Question:
Looking for information on steriod use in relation to procedure and post-op.

I have a adrenal defect and take dexamethasone .75 mg daily for a replacement dose. I have been for 21 years and have cushings syndrom like effects. I developed Diabetes II 3 yrs ago. I have just begun to investigate Bariatric bypass. Infection is of great concern to me due to immune suppression.    — Tina V. (posted on September 30, 2002)

September 27, 2002
Tina, In my opinion, this is a matter you need to discuss with your physicians. While there is a lot of good advice and support here on AMOS, we are not medical proffesionals. This sounds serious and I think you would be wise to ask your doctor his opinion about having WLS. Best of luck to you.
   — Patty_Butler

September 27, 2002
Tina, I take 7.5 mg of prednisone daily because of kidney transplant. No problem with taking it up to day of surgery and no infection though they did give me IV antibiotics in hosp. post-op. Four months out I'm still on insulin, but only 20 units a day. Open RNY 5/24/02 minus 56 lbs. Talk to your surgeon and your specialist before surgery.
   — Janis D.

September 27, 2002
This is something that you definately need to discuss with your surgeon, as well as what ever professional is managing your disease that requires dexamethasone. I am a nurse, and can give you some basic info, but those are the ones who need to completely look into this process for you AND they need to work together during your curgery and recovery process. First, long term use of prednisone can case delayed wound healing. So post op, you will need ot be extra viligant with taking care of your incision, and you need to know that you ar at higher risk for your wound opening. This does not meen you should not have the surgery, you just need to be more careful then the rest of us, and even if you are really careful, you may have some problems. Second, the use of steriods increases your risk of infection. You will be on antibiotics longer then most of us. Third. It is a good idea to have a DExa scan to determine how your bones are doing PRE-op. How can have calcium leaching from prednisone use, and you will need even more calcium post op then the rest of us. Agian, not a reason NOT to have the surgery, but you need to know these things. So, lots of things to discuss with your surgeon/ PCP/ specialist. Make sure that you go into this educated. That is your best defense against all complications.
   — Vicki L.