Low Platelets May Postpone Surgery

[realcel 16]

I am waiting on new lab results, but blood tests drawn a few days ago show that I had low platelets. My surgeon ordered another blood test today, and if the platelets are still low, I will have to see a hemotologist and have my surgery postponed. I am really worried, I have been following the pre-op diet, and have already taken the time off from work. My surgery is supposed to be March 6!

Also, she said that she had gone to a bariatric conference recently, and that she is no longer convinced that plication is safe, so she does not want to do it!) So the news today has been bad, from my point of view, no plication and possibly no surgery at all for now.

And I have no idea what a person would do to increase their platelets.

As a result, today I am feeling blue, hoping and praying that at least my platelets will come back normal.

[Molly40.P 55]

Aww hoping it all works out for you, I take Iron pills for women from sprouts, and this is kinda gross but eat beef liver, I did that last year. Im waiting on blood work results too. Good luck!

[realcel 16]

I haven't been eating any beef because it isn't on my pre-op diet. Wondering if maybe I should have, it is the one thing I have been craving. The thing is that I have been under 800 calories a day, and have only lost 10 pounds. I say "only," because in dieting before, I have lost more than this with more calories. And I have not cheated.

Hoping and praying for good news this afternoon, that maybe my platelets are normal again.

[laurigee 545]

Don't feel bad about the surgery being postponed! Be happy that you started the process and that the doctors have possibly discovered something that would not have been found if not for having the surgery! Our goal is health! Figuring out why you have low platelet levels is the first step! As for plication, ask her why she feels this way! After she explains her concerns you may feel the same way she does! And you did say she said she didn't want to do it, she didn't say she wouldn't! Good luck and keep us posted on your outcome!

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I know it doesn't seem like it, but it's a good thing they realized your platelet count was low. Platelets are what clot your blood and for surgery it is crucial your platelets are at a healthy level. Not to scare you, but if they're low, you can bleed excessively or even to death. So, it's a VERY good thing they caught this and can treat you to raise yours up to where it should be.

Did she say why they've changed their stance on plication? I know of a couple people who've had great luck with it, however, I've also heard more doctors are ceasing to do it recently and I don't know why that is. It seems to me plication would be less dangerous than the Sleeve yet they still do the Sleeve so it doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I'm curious what your doctor's reasoning is.

For the record, you can be just as successful without plication so even if you can't get it don't be discouraged.

Hang in there, this is just a little bump in the road. Don't give up!

Best wishes.

[lekanto 50]

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do nutritionally to raise your platelet count. (I'm a platelet donor, and also a nurse who collects platelets from other donors.)

[elcee 3,341]

I imagine that a possible complication could be necrosis of the stomach. Potentially this could be life threatening.

[realcel 16]

I am still undergoing testing, but have no answers yet. I go back to the hematologist next week, and hope he will have something positive to tell me. He did say that he would make sure I did get to have surgery, but gave no indication when that might be. I had to unsub from my March surgery dates notices, it was making me sad every time I got a notice. (Although I am overjoyed for those of you who have had the surgery! Yahoo!)

[realcel 16]

My hematologist has decided that there is nothing wrong with me, I just have naturally low platelets. He has cleared me for surgery. My tentative surgery date is April 17! Hurray!

[laurigee 545]

Congratulations! I'm so glad that there is nothing seriously wrong! You'll have to keep up posted on your progress! The 17 th will be here before you know it!