Pre-Op Consult done...DVT anyone???!?

OK.

So big guy like me, not scared of much, besides needles, goes to meet with the doc today for pre-op reinforcements of risks, expectations etc.

They hand me a packet about this DVT stuff (blood clots) and how there is this screen deal they can send me in for to put in the veins to catch these "clots".  Officially freaked me out, spiked my blood pressure, cracked my world of reality...just kiddin, but still:

Any one on here go and have this procedure done as a precaution?

As of now, I am not opting for it because my BMI was only 42, I am very physically active - can walk around and jog even, and they will have me on a precription blood thinner in the hospital and a kit thing to take home and take injections of thinner post-op (well, my wife will give them, unless I could just pass out and fall on the needle).

As usual, your comments and criticisms are encouraged...what woud you do/did?

I didn't have one and my BMI was higher than yours on surgery day.  If you can opt out I personally would choose to do so unless you have a history of DVT or clotting issues.

If I remember correctly, the "screen" stays in, and I didn't want more possible issues. I was confident that the precautions taken during and after the surgery, including my commitment to walk, walk, walk would prevent blood clots. I prayed about it, made my decision, and put myself in God's Hands.
Blessings,
Mary

I haven't had to have one myself but my son had to have one placed when he was in his teens because he did have a history of clots.  It wasn't a big deal and has probably saved his life, but having said that, if you don't have a history of clots then I would probably skip it also.  They should put the massaging things on your legs while you are lying down and the wonderful tummy shots to keep your blood thin.  I would think that would be enough, but I am not a professional.

Good luck.

IVC filters are removable. I have one and it wasn't pleasant while it settled in. Others have them with no problem whatsoever. My doc requires them for anyone with a BMI over 50. I don't know that I'd get one at your BMI unless you have a history of clots.

The risk factors for DVT
Obesity
Smoking
hormone replacement therapy
immobility
Surgeries that cause large amount of blood loss especially orthopedic
If obesity is your only risk factor, you may consider not having it especially since your BMI is on the lower end.  But if you have more such as smoking consider having it.    I assume you're not on Hormone Replacement therapy.  hehe My best advice is to make sure your keep the compression garments on your legs that inflate and deflate.  I was mildly annoyed at my nurses because they never even checked that I had them on or encouraged me to replace them after I got up to the bathroom and back to bed. (They are a pain but do it anyway) Apparently they didn't take it as serious as it truly is.  Walk Walk Walk, take your lovenox injections as prescribed.  And lastly know the signs and symptoms of DVT so you can intervene early if they present.
They are
Swelling in your legs and feet.  Especially if it is present in one but not the other.
Localized warmth
A feeling of heaviness in your legs (more so than usual)
Tenderness and sometimes redness at the site
Keep in mind that you may have none of these symptoms if the clot is in a large vessel. 
Any form of respiratory distress following surgery is a trip to the ER immediately.
Having said all that and knowing full well my risk factor which was only obesity BMI 40.  I chose not to have the filter and to be very diligent in walking and keeping my compession stockings on.
I hope that helps and doesn't confuse the issue for you.