Question:
Has anyone had to have a blood transfussion with WLS?

Not to get anyone started on a religious debate - but I would not take a blood transfusions due to my religious convictions. Anyone else out there in the same category? Has anyone HAD to have a blood transfussion during or related to WLS? I e-mailed the doc I am considering and he said he respected my beliefs and was willing to discuss and operate based on my medical history and understanding of risks involved. He said there is a 1-3% chance of having to be transfussed. I have an appointment on Feb 13 and am trying to get as much information as I can before then. Thanks.    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 7, 2002)

January 7, 2002
I had an RNY in early december, I ended up with extensive additional surgery that was not planned, along with the gastric bypass. I did not need a transfusion. Several weeks later I did develope a bleed which they believed to be from a previous unknown ulcer. I ended up with 4 units of blood and 4 units of fresh frozen plasma. For regular surgery chances are very slim you will need a transfusion, but keep in mind the possibility of complications. The other alternative is to donate your own blood prior to surgery so in the event you need blood they can give you back your own. I dodn't know if this will comply with your religious beliefs. Good luck!!
   — [Anonymous]

January 7, 2002
As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I too do not accept blood transfusions. I took an Advance medical directive with me when I met the surgeon to go in my medical file to fully explain to him and his staff that I, under no circumstances, would take blood. Also included was alternative treatment that I would accept. Of course I was the rare patient that had an internal bleed the day after surgery and my blood count got dangerously low (4.4). There was a lot of talk about blood but since my position was clear (by putting it in writing) they didn't push the issue too much. The hospital I was in was just starting a bloodless surgery center, the only one in St. Louis. They treated me with concentrated iron and pro-crit. After a couple of days, count SLOWLY started rising. After 10 day hospital stay, came home, continued pro-crit injections. A couple of months later, everything was back to normal and all is fine since.
   — Randy L.

January 7, 2002
I did not need a transufsion with my lap-rny, but I had complications and with that I did have to have transfusions. I never thought I would be one of the 1-3% but unfortunately I was.
   — laurac82101

January 7, 2002
I'm also one of Jehovah's Witnesses, as is Randy. At the first meeting with my surgeon, I discussed my convictions. He would have liked the option of giving me blood, but he respected my beliefs. I also had a medical directive and a power of attorney to support my convictions. Needing a blood transfusion is rare, but you should be prepared just in case. I'm glad that I was.
   — Jaimee S.

January 8, 2002
Yes! I had to have two blood transfusions when I had my open rny. Not during the surgery...two days later. I (quite unexpectedly) had a gastric bleed and had to be transfused. This is rare occurence....but... it happened to me. I hadn't banked any of my own blood prior to the surgery (I was told there was no need); so, I received blood from the blood bank. If your religion allows you to receive your own blood, I'd bank some....just in case......
   — [Anonymous]

January 9, 2002
Unfortunately, I too was a statistic...the day I got home from the hospital (sorry this will be graphic), I had tar black stool. I had the same problem twice the following day and had to be admitted to the hospital for internal bleeding which the doctors assumed was a leak from one of my surgery sites. My blood level was dangerously low (7.4) so I had to have two transfusions. I am not a witness, but, I had health issues with the transfusions (afraid of getting AIDS, etc.). My doctor assured me that blood is screened far more stringently nowadays than in the past and I relented. In hind sight, I would have liked to have banked my own blood and suggest you do the same if there is any possibility you may change your mind if heaven forbid you have to make that decision. Don't worry though...the chance of this happening to you is 1-3%. :)
   — Karen R.

January 11, 2002
I wish I could remember all the details and what these things are called. But I heard (many years ago) that there is some kind of liquid available that is bloodless that can carry oxygen simular (although maybe not quite as good) as blood. I would ask your surgeon about it. There always seem to be options out there although not as good as blood, nevertheless are better than nothing.
   — Danmark

January 12, 2002
I did not require a transfusion with surgery but had a complication afterward that required 4 units. My surgeon tells me that there are almost always alternatives to a blood transfusion -- check with your surgeon to be sure he will respect your wishes.
   — Pam S.

January 12, 2002
Hi there....I also will be refuseing Blood transfusion based on the bible and the doc didnt say anything too negetive about it...since its a low risk thing. i would like to email you since we have this belief in common as one of Jehovah Witnesses.
   — endure2n

February 12, 2002
My hubby is a Jehovah's Witness and out of respect for his beliefs, I asked my doctor about blood transfusions too. Dr Pearce said he can only remember 3 cases where blood was needed and it was not during surgery. He has done hundreds of these surgeries so I have full confidence in him. Since I am not a witness, I will allow blood if that is the last resort type thing. I also know of another witness that had this done, and they assured her they could do it completely blood free. If I have to have blood I will sign a consent form in the OR to keep my husband out of trouble, the doctors know of his beliefs and are trying to respect them as I do. Good luck Angela
   — Angela B.

August 19, 2002
It is so good to see this posted. I too am a Jehovah's Witness. There is a friend, related by faith, at my workplace who has gone through this surgery 10 years ago. She has been of encouragement to me. I am scheduled to have my surgery Sept 10, 2002. I have all of my directives and papers signed and filled out. Copies will be given to everyone. Thanks for asking this question and allowing answers to be posted. My doctor, on my consult assured me of his willingness to respect my stand. I can only hope and pray for few complications.
   — Rhanda R.

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