Question:
BABY ASPIRIN ---- WHAT INSTEAD ?

What does a person do if they have been on a low dose of aspirin to help prevent blood clots? I take them if I am flying for an extended period of time, but some docs say if you have a family history of heart attacks or strokes, are o/weight, have high BP etc, that you are wise to do the baby aspirin thing. And the medical profession always harp about chewing an aspirin if you have chest pains etc etc. I was just wondering what post ops are meant to do in these cases? Is there something else that you can take that does the same job? Thanks.......just curious.    — Katie E. (posted on August 13, 2002)

August 13, 2002
Have you asked your surgeon or primary doctor about this? Some doctors recommend enteric-coated aspirin rather than baby aspirin (at least for non-WLS patients) - the enteric-coated aspirin may be easier on your pouch. But, again, the best thing to do is talk to your surgeon or primary.
   — John Rushton

August 13, 2002
Before WLS, I took one regular aspirin a day. The surgeon recommended I switch to one baby aspirin a day post op. I've been doing this for two years now with no problems.
   — Barbara C.

August 13, 2002
I too would like to know the answer to this. Lafler's all die of heart attacks (men and women) as do the Clark's (men and women) on my grandparents side. I don't see anyway I'll excape it ether. I use to take a baby aspirin and they say NO! So do I chance an ulcer or a heart attack? I have'nt yet... but I'm thinking of doing the baby asprin everyday, but take it with a pepsid. Anyone think that would work?
   — Danmark

August 13, 2002
OPC-3 is a super potent antioxidant and a natural blood thinner. I am pre-op but will continue to take this product post-op because it helps prevent heart disease, cancer, and over 60 other degenerative diseases. OPC-3 detoxifies the body by neutralizing the free radicals in the body. Or more simply stated, cleans the blood so the body can heal itself. We as humans are taking in billions of free radicals with every breath we take, not to even mention the preservatives in food, the water we drink (invest in a water filter), the sun, etc. Free radicals in our body is the primary reason why heart disease, cancer, and other diseases are increasing at an alarming rate and claiming lives at younger ages. We really can do something about this!! For additional info, I will accept personal emails at: [email protected] Patti RN
   — Patti S.

August 13, 2002
I would like to know this too because a baby asprin a day is also used to prevent colon cancer. I have a huge risk of colon cancer as both my parents died from it. As far as taking antioxidants, you may be surprised that you can't take these postop. I took a wonderful antioxidant blend called LIfeguard preop and now it is too hard on the pouch. I thought I would be able to take it for the rest of my life at one time too. I now just count on my Vita4life to give me all my antioxidants. I am counting on it and hope I get everything I need there. As far as the baby asprin, I am going to ask my surgeon if the coated low dose asprin is ok but I suspect it might cause ulcers or irritation in the pouch.
   — Marilyn C.

August 13, 2002
Couldn't you take a chewable baby aspirin? Maybe let it dissolve sublingually? That way it doesn't go into your pouch, just your bloodstream.
   — Jon W.

August 13, 2002
Seems to me that WLS is a MAJOR step in trying to avoid every major disease out there. Isn't that enough?
   — Marti R.