Question:
can enlarrged heart prevent one from having surgery

I was recently diagnosed with an enlarged heart due to untreated sleep apnea. Has anyone else had this condition and did it pose a problem for having weight loss surgery?    — justaboutkrazy (posted on February 28, 2004)

February 27, 2004
You probably can have surgery. I have congestive heart failure and only half my heart works. I had successful lap RNY on oct 1 03. Down 80 pounds. My wife is having lap RNY on march 8.
   — bransonboy

February 28, 2004
I have Congestive Heart Failure, with Mitral valve back washing. Heart Arrythemia. Asthma, and 3 kinds of Arthritis. I had successful open RNY 2/17/04 and I am 60 y/o. I was in hospital 4 days, home 200 miles from hospital. I am doing fantasic! Doc wouldn't do my surgery at his clinic surgery, he wanted me in hospital with all necessary Heart docotors, Repiratory docotors available. I had no problems, up and around - feeling great! Good luck and God bless.
   — Carol S.

February 29, 2004
I also suffered from this. I doubt that your heart problem would get in the way of surgery, unless it is so bad that it would for some reason make surgery more risky. Worst case scenario, they may make you wait a bit in order to attempt some kind of treatment. In general, it should probably be considered an additional comorbity (as in my case) and a further justification of the necessity of the surgery.
   — christied

March 1, 2004
Mary, Please make sure your sleep apnea is treated before your surgery and that all medical personnel including the Anesthesiologist and nurses caring for you post op are well aware that you have sleep apnea. This can be very dangerous if your sleep apnea is not taken into consideration during your surgery and immediate post op care.
   — Hackett