WLS AFTER heart attrack?

Anyone here have their WLS AFTER having a heart attack? I had a heart attack about 6 years ago which resulted in having a pacemaker and stent implanted.  Just wondering if it might cause any differences in the surgery, post-surgery routine, or any more difficulties??   

Yes, minor heart attack and double bypass.  My PCP, cardiologist, and WLS surgeon said it was ok.  WLS really has helped my heart.  I am sure one of their concerns is recovery from WLS.  In my heart attack there was no permanent heart damage.  Good luck, Brian

Thanks for the response Brian. My cardiologist is the one who suggested I have the WLS. He said my heart had relatively minor damage and is very strong, but the weight is starting to give him concerns. He says the extra 135-150 lbs. will eventually cause me problems with my heart and other problems.  My PCP and WLS surgeon agree with him.  Also, my PCP says I am heading for diabetes as my mother and sister are both diabetics. Thanks again for the reply!

BamaBob, Had my WLS about 6 months after my Open Heart Aortic Valve replacement. My cardiologist could not be happier with my present results. My ticker is better off now that it has been my whole life. Awesome Cholesterol and Tri-Glycoside levels too. Everyone is different. Ask you docs if they think it is in your best interests With your specific cir****tances. Best Wishes- Dx

Thanks Dx. My cardiologist definitely wants me to have the WLS. He is the one who suggest it to me about a little over a year ago.

 I really think that most WLS can be safely done post-h.a., if the surgeon is properly apprised of your condition and takes the proper precautions ..  It also depends on which WLS procedure is being done (obviously the LAP-band would be less strenuous/risky I would think than doing an RNY, DS or VSG)   I know one of the gurus of RNY surgery here in the Dallas area (Dr. Barzune) once told us prospects at an informational meeting that he has safely done RNY (which was only done open back then) on even c.h.f. patients in the past ..  usually by having them admitted to I.C.U. beforehand to stabilitize their condition for 2-3 days pre-op and then putting them back in it right after surgery, until they're safe to go home ..

Once you mention this to your surgeon, he will certainly ask for your cardiologist to clear you for surgery.  That likely means having a heart stress test to simulate the type of stress your heart would undergo for surgery.  Your stents and pacemaker should keep you safe. It is very likely your surgeon will ask your cardiologist or one of his partners to come see you in the hospital. Depending on the findings of your cardiac tests your surgeon may want you to stay an extra day or two.  But if your heart test is passed with flying colors, your surgeon may treat you like a 21-year-old. Most cardiologists recommend that patients who have had a heart attack wait 6 months after their heart attack to have any type of surgery. Your surgeon and cardiologist will want you to continue your heart medications the same as before surgery.  Your cardiologist will likely be very happy once you start losing weight, started getting healthier and start getting rid of some of your medications.  I bet you will do just fine.

Good luck to you and good health.

Dr. Dirk Rodriguez

Deaconess Hospital

Cincinnati, OH

Any information given in this message is general and not intended to address specific medical concerns. Always seek advice from your bariatric surgeon or personal doctor.

Thanks Doc!! Good info!

I supposedly had a heart attack and then I had quad bypass in 2002.  My heart doctor wrote a 6 page letter so i could get surgery approved on the first try.  Yea, it is possible and I've done it!