Question:
Should I have lap band or RNY if I'm on warfarin for A-fib?

Can't decide Lap Band or RNY-I'm on warfarin for a-fib, which caused a previous stroke- Has anyone else had these problems that has had one of these surgeries? My Doc says I can have either one of the surgeries.    — lacastillo (posted on July 23, 2008)

July 23, 2008
I had to have lap band because my doctor wouldn't okay the RNY but it was due to pulmonary embolisms. I am on warfarin and I had to have the lovenox injections when they took me off of warfarin for the 5 days before surgery. I had no problems with the surgery. It took me a little longer than expected to get my PT/INR up but it finally did get up.
   — dyates2948

July 23, 2008
There are benifets and issues with both surgeries. I had a RNY because I had diabities, High Blood Pressure and High Colestrol. The surgery and my new eating styles cured all of these problems. Lab Band is easier to regain some or even all your weight if you do not maintain fills and adabt a new eating style. RNY forces you to develope healthing eating, and you will take vitamin supliments for the rest of your life. I choose RNY because I failed at every diet so I needed something that would force me to eat right, and it has. I never would have though I would eat healthy, but I am and I feel bether than I ever had. I would go to support group meetings before choosing a surgery and talk to patients that have had both and get their one on one advice so you have a complete understanding of what life is like after surgery. I love mine, but it is not for everyone.
   — William (Bill) wmil

July 24, 2008
I had RNY because with the lap band I had it in my mind that it could be reversed if something were to go wrong. I know I was setting myself up for failure. I have been on warfarin for 10 years now because of a-fib and had to inject myself after surgery with lovenox for 7 days. So far no problems, 2 1/2 year out and loss of 135 lbs with 50 lbs to go....Good luck with your decision.....
   — Nee P

July 25, 2008
I take warfarin for the same reason as you, atrial fibrillation. I have been on warfarin for 2 years. I had the Realize brand band implanted over 2 months ago. Because I was on a liquid protein diet for a month, my body handled warfarin very differently than before the surgery. My INR was at 10 the first time it was checked following surgery! So, I caution you to mention this to your doctor so you don't end up with your blood viscosity out of whack. Like the others who posted, I was on Lovenox prior to the surgery.
   — bookie1954

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