Question:
The memorial page is so scarey

If you read the memorial page,it seems a lot of former members died from blood clots.That is so scarey. There doesn't seem to be anyway to detect you have one until it's too late. If there's any medical people reading this, I would like to hear what they have to say about.    — Debbie W. (posted on February 26, 2003)

February 26, 2003
Consider this- WLS is not the only surgery that may cause blood clots. There just isn't a Gallbladder Memorial Page or a Hysterectomy Memorial Page for us to read... I am not trying to discount your fears- but I feel we have the page to honor the members that are deceased, not to impose fear of complications of the surgery. ANY surgery can cause clots. When I was in the hospital, I was given leg "wraps" to help prevent clots, some Doctors prescribe anti-clot medicine (heparin? coumadin?). Please check with your Surgeon to see what they do to prevent clots....
   — Karen R.

February 26, 2003
If you read all the memorial's quite a few died of a car accident but, that does not change my chances of dying in my car...I don't want to sound like I'm unsenitive but, if you dwell on all the negitive aspects of this on any other surgery you will scare youself out of it. I choose to read the memorial's and think those are the brave souls who because our government didn't approve of this surgery as quick as other countries or things didn't progress fast enough with insurance approval or maybe someone tried to talk them out of the surgery and prolonged their surgery or many other reasons that these people didn't get surgery in time to save there lives. Whatever reason, I'm proud that they tried.
   — Barbara S.

February 26, 2003
The only sure way is to have a blood test that checks for blood clotting factors. Twenty days after my surgery, after following all the rules, I had several pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in the lungs.) They discovered that I had a genetic clotting factor called lupus anticoagulant so I was prone to blood clots and didn't know it. I am now on a regimen of coumadin for the rest of my life. While I didn't relish the idea of taking a prescription drug because I thought I'd be able to get off of all my prescriptions (blood pressure), I am overjoyed that I have lost 87+ pounds since July. So I guess taking a couple of pills at night is not a bad tradeoff. I was tested for other blood clotting factors and they all came back negative. It's an expensive test (about $1,500) but the insurance covered most of it. If you are really concerned, have your doctor order the test. Good luck!
   — goldiekratz437

February 26, 2003
I am pre-op so I won't go there to see it...I have been trying to have WLS for so long now I can't let myself get too freaked out about it, my Surgeon just went over all of this blood clot info with me last week and I admit it IS scarey to think about, can't let myself dwell on it because I know my outcome is ultimately in God's hands. It does happen but its rare. Try and concentrate on how good it will feel to have this behind you and feeling better:)!
   — doit 2.

February 26, 2003
Walk walk walk from the time you arrive at your room. Walking really helps decrease the chance of clots. The memorial page is a sad place. Some died from car accidents or waiting for surgery. People diedaily from being MO and com morbidities. At least were trying to help ourselves/.
   — bob-haller

February 26, 2003
The best defense is to get out of that bed ASAP, as soon as you're safe and able, and get out often. Not only does this help with the blood clot issue, it will in the end help you feel better faster. The blood clots form because we are lying in bed for too long (sometimes you can't help it, as in a genetic problem, but usually you can avoid them by walking and getting that blood moving). My surgeon had us take twice daily injections of heparin (an anticoagulant), starting the morning of surgery. Also be sure that if you are postop and experience any calf pain, especially when you flex your foot up, TELL THE NURSE IMMEDIATELY.
   — Kimberley E.

February 27, 2003
I had to add this regarding blood clots: Getting up out of bed and walking as soon as possible is the best prevention. Unfortunately, my friend, Ginger Brewster, (who is on the memorial page of this website) was not able to do this because of complications she had due to her surgeon not taking any precautions for the fact that she had untreated sleep apnea. Please see that your pre-op health is in the best condition it can be before surgery so that you won't have complications that prevent you from getting up, out of bed and walking.
   — Hackett

February 27, 2003
I had a blood clot after my surgery. I got out of the hospital on a Thursday. I had been quite active I thought. In fact that Saturday I went to a movie! I certainly was not sitting all day. Anyhow, the next Tuesday I woke up feeling like I'd sprained my calf muscle BADLY. I called the doctor and was asked several questions and was told that they didn't think it sounded like a clot but if it wasn't better by 2:00 to call back. It wasnt and I did. They got me in the office by 4:00 and the doctor examined me. He said he didn't think there was anything wrong but wanted to get a dopler just in case to make sure. Well, lo and behold, he was shocked to tell me I had not only a blood clot in my leg but a very small pulmonary embolism in my lung. So, back in the hospital I went. My point to this is, if you THINK there's something wrong there probably is. After surgery, do your walking but if you have pain that seems out of place complain complain complain to your doctor. No one knows your body better than you do. Just because you've been doing your walking doesn't mean you won't get a clot. Just pay attention to your body but try not to obsess about it. I did get a clot but I'm still here and feeling GREAT after losing 60 pounds (surgery date 10/28/02).
   — Vicki R.