Avoiding Post-Op Blood Clots
FYI - we recently had a VSGer on the Texas forum die tragically and unexpectedly two weeks after her surgery from a post-op blood clot. The following is an excerpt from a reply post I did on that thread on the main forum, that I think is important enough for all pre-ops to read, fellas:
* * * * * *
I think this might be a good time to point out HOW important and why it is to try to do everything possible to minimize blood clots following our WLS. We have had several members pass shortly after their WLS due to this cause, over the last couple of years or so. Being MO or SO we are at increased risk of such an event during any kind of major surgery.
Here are some steps that should be considered by all MO or SO patients prior to any surgery, in conjunction with their surgeons:
1. If traveling out of state or the country by plane for the surgery, be sure that you get up frequently and walk around the interior of the plane during the trip; Same if you are driving a long distance -- stop the car and get out and walk at least every hour or so.
2. Upon arrival, you should be checked for blood clots before your surgery. This should include a blood test and/or scan for D.V.T. (Deep Vein Thrombosis), a medical condition in the legs which can make a clotting risk esp. dangerous during surgery. (usually a good idea to get checked out for this anyway before any surgery).
3. Before surgery, have a blood clotting test (prothrombin reaction time) done to see if you are a "proper clotter";
4. Discuss with your surgeon, esp. if you have D.V.T. a clotting disorder, whether he or she uses a "Greenfield Filter" (a/k/a "Green Screen") as part of the WLS. This is a small, mesh-like filter device surgically implanted in a major blood vessel in the thigh or upper arm before the WLS begins, for the purpose of "catching" any blood clots that may travel in your system before they can go to your heart, lungs or brain and cause a life-threatening situation there. The filter remains in place during the surgery and usually for a few days afterward, at which time it is removed. Some WLS surgeons seem to prefer to use the GF with their surgeries, yet I know of one WLS surgeon who will not use them. This latter surgeon claims that the intsertion or removal of the GF in and of itself has been known to trigger clot formation, and, IHPO, the risks outweigh the benefits of using them.
5. During your surgery or even afterward, your surgeon may want you to wear compresion devices on your feet and lower legs while in bed, such as a "venadyne". These are like a pair of low-cut pantyhose that have electrodes inmplated throughout them. Through a series of electrical impulses the stockings gently "squeeze" those areas of the lower body in a certain sequence in such a manner as to encourage blood circulation in the area and therefore discourage the formation of blood clots resulting from impairment of same.
6. After your surgery, your surgical team will want you to get up and be walking as soon as you are able. This is VERY important to help prevent the formation of blood clots. The longer you lay in bed the greater the chances for formation of clots.
7. Your surgeon should also give you a series of daily Heparin injections after your surgery. These are usually injected just below the skin in the abdominal area., and also work to prevent post-op clot formation. Depending on the surgeon and the patient, these injections are usually given daily for 7 days, or for as long as 14 days. If you are flying back home (or riding a long distance) after surgery, the surgeon may have you take a larger dosage just before you leave, b/c of the additional clotting risk presented by sitting on the plane or in the car during the journey.
(any others, anyone?
)
* * * * * *
I think this might be a good time to point out HOW important and why it is to try to do everything possible to minimize blood clots following our WLS. We have had several members pass shortly after their WLS due to this cause, over the last couple of years or so. Being MO or SO we are at increased risk of such an event during any kind of major surgery.
Here are some steps that should be considered by all MO or SO patients prior to any surgery, in conjunction with their surgeons:
1. If traveling out of state or the country by plane for the surgery, be sure that you get up frequently and walk around the interior of the plane during the trip; Same if you are driving a long distance -- stop the car and get out and walk at least every hour or so.
2. Upon arrival, you should be checked for blood clots before your surgery. This should include a blood test and/or scan for D.V.T. (Deep Vein Thrombosis), a medical condition in the legs which can make a clotting risk esp. dangerous during surgery. (usually a good idea to get checked out for this anyway before any surgery).
3. Before surgery, have a blood clotting test (prothrombin reaction time) done to see if you are a "proper clotter";
4. Discuss with your surgeon, esp. if you have D.V.T. a clotting disorder, whether he or she uses a "Greenfield Filter" (a/k/a "Green Screen") as part of the WLS. This is a small, mesh-like filter device surgically implanted in a major blood vessel in the thigh or upper arm before the WLS begins, for the purpose of "catching" any blood clots that may travel in your system before they can go to your heart, lungs or brain and cause a life-threatening situation there. The filter remains in place during the surgery and usually for a few days afterward, at which time it is removed. Some WLS surgeons seem to prefer to use the GF with their surgeries, yet I know of one WLS surgeon who will not use them. This latter surgeon claims that the intsertion or removal of the GF in and of itself has been known to trigger clot formation, and, IHPO, the risks outweigh the benefits of using them.
5. During your surgery or even afterward, your surgeon may want you to wear compresion devices on your feet and lower legs while in bed, such as a "venadyne". These are like a pair of low-cut pantyhose that have electrodes inmplated throughout them. Through a series of electrical impulses the stockings gently "squeeze" those areas of the lower body in a certain sequence in such a manner as to encourage blood circulation in the area and therefore discourage the formation of blood clots resulting from impairment of same.
6. After your surgery, your surgical team will want you to get up and be walking as soon as you are able. This is VERY important to help prevent the formation of blood clots. The longer you lay in bed the greater the chances for formation of clots.
7. Your surgeon should also give you a series of daily Heparin injections after your surgery. These are usually injected just below the skin in the abdominal area., and also work to prevent post-op clot formation. Depending on the surgeon and the patient, these injections are usually given daily for 7 days, or for as long as 14 days. If you are flying back home (or riding a long distance) after surgery, the surgeon may have you take a larger dosage just before you leave, b/c of the additional clotting risk presented by sitting on the plane or in the car during the journey.
(any others, anyone?
)Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "
HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )
Must be on that cesspool of OH - R & R, Dave. I've heard from friends that I am being so well "vilified" over there of late, w. rumours and innuendo making me out to be everything from the devil to the Anita Bryant of OH, or some such. 
Those type don't have the courage to face us here on the MF, btw. 
OH really needs to abolish R & R, as it is nothing but counter-productive to the mission of OH in helping, supporting and guiding members along their weight loss journey, with members there instead harrassing, deprecating and flaming each other, spreading false rumours and hatred about other members, etc., all with virtual impunity no less.
I think R & R was originally conceived as a place where OT controversial subjects, e.g. religion, politics, etc., could be debated, but instead it has just turned out to be a flame pit and a convenient "dumping ground" for the admins whenever any thread gets a bit "out of hand".
I'm hoping to talk to the powers that be at OH at the Houston event next month about (hopefully) removing it so we can all get back to the mission at hand.
Those type don't have the courage to face us here on the MF, btw. OH really needs to abolish R & R, as it is nothing but counter-productive to the mission of OH in helping, supporting and guiding members along their weight loss journey, with members there instead harrassing, deprecating and flaming each other, spreading false rumours and hatred about other members, etc., all with virtual impunity no less.
I think R & R was originally conceived as a place where OT controversial subjects, e.g. religion, politics, etc., could be debated, but instead it has just turned out to be a flame pit and a convenient "dumping ground" for the admins whenever any thread gets a bit "out of hand". I'm hoping to talk to the powers that be at OH at the Houston event next month about (hopefully) removing it so we can all get back to the mission at hand.
Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "
HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )
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