Question:
Are blood clots more common with Gastric Bypass surgery

than with any other surgery?? My doc tells me that the most common cause of death with this surgery is blood clots to the lung and leaks. Are blood clots associated mostly with people who have high blood pressure or do they just happen in anybody? My surgery is 11/29/00 and I am terrified!! I have days when I can't wait and I am really excited and I have other days that I talk myself out of it two or three times! Today is one of THOSE days!!!    — Donna H. (posted on November 16, 2000)

November 16, 2000
There is no more risk of blood clots with WLS than with any other major surgery. For me, I simply weighed out the overwhelming risks of remaining obese and the very rare risk of a blood clot during surgery. When I looked at my situation in that respect, my decision suddenly became crystal clear. There is no doubt that this is a critical decision and one not to be made lightly, but there is also no doubt that continuing to live with obesity and the associated co-morbidities will turn us into invalids or end our lives prematurely. Pre-op jitters are completely normal; I'd be more concerned if you weren't having them. Have faith in your decision and in the surgery. I have had absolutely no regrets and would do it again in a heartbeat. Best wishes to you!
   — Diana T.

September 14, 2009
My daughter had the RNY surgery 7 weeks ago, and they found clots near her spleen,which was nicked during surgery.She has been in and out of the hospital for weeks, very scary.She is in tonight for a possible stricture. I hope they fix it already.Go to a doc you KNOW has a ton of experience. I think a LOT of people have trouble the first few months and then seem to be fine.Good luck to you.
   — ocean999