a pulmonary embolism when she was pregnant, sadly, she lost the baby. She just had major open heart double bypass with valve replacement surgery back in August and everything was absolutely fine, not clots or problems and she is now recovering. I know it's a different surgery, but I would think it works the same as both are major surgery. In the hospital, they usually give that shot of Heparin to keep the blood thin, perhaps they will continue some type of blood thinner for a few months after surgery, just a thought as I have no medical background.

Good luck with your decision and the journey you are on,
Kelly

[Joanne]

Yes, kind of.

My mother and aunt both had PE's after abdominal surgery. I mentioned this to my DS surgeon and he sent me to a hematologist for a workup before my DS. It turns out I do have genetic factors that predispose me to clotting (5 different ones, the hematologist called me a clot time bomb).

There is a type of filter they can put in you, if they decide it's worth it. For me, they just had me take Lovenox injections and they watched me carefully. For example the day after surgery my oxygen level dropped a bit and my surgeon rushed me for a scan. It was nothing, but he said it was good he knew of my genetics so he would watch me very carefully.

Same thing when I had my LBL - I took Lovenox. My plastic surgeon also ordered a doppler ultrasound of my legs the day after my LBL to make sure nothing was clotted there.

And the hematologist who diagnosed me was in FULL support of my DS. She said of my 5 genetic clotting factors, the biggest risk I was carrying for a PE or clot was obesity. She said losing the excess weight was the best thing I could do to lower my risk.

[west4thavenue]

Hello and welcome.

What DS surgeon are you consulting?

[PeteA]

I didn't have clots but I was on Lovanox (sp?) for a month after surgery as a precaution against clots.

[journey2thin]

My mind has really been put at ease. Thank you all for your responses. *huge sigh of relief*

I hadn't even thought about obesity being the biggest risk factor. If that's the case, I'm a ticking time bomb for sure. Sounds like a trip to a Hematologist is in my future. I definitely want to cover all bases.


Oh, and The DS surgeon I'm seeing is Dr. Prachand at UIC. I've heard good things about him and his partner, Dr. Alverdy. I chose to make an appt with Dr. P because my band surgeon recommended him.

Thanks again!

[Mariposa(Heather)]

Hello Journey2thin,
I had the DS about 9 months ago and have had 2 blood clots in my intestines since (at 7 months out). I found out at the same time that I had 2 old clots in my intestines from before my surgery as well. My hemo put me on XARELTO for 6 months to make sure that they continue healing properly, but otherwise I am doing great.
Good luck!
Heather

[journey2thin]

My DS surgeon said they'd put a filter in the day before surgery, have a drip of blood thinners during and after surgery. Phew. That makes me much more comfortable about it all.