Question:
High risk for blood clots?

What does it mean to have high risk for blood clots, and how do this happen? Can you prevent this for happening?    — Toby2 (posted on May 12, 2008)

May 12, 2008
Hi Toby, I'm new to this site, but I got an email today about your concerns about blood clots. I didn't know there was such a risk, but my surgeon for my gastric bypass said he wanted a vascular filter put in before he does my surgery the end of this month since I'm rather imobile. I'm in a wheelchair. So, I went to see a vascular surgeon and it will be installed in a proceedure very similar to an angeoplasty I think is what he told me. He will put me to sleep and go through the groin and insert the filter in my main vein to prevent me from having clots go to my heart or lungs. You might want to talk to your primary care physician or your bariatric surgeon to see what they recommend. Hope all works out for you. I'll keep you in my prayers. Mary
   — MawMaw56

May 12, 2008
Hello Nevalle, When your doctor tells you that your high risk for blood clots make sure he or she gives you all the information about it so you fully understand. Most of the time people with higher BMI have more of chance for blood clots, but that's not always the case anyone could get one high or low BMI. Also people with any kind of blood disorder can as well. Its one of the warning that they stress to you in the beginning. Doing a lot of walking and staying moving after your surgery will really help you in not forming a blood clot the more your moving the better chances you have of not getting one. I'm sure there is other ways to prevent it from happening but as for me I had a high BMI and I have been known to have blood clots before. I had an IVC filter put in one week before my surgery. Its a tiny little filter that catches your blood clots (if you should get one), to insure it doesn't hit your heart (it will save your life). Size wise its very small as it just goes in your vain's so maybe one cm, it looks like a mini orange parking cone or a witches hat (that's how its shaped) with some claws on the end of it (that ensures it doesn't move). Its a simple surgery and I was awake for 90% of mine, they went through my neck and most WLS doctors will do it for you. When they tried to take it out they went through my groin area. Both surgeries was in and out very fast and pretty painless....kinda felt like I slept wrong and my neck hurt very minor. I wish you the best of luck but ask your doctor a TON of questions and I am sure that he or she will answer all of them for you.
   — TattooGirl1982

May 12, 2008
Hello there...I was high risk for blood clots because of a previous pulmonary embolism and everyone is at rish at developing clots during surgery so you have to take precautions. I didn't go to the extreme of a filter but my doctor put me on heparin shoots starting the day after surgery and for one month following. Hope that helps.
   — Mary G.

May 12, 2008
This is a good site to get your answers: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000156.htm
   — waterlover

May 12, 2008
I was a high risk due to previous blood clots and my doctor ordered a vena cava filter. Mine was put in 3 days ago and I was awake the whole time. The only thing that hurt was the numbing shot. The thought of it was scarier than having it done. Good luck on your surgery. Mine is 5/19 roni
   — rentacar3

May 12, 2008
I am high risk for blood clots (DVTs) because of a pulmonary embolism that I suffered in 2006 and the cardiologist put in a permanent heart filter (vena cava filter also known as a IVC) so I didn't have to have one inserted for my wls surgery. It is no big deal to have it inserted. When you have any surgery blood clots could be a risk due to immobility. I am on warfarin sodium the the rest of my life for these blood clots to keep my blood thin so they can't make in my system. Before, I had wls surgery I was taken off that medication and given lovenox injections and so far no problems.
   — dyates2948

May 13, 2008
Because I had a previous blood clot and I'm on Plavik, my surgeron made arrangement for me to get a Vena Cava Filter put in right before my RNY surgery. I showed up at 7 a.m., they put in the filter and after an hour wheeled me to surgery. The hardest part of having the filter put in was to lay flat on my back without moving the leg for an hour. Other than that, it was easy. The best advise is to be sure and walk, walk, walk. Sitting increases the risk of blood clots.
   — SLittle1