"filter" queston

Good morning everyone!   My question is about the (IVF)filter that I have read about that prevents blood clots from going to the heart / lungs.   Has anyone had this and if so is it something they do in a procedure a few days beforehand? How do we know if we need (or want) one.  I'd guess I'd want one but have never had one prior to elective surgery before.  Can someone fill me in? I'd appreciate it!  thanks

Cathy

Hi Cathy,

I, personally, have not had this done. And I don't know anyone who has had it done prior to WLS.

However, this is usually something that is decided by your cardiologist. We are all required to see a cardiologist as part of our pre-surgery appointments. For WLS patients, the person is usually someone who is high risk and is super morbidly obese.

The procedure is usually an out-patient procedure done a day or two prior to a major surgery. It's done under the same anesthesia (twilight) used when we have an endoscopy. The worst part is that the patient has to lay down for several hours after.

All my friends who are/were super morbidly obese are/were put on a pre-op diet (length of time depends on how much weight the surgeon wants the patient to lose).

I hope this helps!

Jules

Thanks, Jules, Yes it does.

Hi Cathy,

i have the IVC filter. It is temporary and can actually come out now, I just haven't had time. My RNY Dr is the one that required I have the filter implanted because I am high risk for clots. I have never had a clot but because of my medical history. I agreed and was happy to have a filter placed - anything that decreased my chances of a clot! The procedure itself was easy. in and out and done at RI hosp. It should be done a week prior to surgery but because of scheduling problems and then my job it was done the day before surgery. Any other questions just ask.  I did have a complication after (RNY) surgery related to the filter but that finally went away - it was a terrible nerve/groin pain - which is the insertion site. B****hey put it in through the groin and take it out through the neck.

Sue