Anyone here have the Vena Cava Filter before WLS?

I am thinking of going to Dr.Shina and I see a lot of his patients have the Vena Cava Filter to prevent blood clots.I know it's a good thing..but it's scary to me!! What was it like? What exactly goes on? I am such a baby I guess. Also..has anyone here had gastric bypass laproscopic after having laprascopic gallbladder surgery and a C-section? Just wondering if I am a candidate or not.Any advice/help I would be very thankful! By the way..I am Shannon..26 years old and 300lbs.I am getting serious about wanting to have gastric bypass.I am looking for a good,nice,experienced doctor that does GB-Laprascopic.I am in Louisville..any suggestions? Everyone here seems so sweet..I just love seeing the before/after pictures..feel free to share! It's so inspiring and gives me hope that I don't have to live in pain and feeling like I can't do anything I want to.

I haven't had gallbladder surgery, but before I had my WLS I'd previously had an emergency C-section and an abdominoplasty. I had concerns that I would not be able to have the RNY done laproscopically especially because of the abdominoplasty, but there was no problem. Sorry, I can't help you with the greenfield filter. My surgeon in Lexington (Dr. Steiner) is a surgeon that I would recommend highly. It was over an hour's drive for us, but worth every bit of inconvenience. Their bariatric center and the St. Joseph East staff and care are excellent. Rhonna

Thanks! My C-section was also emergency..my son was born premature too.That gives me some hope that maybe I will qualify for the laproscopic.I am willing to do it either way but the lap RNY is what I prefer. Thanks again!

Hi Shannon. I am still pre-op with Dr. Shina..Dr. Shina puts you into three categories as far as the filter is concerned, a,b,c... a-he doesn't think you need one b) he suggests it but does not reccomend it c) he will not perform the surgery w/out it.. I was put into the b) category and am choosing not to have it. Dr. Shina takes all the precautions of protecting his patients. The filter is just an added bonus, per say...I believe they(filters) are to help prevent pulmonary embolisms.. Sorry I'm not that much help with the other stuff... Cheryl

Hi Shannon, my name is Angela and my surgery is 3/24. My appt with the Vena Cava dr is Wed. I was just asking a friend of mine earlier today who had surgery with Dr Shina in December and she had a Vena Cava Filter put in. If u will email me I will forward her answer to u! Also, I don't know about the c-section and the gall bladder. I had Lap Gallbladder a few years ago, but when I had my seminar and consult with Dr Shina he told me himself that if your BMI is over 48-49(?) he doesn't like to do the Lap, but u can ask him yourself. I am having Open and I feel alot more comfortable with it. Hugs Angela

I also have Dr. Shina...placed in group B for the filter. I go March 25 for my consult for it. I have had 2 previous surgery's and weigh 308 lbs (bmi of 53) and Dr. Shina said he wanted to try it Lap but it might have to be open when he gets started (surgery April 15)....Hope this helps Kelly

hi shannon i'm 11 months out dr shina is my doctor. vena cava filter is no big deal. it is sounds bad but was very easy no pain at all. shina sends you to the best doctors. i've lost 106 pounds need 3 more for my goal goodluck. he 's the best mary pat