Placement of filter

I am soon to set a surgery date .  All testing and ins. is done.  They say now I need to see Bariatric nurse and talk to Dr. about placement of filter.  He also sends me home with blood thinner shots. My PCP seems to think it is overkill for both, I tend to think the same but... what do I know?  Imput would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

Hi Morgansmom, I personally am a worrywort when it comes to medical issues! My motto is "better safe than sorry"  I'm sure your family would want you to have any and all safety precautions offered.   It's better than the alternative!

Talk to your surgeon about the PCP's feelings.  I had the filter since I had a PE the year before.  I also did the thinners as I have a platelette disorder.  Jus ask questions.  It never hurts. Amy

I have been involved with patients who have had the filter.  a friend will be having it placed in a few weeks for her upcoming bariatric surgery.    First off remember, your PCP isn't the one taking the responsibiity of what happens before, during and after your surgery.  There are a lot of opinions of the filter..but I have yet to hear a surgeon put it down.  Let your surgeon be the one to worry about and take care of things when it comes to the surgery itself..that of course is my opinion  lol

Hi I have spoken to a vasuclar surgeon and he ultimately said it is up to you.  He said you need to consider your bmi, history of clots, other issues in your history... In our conversation he said that prophalactically makes sense when you are dealing with the patients that have WLS.  And yes there might be more issues with PE's but that may be linked to the population's stats more than anything else.  So, discuss it with your doc and see what they say.  I will personally have one implanted IF I ever get there,,,,, I think I would rather prevent something IF I can good luck

As someone who suffered a Pulmonary Embolus and survived.  Read the statistica of deaths caused by PE.  I would get the filter if I were you.  I thank GOD every day for letting me survive my PE.  If your surgeon wants you to have it, I would get it.  Maybe he won't do the surgery without it.  Check with him and see what his stance is again and explain your concerns.

I had a IVC filter put in two days before my surgery.  It only took 10-15 minutes and I can't remember it.  Personally I liked the idea of the added protection in case I did develop a clot.

I have also had the filter, no because I had problems, but because my mother had a history of blood clots, the filter didn't take anytime at all to place, and I never had the first pain. like everyone else, if I was having the surgery again, I would get it placed again, you can't tell it is even there. you can also had an mri with it in place.

Thanks so much for all the comments. I had made up my mind somewhat but wanted to get a "second" opinion!! :) Thanks for all of them. I am sure I will be back many times, for other advice.  I think I had a bit of cold feet after finding it was all a go but calling tomorrow when his offce opens to make appt. :))