Question:
RNY and pacemakers

I've done well since RNY surgery in Ma, 2006. However, I have been diagnosed with brady-tachacardia (fast and low heart rate rythms). I've had a Holter montior test, showing I had a fast heart rate. Then a year later I had a Event Monitor test, and my pulse was 38 at that time. I spoke to a cardiologist yesterday. Pending the outcome of one more Holter monitor testing next week, the doctor is strongly suggesting I get a pace maker surgincally implanted. My question is: has anyone here with RNY surgery had a pace maker surgery, and any possible side effects as being a RNY patient. I'm 61, and often post answers to new pre op or post op inquiries, but this is my first question to this forum. DAVE    — Dave Chambers (posted on January 25, 2008)

January 25, 2008
Good Morning. I had RNY in Feb 2003, in April 2003 I had open heart surgery and consequently ended up having to have a pacemaker/defibulator implanted due to fast heart rate. Wouldnt be alive w/o pacemaker. Good Luck. Laxi
   — 502Laxi

January 25, 2008
Dave - I don't have the answer to your question; I just want to wish you the best with your heart problem. You will be in my prayers my friend. Marsha
   — MiniMello

January 25, 2008
Dave, I had RNY in Jan 2003 and revision in Sept 2007. I had pacemaker implanted in Sept 2006. There have been no bad side effects, just feel much, much better than prior to pace maker, I, would not be alive without it. hope this helps you, by the way, I had just turned 61 when I got my pacemaker.
   — ritahastings

January 25, 2008
Dave - I can't respond with any help or answer, just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you and you will be in my prayers. Please keep us posted! Good luck. Diane Richards
   — NJOY

January 25, 2008
Dave, I am in the medical field and I don't know of any contraindications of a pace maker with WLS. It will all be good. Best Wishes to you. Hugs
   — Crickett_1

January 25, 2008
Hi Dave. As a cardiac nurse you really have no options with what you are describing as tachy/brady syndrome. The pacemaker will be implanted in the upper left quarter of your chest (your left), looks like a very small box, after it heals it should not be noticeable. I am an RNY patient also and from my standpoint this should have no effect whatsoever on your bypass surgery, nothing to do with your GI tract at all. Trust me when I tell you that this will give you more energy and keep your heart healthy. I am betting you are tired alot due to the low heart rate and probably scared when you feel your heart beating really fast. This should fix this problem and with routine pacemaker checks you should be fine, these are usually done over the phone believe it or not. It only kicks on when your heart rate dips below a certain number or above a certain number. After a very short while you will not even know it is there. It is a short same day procedure. You will do great, please drop me a line when you have it and let me know how you are doing. Best of luck to you. Diane
   — noboat4u