Question:
Heart Problems, sleep apnea, drs approval

Hi I have a heart disease called hocm and sleep apnea... I have tried several times to lose weight and have not been successful... I talked to my cardiologist and told him I was considering lap band surgery with approval.. he told me he thinks i would be fine with the batiatric surgery... I am on coumadin and blood pressure meds... Has anyone had this surgery with similar problems? How did the aftermath of the surgery go as well as the surgery itself? I am very scared and want as much information I can get. Thanks    — CindyLou0522 (posted on August 9, 2008)

August 9, 2008
I can not completely answer your question, but I can tell you that I was on Toprol XL for heart arrhythmia, and Atacand for mild high blood pressure. I did not have frank sleep apnea, but had snoring and some upper-airway resistance during sleep. I had the surgery and everything went fine during and after surgery, and my recovery was normal. Within a few weeks of surgery, my blood pressure was normal without medication, my blood sugar dropped 10 - 15 points to normal, and my heart arrhythmia is nearly gone except for an occasional PVC, without taking any more Toprol XL. My joint pain and knee pain are significantly decreased, and I just feel so much better overall. Losing weight will most likely completely eliminate your sleep apnea, or significantly reduce it. I can not say for sure, but it will most likely have a positive effect on your heart disease as well, as the extraweight does nothing but aggravate your heart disease. Lap-Band is a great option and you might want to also consider RNY Gastric Bypass surgery if you have Type 2 Diabetes, or have a risk of it due to various risk factors, as this particular surgery cures Type 2 Diabetes in most people who have it, and prevents it from occurring for most people. This is a proven fact. If you click on my name here, it will take you to my Member Profile. At the very top of my Profile is a Link you can click on that will take you to CBS News.com, where there is a Video and an article regarding the many benefits of RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery, interviews with Doctors, patients, and how it goes about curing Type 2 Diabetes. The Video is about 12 minutes long. Best wishes to you and I hope you'll continue to let everyone here be a source of support, information, and encouragement for you!
   — Gina S.

August 9, 2008
Lap Band is a good surgery but I would suggest you research other surgeries also to make sure you are choosing the best surgery for you.
   — Kristin B.

August 10, 2008
I had lap band 4-16-08 and I am on coumadin and blood pressure bills. I took lovenox injection before surgery and I have had no problems other than resuming the coumadin it took a little extra time to get my PT/INR back up but it has resumed the level it needs to be. It took about two months and my blood pressure pills were cut in half. I am down 42 pounds and lots of inches. The surgery was very easy to me, I have had two knee replacements and metal rods and screws in my back and still the surgery was the easiest I have ever had. I didn't even take pain medication. I was up and at and doing everything two days after the surgery. I was just tired the second day and rested but I have been on the go ever since. If you need more info contact at [email protected] there are several people that I am in contact with the same thing going on. Good Luck
   — dyates2948

August 10, 2008
I, too, have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, sleep apnea and am on Coumadin. I also have congestive heart failure (CHF) and an implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD). I had gastric band (Realize brand) surgery on 5/13/08. My surgery was done in the hospital with an overnight stay rather than as an outpatient due to my medical issues. There have been no complications other than an INR at 10 shortly thereafter! My INR is now in the normal range. I used Lovenox 5 days prior to the surgery (to "bridge" going off Coumadin). I took pain medication for 3 days following surgery and was off work for 1 week (sore at incision sites). You are anesthetized for the surgery and it is completed very quickly. There is nothing to fear. My BMI barely qualified me for the gastric band surgery. My research shows that if you have a fair amount of weight to lose, Gastric Sleeve or RNY may be a better option than the band. But you have to do your own research and decide which surgery best fits your needs. I've lost 38 pounds since the surgery. My CHF is much improved. Nothing cures HOCM, but you feel like a new person when you lose the weight and experience increased energy and flexibility. It will help your heart pump more efficiently which may extend your life. I use every opportunity provided to improve my quality of life (I am an out-of-pocket patient). Gastric surgery is one of those tools.
   — bookie1954

August 14, 2008
I believe that with a proper cardiac clearance and close follow up, you should do just fine. Most cardiac issues are greatly improved with weight loss. Again, I can't stress enough how closely you, your cardiologist and your WLS will have to work together pre, peri and post-operatively for the best outcome. Good luck to you, Dawn
   — DawnVic