Question:
Can I have surgery when I am positive for Hep C?

I have Hep c, and i have had a biopsy on my liver and there was slight inflamation, i don't know if it is fatty tissue or the hep c. can i still have the surgery?    — Michelle A. (posted on May 31, 2000)

May 30, 2000
I have a friend on another list that has had WLS and also has Hep. C. Put attn: Kim. Go to this site and join the email list: www.duodenalswitch.com Good Luck. Her surgeon was Dr. Gary Anthone at USC. 1(800) USC-CARE
   — spankywoman

May 30, 2000
I answered this question once, but it seems to have disappeared. I also have Hep C, and it was not a barrier to surgery. WLS is very hard on your liver, so it's particularly important to be kind to your liver post-op. I avoid all over-the-counter medications if possible, and I take milk thistle, an herb that's been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to support liver functions. Best of luck, and feel free to e-mail me directly with any questions.
   — Kim H.

June 2, 2000
Hi, I had Open RNY on 6-17-99. I have Hep C, and also have a mild case of Cirrosis. So I am sure it will depend on your surgeon, but it should not be a problem unless you are taking Intron A for the Hep C. The Intron causes your platlets to be low and that can cause problems. I stopped the Intron A about 6 months prior to surgery so that my platlets would be up to an acceptable range for surgery. Email me privately if you want to talk. [email protected]
   — Cheri H.