Question:
What is being done to eliminate death after surgery due to pulmonary Embolisms?

it appears that more than 50% of the wls mortalities are related to pulmonary embolisms..what can I due while I am pre-op to help prevent this?    — Jeana C. (posted on January 23, 2003)

January 23, 2003
To be honest, I'm not sure there is anything you can do to completly eliminate the risk of PE. PE's are a risk of any surgery...not just WLS. The reson you see it more often in the obese is becasue we are at a higher risk. My surgeon has you do deep breathing exercises before surgery. Heparin shots everyday after surgery for a week, and you MUST get up and walk as soon after surgery as possible, and continue walking when you get home. Even if it's just a few laps around the coffee table(per my surgeon...lol) This will all help keep the blood flowing.
   — Sandra C.