Question:
Was anybody on diuretics pre-op? If so, did you continue taking them up to surgery?

I'm a little bit worried about my potassium being too low at the time of surgery if I continue to take them.    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 12, 2001)

July 12, 2001
my dr told me if i eat one food with potassium for ever 20 mg a day i take i would be fine..they can always monitor the levels
   — paula B.

July 12, 2001
My doctor told me before my surgery he will take them off of me, because he thinks they might cause me to dry out to much.
   — Pat G.

July 12, 2001
Hi, I just read your question and I did take the pill right up to the day of surgery. I was taking 80 mg.Now after surgery I don't take that pill or anyother blood pressure pills anymore. I am 1 month out. Hope this helps.
   — Janet P.

July 12, 2001
I took my diuretic right up to the day before surgery. It's important that both your surgeon and anesthesia department know that you're on diuretic therapy so that they can monitor your potassium levels. It's interesting that I never needed the diuretic again post-op, and also was able to discontinue my two blood pressure medications within the first two months post-op. I think that many post-ops have similar experiences, not only because of the initial rapid weight loss, but because we have dramatically decreased the sodium intake in our diets. It's going to be important that you stay in close touch with your PCP in those first few months post-op so that he/she can monitor changes in your blood pressure and adjust your medications accordingly. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

July 13, 2001
My surgery is scheduled for AUG 2. I have been taking water pills for months because my feet and ankles swell so bad. I just had blood work done last weekend so they could check my potassium level and the PCP called and started me on potassium pills because my level was low. If your potassium drops too low, they can postpone your surgery. He is having my blood taken again tomorrow to re-check. You need to talk to your PCP and have your blood work done. Most surgeons will require it pre-op anyway to make sure everything is ok. Best of luck to you!
   — Karen S.

July 13, 2001
I've been on Lasic (Furosemide) since 1993. My left leg is "TWICE" as big as my right. I'm not kidding ether. It's awful. Anyway I've had low potassium since. At one time they prescribed Spironolactone with them to help up the potassium some. Other times they prescribed a potassium pill. Anyway I did take it right up to the surgery because a day or two without the Lasic I'm up 8-10 pounds! More if I don't take a longer time. But it's always wise to ask your surgeon/doctor what he/she advises. Every surgeon has their view and most likely good reasons for it because all our surgeries tend to be done alittle different. By the way, I'm still taking the Lasic and I'm 9 & 1/2 weeks post op. Good luck to you.
   — Danmark