Question:
is there a lower risk of d.v.t. with laparascopic banding, than with open bypass

i have just had lap 3 days ago, it went so well that I am now afraid of d.v.t. please answer if you know as I can'r stop thinking about it    — Carol C. (posted on September 12, 2003)

September 12, 2003
What is D.V.T.?
   — vllgmz4

September 12, 2003
DVT=Deep Vein Thrombosis. Blood clots that occur in the extremeties, usually the legs and can break off and travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. All surgeries present a risk of DVT, even stuff like falling, and/or breaking a bone. BUT JUST BECAUSE THE RISK IS THERE, DOES NOT MEAN EVERYONE WILL DEVELOP ONE. <p> The way to prevent them is to be up and moving around so that the clot doesn't have a chance to form. This is why most of the dr.s and nurses bug you to get up and walk as soon as possible. The only advantage you have is that you had a lap surgery, so generally it is easier to get up and walk that soon after surgrey. I had Open RNY, and was up and walking within a few hours - no problems. The type of surgery (banding vs. bypass) shouldn't matter. The risk is there for all kinds of surgeries.
   — Ali M

September 12, 2003
There's always a risk with ANY surgery. And we're at risk for clotting in many other situations, ie: flying, long trips in car, etc. Don't worry, just keep exercising . . .
   — RWH G.

September 12, 2003
Longer procedures carry a greater risk for DVT. The lap band procedure is relatively short.<P> Carol, just make sure you're moving around some. Don't sit in any position for too long and make sure you're well hydrated.
   — TMF

September 12, 2003
All surgeries present the potential for a DVT. I have had 3 of them (none caused by my surgery). The best thing you can do to make sure you don't have one is to walk, walk, walk, and then walk some more. It is being immoble that increases your risk, really. The viens in your legs have little one way valves in them. Your heart pumps blood into your legs, but the only way it can move back out is through muscular contractions. Muscle contracts, blood moves back up the vien a bit, and the little valve inside the vien closes to keep the blood from running back downhill. When you aren't working your legs, the blood just sits for way too long in between these valves and sometimes begins to clot. So... keep moving and you should be just fine :)
   — Greg P.