WLS does cause some problems

I was recently diagnosed with atrial fibrilation-the atria in the heart occasionally shake instead of squeeze.  If left untreated, a blood clot may form in the heart and be thrown to the brain causing a stroke.  The problem I'm having because of the WLS is that it's more difficult for the cardiologist or coumadin clinic to monitor my coumadin (blood thinner).  I saw the cardiologist last Mon and had to go for a reading on last Fri.  That reading was too high, so I had to go back again yesterday.  The reading was low so I have to go in again on Thurs.  I just hope this gets straightened out soon because I have to pay a specialist's co-pay every time I go there.  I was told that usually they only need one reading a week for the first few weeks but that I need more due to the WLS.  Eventually, I'll only have to go once a month.  There's even a possibility that my primary doc may be able to monitor me then (lower co-pay).  I was told that I face the risk of having a stroke if my level is too low and, at the worst, a possibility of bleeding out simply from a scrape if the level is too high.  Oh, yes, like eveyone else with this problem, I have to balance the amount of vitamin K in my foods against the amount of coumadin I'm taking.  I'm supposed to get a total of 120 mcg of vitamin K per day so I have to watch what I eat for vitamin K levels.  Now I have plenty of questions to ask on my next visit as I try to figure out how to balance the vitamin K vs coumadin.

Sorry to hear about this. I don't know if the problems getting the level established is because of WLS or not. My dad is on coumadin and they had a devil of a time getting it settled in. He went two times a week for several weeks before they got it stabilized. That was about 13 years ago. After the cardiologist got it stabilized his PC took it over. 

Hey Bob... man, coumadin levels can be a *****I know it's pinching the pocket book right now...but it will be worth it...I have non WLS patients that have to have 2-3 times a weeks to start with...so it's not just the WLS that is causing the tweeking... Ok be careful of bruising. watch your stools that they do not turn tarry...(sorry) and you may get gum bleeding..get the softest tooth brush you can and for all the time we say eat green leafy veggies...not for you rightnow bubba...good luck...If you need me...I'm here...I teach coumadin all the time...

Russ, A Coumadin user as well? I’m over 5 years on the ‘rat-poison.’ Not so bad really…. [edited to add- DUh!  Patients.... sketchy reading...] Best Wishes- Dx