Question:
I am sure I will need a tummy tuck as well as a majpr boob-lift and I was wondering

how come people on here are not as worried about blood clots, dying etc... Most of us worried about the risks with WLS but no one seems to mention it on here. Are the risks not as great? I know we dont have to worry about leaks and such but it is still major surgery. Thanks! :-)    — Pizofret (posted on June 5, 2003)

June 5, 2003
It is still a worry but we are MUCH healthier by the time we are ready for plastics. Also, even though it is a big surgery to have a tummy tuck it is much more superficial (meaning it does not involve the organs in any way) and we are less likely to have as serious internal infections, etc.. I just had this conversation today with my surgeon. 35 pounds to go and then my TT. My hernia is killing me!
   — Carol S.

June 5, 2003
I did worry about blood clots and ended up with several in my lungs. Luckily I was paranoid enough that as soon as the pain hit I went to the ER and they found the clots. Started me on blood thinners ASAP and inserted a vena cava filter to catch any more. My clots were small and if a larger one had come thru I could have been in BIG trouble. (everyone assured me the pain was probably gas but I went to ER anyway because it just didn't feel right.). I think that we should be given the filter 1st (or at least the option to have it inplanted) before surgery. I would have loved not to go thru that experience. Oh I was hospitalized 4 days and on blood thinners the whole time for this eposode. THis happened 2 days after I was released from my RNY surgery.
   — Jamie M.

June 5, 2003
WELL, I WAS TOLD BY MY SURGEON THAT BLOOD CLOTS WERE LARGELY HEREDITARY. BUT, TAKE IT UPON YOURSELF TO GET UP AND DO PLENTY OF WALKING AND ASK IF THEY HAVE THOSE LITTLE FOOT/LEG PUMPS TO KEEP UP CIRCULATION. WHEN I HAD A C-SECTION 6 YEARS AGO AT 280 POUNDS, NOT A SINGLE PERSON TOLD ME TO GET UP AND WALK AROUND TO PREVENT BLOOD CLOTTING. I JUST LAID THERE AND RELAXED. NOW, TO THINK ABOUT THAT MAKES ME CRINGE. AFTER MY OPEN RNY, I GOT MYSELF UP AND WALKING 3 HOURS AFTER BECAUSE I FIGURED OUT EARLY ON THAT IT WAS UP TO ME TO WATCH OUT FOR MYSELF FOR THE MOST PART.
   — christina K.

June 5, 2003
Carol is right, by the time you go for plastic surgery you are much healthier. When I had my gastric bypass I was 268 pounds, diabetic and had high blood pressure. When I had my TT I was 142, the diabetes was gone and my blood pressure was normal. Also, gastric bypass is considered as a highly techincal operation, they are doing much more. However, it is still major surgery and there are risks involved with any major surgery. If you would like to see the before and afters of my TT just shoot me an email.
   — Linda A.

June 5, 2003
hi hon, there is always a risk when you are put to sleep for surgery regardless of the surgery type. I just had my tt, and i was more worried with this surgery then i was with the wls, only because i was gonna be under longer with the tt surgery . The longer you are under the riskier it is and this is just my opinion and from what I was told. Also, after wls and losing the weight you are a lot healthier and the healthier you are the better outcome of ur surgery good luck to you ...
   — Deanna Wise