Vena Cava Filters

Hey everyone! I met with my surgeon for the first time today. They say with me having medicare/medicaid that everything would go smooth. Also found out that the dr doing my surgery that him and one more dr in that office is the only drs medicare will allow to do the gastric bypass. Anyway onto my question. I was told I would have to go in next week and have an endoscopy done and have to have a Vena Cava Filter put in. Yes I know that sounds good but that is the first I have heard of it and wondering if there is anyone else that had to have that put in and so forth? He is also supposed to give me a surgery date on the day I have this done. Thanks Sonya Mantachie MS

I am also on Medicare.  I had a vena cava filter put in before I had my surgery.  It was my choice to have it.  It is because I was not very active and we were afraid I would develope blood clots from sitting all the time.  It is still in, 7 months later and I never give it a thought..  It has caused me no problems and was put in for my own safety. Good luck, Janet

Congratulation on your approaching surgery date Sonya.  I also had a vena cava filter implanted prior to my surgery.  My surgeon thought it advisable in that my parents have a history of blood clots.  I haven't had any problems with it and actually was relieved to know that I had it implanted. The endoscopy revealed a bacteria in my stomach and that I had a seriously involved hernia.  I was given two weeks medication to address the bacteria and the hernia was repaired during my surgery.   Best of wishes for you in anticipation of your surgery date... by the way who is your surgeon and where are you having you procedure done? God bless, wandamc

Wandamc,   The surgeon I am using is Michael King in Oxford. I am having the procedure done at Baptist Memeorial in Oxford. I see you also used Dr King. I haven't heard anything bad on him. Everything I have heard about him and his nurses has all been good. Thanks for responding to my post. Sonya Mantachie MS