Anybody had heart attack prior to WLS?

My RNY is scheduled for Monday. This afternoon, my surgeon's nurse called to say that my pre-admission EKG revealed a past heart attack! My former PCP did an EKG in 2002, and Dr. Martin's office said the heart attack was indicated on that EKG, too! But my PCP had told me it was normal. The diagnosis was "inferior infarction." I believe "inferior" is referring to the location on the heart muscle but am not sure. So, Monday morning I go to the hospital at 7:45 a.m. By then, Dr. Martin will have had a consult with a cardiac specialist, and I will know whether or not I'll be having the surgery. I'm wondering - how scared should I be?? Kitty B.

I wouldn't be freaking out just yet, but it is cause for concern. Many people walk around with silent issues like this. You have had it for at least two years, and hopefully nothing else since that. Have they cancelled your surgery? I am sure if they were even remotely doubtful they would cancel your surgery or at least postpone it. You are correct. Inferior is the physical location of where the infarct (which basically means tissue death by lack of oxygen****ured. Inferior, superior, posterior and anterior are all terms for describing the location of where something is on the body. The inferior part of your heart is the bottom or lower part of your heart. It will most likely depend on the severity of it and what else is going on. People have surgeries and procedures all the time with past heart attacks. They will just be taking extra precautions with you. Good luck. Take care. Breath deeply and slowly!! I know this was probably a big shocker huh? Just try not to let yourself get worked up into knots over the weekend (I know easier said than done) but I am sure you are in very capable hands. Please keep up posted on your progress! Valerie

One of my supervisors was actually referred to a bariatric surgeon after her quadruple bypass. She had the surgery, lost >100 pounds and is looking and feeling great.

KITTY I HAD A MINOR HEART ATTACK TWO YEARS PRIOR TO MY SURGURY AND WAS S TILL RELEASED FOR IT. I WOULDN'T WORRY EITHER. AS LONG AS YOU AREN'T SHOWING SIGNS OF HEART DISEASE OR CHRONIC HEART PROBLEMS THERE SHOULD BE NO CAUSE FOR FEAR. WHATS IN THE PAST IS IN THE PAST. LINDA

A friend of mine has had three heart attacks and Barix would not do her surgery but I suggested she go to OSU where I had my surgery done. She had to do a few extra tests but got it done and is doing really great. Good luck,