Greenfield Filter (IVC)

Ok..so we all have BMI's of over 50 here. Does that automatically qualify us for needing a IVC filter put it prior to surgery? My surgeon never said anything to me about needing one but I ve noticed that alot of you have gotten one. How many of you did/did not have one? My surgery is in 6 days...wish me luck!! Im really nervous! Thanks!

Hi, Lisa!

My surgery is in 2 days and my surgeon didn't mention it either.   I asked about it and didn't really get a response.  Good luck--we will be surgery buddies!!!

Christa

I did have one (still do). Its a Greenfield filter. My BMI was well over 50 though (83).

 Hi ! My BMI was well above 50 before surgery. I am 1 month out from Lap RNY. I didn't have an IVC filter. My understanding is that they are used primarily if a person has a history of DVT's (blood clots in the legs) or pulmonary embolus, or previous MI or stroke. Some docs have preferences to do them prophylacticly. I think alot of these things are personal preferences of specific docs, not a standard of care for a specific BMI. I am doing well. The first week was very difficult, but since then, things are going very well. I'm on a soft diet now, and seeing what my pouch can tolerate.
Good luck to you on your journey!!!

My Doctor insisted, he would not do the surgery without it. I hear at support group he has all his larger patients have it. My BMI was 73

I haven't had any problems with it.

Good Luck on your surgery!!!!


Tommi

My first surgeon required it for BMI's over 50 so I have one.  My second surgeon didn't and wouldn't have made me.  I wish I didn't have it, it freaks me out.  They really aren't THAT effective to justify keeping in for life unless you have a history of blood clots, IMHO.

Thank you all for your replies and well wishes!!!!

If your doctor hasn't already mentioned it you most likely aren't going to get the filter.  My doctor had a checklist of things for surgery and the filter was one thing listed.  I knew weeks before that I didn't need it.  Good luck!!!

My doctor required them if you had a BMI of 55 or over.  However, because I have an allergy to nickel and the filter is made of a nickel alloy, my doctor chose not to use one. I had the surgery without and everything worked out okay. Good luck on starting  this wonderful journey. I will be thinking about you.

Denise

I don't even know what an IVC filter is LOL  so I guess I didn't have one.  Just like after surgery I didn't even have any drains.  I went through just fine without either of them.