Question:
looking for experiences of Jehovah's Witnessses preparing for WLS without blood

   — Debbie P. (posted on October 21, 2003)

October 21, 2003
I am not a jehovah Witness but i do respect your belief. One surgeon I went to a group meeting with that was the first thing he said. Are you a Jehovah Witness. if you are I will not operate on you and a lot are this way so you are very fortunate to find an understanding surgeon.
   — Delores S.

October 21, 2003
My surgeon does folks like you. As a matter of fact a good friend of mine is a witness and had WLS. I waited with his wife the day of surgery. Your likely better off LAP, as he told me the bleeding risk is less. Will you accept liquids other than blood? I think that is a deciding factor for my surgeon. On a positive note I was told witnesses who as a group live pretty healthy tend to do well.Since they avoid alcohol and smoking pre op they tend to be healthier and have fewer troubles with surgery. BTW my friend who had surgery last summer is down about a 100 pounds, but has another hundered to get to goal. He is doing well!
   — bob-haller

October 21, 2003
Not to sound ignorant, but a thought to add. Can you pre-donate your own blood? I have known some patients who do that and if needed they are only getting back what they donated.
   — firelace

October 21, 2003
Guess I should have read the last sentance....Ooopsie, sorry!
   — firelace

October 21, 2003
The 5% needing blood is such a really-low number, I think you are getting great care by your doctor's suggestions. We had a patient that had a bad gallbladder/appendix but was so sick he couldn't have surgery without a transfusion. So, the surgeon worked around it. The patient didn't get what his body needed, it took a lot longer, but eventually he did get better and his wishes were respected and followed. I agree, you are in great shape by having a surgeon willing to work on you since you refuse the blood products.
   — bethybb

October 21, 2003
Debbie...I'm 5 1/2 weeks post op and had no problem at all without blood. It wasn't even an issue. As you know we can accept blood expanders and several other things. Surgeons who won't operate without it are severely behind the times. Speak to your local liason committee, they'll be able to recommend a surgeon if you're having a problem finding one. Nancy
   — nancysho

October 21, 2003
Hi Debbie, it sounds like you have a knowledgeable doctor to work with on the blood issue. I too am a Jehovah's Witness and had lap RNY on 6/30/03. I ended up with perforated ulcers 3 months later and another major surgery 10/3/03. My doctor and I discussed this thoroughly at our first meeting and he has no problem operating on Witness patients. In fact, he has done quite a few of us. There are still the occasional surgeons who refuse to operate on us, and indeed they are really out of touch with this issue. We are allowed blood expanders and other substitutes now and most hospitals and surgeons are quite current on this subject. Procrit is a great choice preop, so are iron supplements and avoiding heavy blood thinners. I was only given a dose of Lovenox right before being wheeled into the OR. If you could have yours done laparoscopically, that would be best since blood loss is usually much less than open. They did nick my liver during the first surgery but fixed it promptly with no untoward effects (NOT the organ to nick on one of us, LOL). I think you have found a great doctor who respects your beliefs and I'll bet you come through with flying colors! Email me anytime from my profile page. And by all means, talk with your local liason committee if you still have doubts and questions about this issue as relates to your hospital or doctor. Be sure to take copies of your updated legal paperwork on blood issues (medical directive) and even a living will with you so that a copy is on your chart! And doubly make sure your religious preference is on your chart's face sheet(I had to harrass a head nurse on my second surgery visit and finally got that accomplished). That way, the brothers assigned to hospital visits will be sure to see you every day you are there. What a comfort that was for me. HUGS!
   — midlifestu

October 22, 2003
Hi Debbie, I had open RNY in May of this year. I ask my surgen about the blood issue and he said it was not an issue. He had been doing the surgerys for 30 yrs and could count on his hands how many of his people need blood. Sometimes complications after the surgery may cause a need for blood. I came through with flying colors. No complications to date and feel wonderful. I think that living a good life style helps us too. I healed quickly and went back to work full time in 4 weeks. I wish you well on this life saving journey. Marcia Kline
   — Marcia K.

October 22, 2003
Thank you so much ALL of you for your replies! I feel even more confident now about my surgeon.
   — Debbie P.

October 22, 2003
Is it considered a sin if you donate your own blood in advance????
   — Danmark

October 22, 2003
Sorry. I did'nt notice that you can't give your own blood. I should'nt have been reading while listening to tv. ;)
   — Danmark

October 22, 2003
No problem, Daniel (OR Susan ;) ) I appreciate that you were trying to help! We've got a lot of helpful friends here on AMOS :) -Debbie
   — Debbie P.

October 22, 2003
Debbie: I, too am a witness. I asked my surgeon at our first meeting about blood and he said he had no problem regarding blood and his experience is that he seldom if ever needs it. However, he said that the person who might have a problem is the anesthesiologist. There are some who will not work with witnesses, but others will, so I'll have to find someone I can work with when it gets closer to my surgery date. I'm approved, but waiting until January for work reasons. Take care and I hope all goes well for you. Julia
   — NewJoolz

October 22, 2003
Hi there, Debbie! I had no trouble with my surgeon and not wanting blood. He said that the risk was really low and for me not to worry. Of course, I was prepared for it all, I brought everything, from my medical directives to a copy of the brochure on blood! I had gall bladder surgery about 10 yrs. ago and never had a single problem with that either, I did take extra iron, per the surgeron's request, and that helped. I did the same this time and even had more spinach and iron-rich foods. My WLS was over 5 hours long and even with such a long time in the OR, the doctor said my blood loss was VERY minimal. Sounds like your doctor has a great amount of respect for Witnesses and that's a good thing. If you have any other questions, or just want to keep in touch, please feel free to email me. Vi. open RNY 9/23/02 down 151 lbs.
   — Vi F.

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