Atrial fibrillation

[defwen 4]

I was diagnosed with A-fib about 18 months or so before my VSG surgery on April 15, 2014. I was on medication for the A-fib pre-surgery and the symptoms were controlled nicely. My cardiologist supported my decision for surgery. After surgery I was switched to a non extended release version of my meds. Symptoms recurred. I was switched back to the extended release that had worked well for me previously, and I'm still having daily, sometimes severe palpitations that last a while. I immediately went to my cardiologist who suspects that my new "baby belly" is preventing me from fully absorbing my meds. She has a treatment plan for me which includes assessment via a cardiac monitor that I will wear for two days so she can see what is going on with my heart rhythm. Based on that she will consult with an Electrophysiologist (specialist in the electrical paths of the heart) to determine whether to switch to a different medication or perform an ablation. My question to my fellow sleevers since I haven't found any posts on this: have any of you experienced this absorption issue of a-fib meds post surgery? Thanks so much in advance for any words of wisdom and support. This was surely an unexpected side effect, but I don't for one second regret my decision to have my sleeve and I've recovered really beautifully. Weight is coming off and its so awesome fitting into clothes I've not been able to wear and have people commenting on my weight loss.

[LivingFree! 478]

Hi defwen,

Sorry I cannot offer any "words of wisdom" for you, but I thank you for posting. Certainly A-fib is not that uncommon a condition, and the suspicion of malabsorption of your meds due to VSG is what I find interesting. I think many of us decided on the sleeve vs RNY to avoid malabsorption issues.

As you say, what an unexpected side effect you are having to experience! Glad to hear you are otherwise healing well. I hope you get some feedback from others who have experienced what you're going through. And, most of all, I hope this turns out to be "easy fix" for you with your docs--I want to think maybe it's just your body saying whoooaaa--what did you just do to me??? and it'll settle back down to its normal behavior. It does sound like you are being cared for by a good and competent medical team.

Sending healing thoughts your way--please keep us posted how you're doing.

[defwen 4]

The suspicion that my cardiologist has that I wasn't fully absorbing my meds is exactly why I posted. I know I definitely chose VSG instead of RNY precisely because I didn't want the malabsorption aspect. My cardio freely admits to not having experience with patients who had WLS, so that's why she's planning to consult with a specialist after she gets the results of my heart monitor. I was hoping there was someone else with this experience out there who could share their experience with A-fib treatment post surgery, especially because I can't find any information about this!

Thank you so so much LilPrincessS for replying and for your words of support and your prayers. I appreciate it so much!!