Is anyone taking blood thinners (coumadin)?

[giddyupgrandma 0]

I am scheduled for surgery on October 7th. I have Atrial Fibrillation and take the blood thinner coumadin. I know I need to stop taking it before surgery, which is frightening because if I have A-Fib, I could have a stroke. My surgeon said I should go off 10 days before surgery, but I am leaving the final decision up to my cardiologist. I will see him on Tuesday, Sept 30th. Does anyone out there take coumadin? How long were you off before surgery and how soon did you get back on after surgery? I have no fear of the surgery itself, just my A-Fib!

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Sorry I can't really help you except to say I think you're right to check with your cardiologist; in fact he and your surgeon should probably have a talk. From what I know of coumadin, it might be dicey to keep taking it with the band; is your cardiologist aware of and on board with your surgery? A-Fib is nothing to play around with; do they think losing weight will make it resolve? You're right to be cautious but if you don't discountinue the drug as early as your surgeon asked, be sure you tell him. He needs to know what he's facing when he operates on you! GOod luck!