Vena Cava Filter?

Hi Lovelies!!

I had my preop appointment with Dr. G today. I am scheduled for July 7th at 8:15 a.m. and have to be at the hospital at 6 a.m. I finally decided on getting the Realize band. While there, he recommended having a vena cava filter put in. He said this was not mandatory, but he would definitely recommend it. My BMI is no longer 50, but it is 47. I will be doing 10 days worth of Lovenox injections after surgery.

My question is has anyone had one of these vena cava filters placed? My husband wants me to have one put in "just in case." I have to have it done prior to the banding surgery if I decide to have it done.

Just looking for some input

Paulette

Paulette -  I can't give you first hand info on the filter but somebody will be along shortly that can help you out.  There are a few people on here who had to have it done.  If I remember correctly, they said it wasn't bad at all.

Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

FYI - my mom just had knee surgery and they did not giver her Lovenox and ended up with a clot in her lung.  In my opinion, the surgeon nearly killed her by not giving her the Lovenox.  I consider all of us WeightWise patients extremely lucky that we have such smart surgeons who take good care of us and know what is the safest way to handle us!

Kim

I didn't get one but I have read somewhere on OH about folks that had one. They said it was no big deal to get it placed.  I read where someone went in to get hers removed and it had actually caught a blood clot.  She was glad she had it.  However, that is the only person I have heard of that knew for certain that the filter caught a clot.

Do your research and you will make the right decision.  Congrats on a surgery date.

Thank you Happy and Glitter!

When I first went in and they told me about it, I thought, Nah, I don't need it. But then, when I was sitting in there talking to Dr. G, I looked over at my 7-year-old and my hubby and thought what in the world would happen to them if something happened to me. Then, on the way home, my husband brought it up and told me that he thought I should have it done just in case. So, I will call Crystal tomorrow and tell her to get it set up for me. I would definitely rather be safe than sorry. Thank you wonderful ladies so much. It also helped that it is not a big deal to put in.

Hugs,
Paulette

Paulette - glad you decided to go ahead with the filter.  Better safe than sorry.  Just think of it as peace of mind.  You have been gifted with a fabulous miracle, a 7-year-old, and he/she needs you around to nag them as long as possible!  LOL!

I have Dr. G as well, and went ahead with the filter.  In fact, I need to get an appointment to have it removed.  The procedure was easier than any of the other things he had me do, including the EGD.  One of my girlfriends drove me there & back, dropped me off at home, and I just came in and went on with my day.  I remember talking, but I don't remember the procedure itself.  Which kind of bummed me out, I wanted to watch it on the xray machine! LOL  

It's worth getting it for that peace of mind.  Also, I was on my cycle for surgery, so it was just that extra security.

Thank you Topless for giving me that piece of mind as well. I am going to have Crystal set it up for me tomorrow. Were you awake for the procedure?

Thank you again

It's called conscious sedation.  They'll give you something, and technically you'll be awake, but you won't remember or feel any of it.  PIece of cake.  So to speak!

Awesomeness. So, they must give that wonderful Versed again. I don't remember much about the EGD at all. So, hopefully will be like that, well, sort of.

Thank you Topless Muffin

Hi Paulette,

Dr. G is my surgeon, too.  Even though he "recommended" the filter, I didn't have it prior to my RNY in December.  I considered it, but was short on time to get it placed, and I was a very low risk for needing it anyway.  I am 43, wasn't super morbidly obese, non-smoker, don't take birth control pills, non-drinker, no family history....so I was comfortable with my decision not to get it.  Also, I knew I would be up and active right away, so, with being active and taking the Lovenox I had no problems.  I honestly don't know that many who have had it, but have heard it is no big deal, just a minor inconvenience.  I think it is a very good thing, and I might have gotten it if I had been able to get it done prior to surgery....but, I'm not sure, the jury is still out. Good Luck and congrats on getting your band!!