Question:
Has anyone ever had WLS while taking blood thinners (coumadin, warfarin)?

I take Coumadin, a blood thinner, because I have a lack of Protein C in my blood which makes it too thick. I had a pulmonary embolism 5 years ago, but no problems since. I would like to have WLS, I don't know if it can be done because of my condition. Has anyone out there had WLS while on blood thinners for a clotting problem or heart condition? I know that you can switch to heparin before surgery to reduce risks of clotting during the procedure, since that is what was done when I had lap gall bladder removal. I'm hoping lap WLS would be similar.    — hsochia (posted on July 8, 2000)

August 4, 2003
This is an old question but thought I'd answer in case someone is researching. Typically a patient is taken off blood thinners about a week prior to surgery, and then they are administered by the surgeon during and afterwards. This is done so the doctor can carefully regulate the amount you are given. BTW congrats to Heidi for choosing DS! Find info on our wonderful DS at http://duodenalswitch.com
   — Chris T.