High risk issues!

Hi My surgery is scheduled for april 28/15. I have low blood pressure 90/60… I have heard that WLS lowers blood pressure. I am having the sleeve. I am on pradaxa ( a blood thinner) I heard in this forum that Pradaxa is not suitable for bariatric patients. I heart failure issues and take a water pill. I am having my gallbladder taken out at the same time along with a small hernia repair. I have an enlarged heart, a hereditary condition. I am 206 pd. BMI is 37, I am 5 2. Is there anyone who is having or has had WLS with similar issue? Feedback would be sooooo welcomed. My surgery is being done in Toronto at the Toronto Western Hospital by Dr Okrainec.

My high bp resolved very quickly after my wls.  I had cut my pill intake by half for a week, then to 1/4 for a week, then stopped.  I did this with the consent of my PCP and my surgeon.  Don't do this without a consult with your own doctor. 

Really, getting very complicated medical issues solved on a website, even this one, is very dangerous.  

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.

This is all something only your doctor can tell you. But for what my non-medically qualified opinion is worth, I understand that if high BP is caused by the obesity, which is not always the case, it will be improved by weight loss. But for people like you with a naturally low BP, your obesity is clearly not raising your BP so weight loss shouid not reduce it further. 

I think you were replying to the OP, no??

Very good info, anyway!

I'm sure you've made your surgeon aware of all of these medical issues.  He/She will evaluate you thoroughly, and make sure you are medically sound for surgery.  Your surgeon wants the same thing you do:  a successful outcome.  You should meet with your surgeon and address all your concerns - hopefully, you will have all your questions answered.  

WLS helped me so much with many of my pre-existing conditions.  You certainly have a lot going on, and your surgery is not routine, in that you are actually having three procedures...  I have congestive heart failure so I had to be cleared by my cardiologist prior to surgery.  I assume you'll have to stop taking the blood thinner pre-op.  Everyone worries as their surgery date approaches - but have confidence in your surgeon and his team, they are looking out for your bests interests.

Good luck to you!!  I'm sure you've been working toward this goal for a long time -- I know the process moves slowly in Canada.  I'll swing a chicken for you!  

Hi, Thanks for your support. When did you have your surgery? Do you still take water pills? Was your heart failure because of your weight?

You're right as the date gets closer the more worried I become. Lol never heard the chicken swung thing before but I love it!

My surgery was 5/14/14.  I'm down to 20mgs on my "water pill" (from 80).  My heart failure was due to not taking my blood pressure medication - high blood pressure was due to weight.  No longer have high blood pressure.  I never knew it could cause heart damage -- I thought strokes were the danger.  Pre-op, I was really bad about taking medications -- that definitely has changed post-op.  

All good advice above, and mine is the same: talk to your team as they will know you best. And as Mary said above, trust that they want the best outcomes for you. You will be in the best possible hands, especially after all the preparation you've been through. They will guide you on your medications so just ask them how to proceed. 

I just had my surgery a few days ago. The surgeon did a hernia at the same time, and also found an issue (previously undiscovered) in my small bowel that required they remove a small portion of bowel during surgery. So I also ended up with a 3 for the price of 1 surgery.  Seriously, I have a bit of residual soreness today (surgery was Monday) and one extra laparoscopic suture - 6 instead of the planned 5. But all seems to be healing well and I'm feeling better and stronger every day.  

Have faith. And we are here to keep you company and support you throughout. 

Hi Christine, congratulations! Thanks for your support. This forum is fabulous. I cant believe how lucky we are to have each other.

I was on pradaxa pre surgery and after. No problems. There is a law suit currently in the US due to people dying from bleeding while on Pradaxa. I took myself off it but was talked into another blood thinner called eliguis. It is suppose to be safer. I am guessing you have a cardiologist. You should talk to him and have him send a report to the TWH. I have Atrial Fibrillation and had no issues post op.  Also you might consider checking out the Ontario Forum