Question:
How long after sugery are you considered out of the woods on getting blood clots.

Hi, I am waiting for approval and I am so excited to be having this surgery. The one concern that really scares me is dying from a blood clot. How long after surgery are you considered to be out of the woods on one happening. I know you can have one at any time but I want to know about basically just from the surgery. Also, does sucking hard candy cause the dumping syndrome?    — Maureen M. (posted on February 21, 2003)

February 21, 2003
I think you're basically in the clear after a couple weeks. You're right it could always happen, but the first 2 weeks I believe are the most likely time for a complication from a blood clot. As for the hard candy, there probably isn't one answer for everyone. It didn't bother me--I didn't try candy for a few weeks--, but when I did I didn't have a problem. But go light on things like that. If you try something that isn't good for you and you tolerate it, you're likely to just continue eating it. There are better options.
   — jan M.

February 21, 2003
Cream savers has a new sugar free strawberries and cream that is very good. I limit the use though, for fear I'll crave more. But they are very nice to have around for that little treat.
   — Dana B.

February 21, 2003
I've posted this before to a similar question. I had surgery 7/5/02 and ended up with pulmonary embolism (blood clots in my lungs) on 8/29/02. I believe (and so do most of my doctors) that it was partially related to recent surgery. I was tested for genetic clotting problems (don't have them) and there is no family history of blood clots. I was told that it was probably caused by one or more of the following: 1) recent surgery, 2) travel of longer than 3 hour duration, 3) being overweight, or 4) genetic predisposition to blood clotting. I met the first 3 as I had surgery 7 weeks before, I was still over-weight, and I had plane travel of 4 hours 5 days before the embolism. I had the one experience and no symptoms before or after. I'm still on blood thinners but expect to stop those soon. Based on my personal experience, I'd guess it's more like 3+ months before you're "out of the woods". I would exercise caution (i.e. no long airplane flights, stay hydrated during travel, get up and exercise/walk every hour during plane or auto travel, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk) for 3-6 months after surgery just to be safe. I still wear the stockings (TENS socks??) I got in the hospital after surgery whenever I fly, or when I have long drives and I'm 8 months out now.
   — jutymo

February 21, 2003
I have also heard a few months before the risk of blood clots go away. I was also told the best way to keep them away is to walk,walk, walk. I made sure to get up out of the hospital bed just hours after surgery to start my walking!
   — Cindy R.