Question:
Is it possible to have WLS if you have a heart murmur..I am afraid I might have

a heart murmur, but I still want this surgery very badly... I am very healthy besides this one problem.. Any responses greatly appreciated    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 27, 2001)

March 26, 2001
I ALSO HAVE A HEART MURMER. THE ONLY PRECAUTIONS I HAD TO TAKE (OTHER THAN THE NORMAL EKG AND ECHOCARDIOGRAM PRIOR TO THE SURGERY) WAS I HAD TO TAKE 500 MG OF PENNICIN THREE TIMES A DAY FOR FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO THE SURGERY. I HAVE TO DO THIS FOR ANY SURGERY AND/OR DENTAL WORK. I VISITED MY CARDIOLOGIST AND HIS STATEMENT WAS THAT WITH MY MORBID OBESITY CAUSING SUCH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, IT HAD ENLARGED MY HEART GREATLY AND THIS SURGERY WAS GOING TO BE AN ACTUAL LIFE SAVING DEVICE. GO FOR IT BABY!
   — JOANNA S.

March 26, 2001
I have a heart murmur along with a valve abnormality. My surgeon required cardiac clearance because I have had about 5 instances of rapid heartbeats in the past 20 years that require hospitalization to stabilize. My regular cardiologist wouldn't even discuss WLS. I went to another reputable cardiologist who I told I needed cardiac clearance for abdominal surgery. He performed an EKG and an Echocardiogram and said he saw no reason why I couldn't have the surgery. Yes, he heard the murmur. My biggest problem was after the surgery when I had to strain using my arms to lift myself off the toilet and out of bed in the hospital. I thought I was gonna stroke out trying the heave my large self up without using my abdominal muscles. The good news is 80 pounds and 5 months later, I can rise using my leg muscles. My advice is check with a cardiologist to see if you do have a murmur, find out what causes it and ask if it is a problem. Good luck!
   — marciejayne

November 4, 2001
Go get some tests done. I thought I had one, but it turned out to be palpatations (irregular heart beats). They are not life threating, but are very annoying. Take small amount of med to make them subside.
   — Jennifer P.

February 4, 2002
I have a heart murmur, supraventrical tacchycardia (excessive heart rate) , wolf parkinsons white syndrome and a buckling valve. I have been told by 2 heart specialist that I can have this surgery. As a matter of fact--it will increase my chances to live. Less weight-less strain on the heart. A doctor will tell you--many many people have murmurs..they can show up at anytime. Even infants are born with these. I am sure you have nothing to worry about. Get a doctors opinion and clearance.
   — [Anonymous]