Newbie here

mp2003 · June 23, 2011

Hello my name is Mindy, I am 26 and starting nursing school in the fall. I am a self pay patient so my process is going rather quickley. and its kinda scarey lol. I went to my first seminar June 6th then wen to my first consult June 22nd. I left with my surgery date July 19th. I am excited!! the only thing I am a little worried about is blood clots. Anyone out there have blood clots after surgery? I am so worried about this because he has only had 2 peole die and they were both from blood clots. I dont want to be the 3rd! lol I love reading everyones stories on here and I cant wait to start sharing mine

Douceur72 · June 23, 2011

Hi Mindy! This was a concern of mine as well since I had a DVT in 2009. In the initial seminar the doc talked about blood clots & said he had only seen them in males with a BMI >50 and who had RNY. If you can, check on this because you may not be in the high risk demographic. Not to say it can’t happen to anyone but it may give you peace of mind.

When I met the doc in person we discussed my prior DVT & he said if I preferred he could insert a filter as an added precaution. I decided against it since my DVT was most likely a result of being on the pill, which I’d been off for 2 years, and knowing they use several measures to prevent clots including:

1) heparin pre-op and every 12 hours until discharge

2) sequential compression stockings, I had to wear whenever I was in bed, asleep or awake

3) walking as much as possible

Good luck with everything!

Mick78 · June 25, 2011

I think this is just one of those things your gonna have to deal with, and I know it sucks. Not knowing what is going to happen. I was extremely worried about clots and embolisms for months after surgery. I did some research and I guess it said that you will be good if nothing happened to you after 3 month elapse. I don't know if it's true but good luck to you.

KristeyK · June 25, 2011

Wait until you get into school...you'll find a LOT more to scare you! lol. (I'm in RN school now. EEEK! lol)

I know they're a concern, but don't be too worried. They'll put these sleeves on your legs called a sequential compression device that massages your legs. You will be forced to have them anytime you're in bed resting. You should also be up and walking as often as you can tolerate it, which will be a huge help as well. A lot of patients are also given Lovenox injections after surgery. (Not EVERYONE gets them, but in my clinical rotation, everyone I took care of did.)

Do you have any medical conditions that may increase your risk? If you THINK you might, talk to your surgeon. He should be more than happy to discuss them with you. (If you're unsure, have him check your INR, PT, and PTT when you go to get your pre-op blood work.)

Good luck with the surgery AND school!!!

NEWLEASEONLIFE · June 25, 2011

I had a shot to help prevent blood clots. The compression sleeves on my legs that continuously pumped were a surprise when I woke up. I also kept hopping out of bed to do the "Tim Conway" shuffle up and down the hall. (Carol Burnett Show)

My mother and husband were worried, but I had done my research. I was ready. The few days of discomfort were well worth the start of this journey!

3 weeks out

33 pounds down