Surgical Complications

[3820_jack 0]

The surgery was easy. I went home the same day. By the middle of the following week I started to feel that taking in fluids and Protein was a chore. I didn't want to move away from my recliner. That was the first signs of a problem. My reasons for surgery were that I am a diabetic and had an aortic valve replaced in my heart eight years ago. That surgery was tough. The heart valve is a composite material that requires me to be on blood thinners for the rest of my life. In preparation for the Lap Band my Dr took me off of the pill form of thinner and had me using an injectable thinner twice a day. The day of surgery all of the surgical team were happy with the INR value of my blood. After surgery the surgeon assisting my Dr came by to discharge me and said that they had a tough time with bleeding. By Thursday of the next week my INR level was coming up but I was not feeling the greatest. That evening I blacked out when trying to get up from my chair. I asked my wife for her auto blood pressure machine only to find that my b/p was 65/45.

I called my Dr and he said go to the ER. The paramedic on the ambulance told me that he would try to help me feel better before we went to the hospital by giving me IV fluids. Three liters latter my bp was the same. I was brought to the local hospital given whole blood and transfered to the hospital where the surgery was done. Ten pints of blood, several bags of plasma and many liters of fluids I'm back to making a good recovery.

Don't look at this as a minor surgery. This is serious business and please think to ask about what kind of problems can happen to you and be ready.

[jensmallwood 0]

Wow- how scary! I'm glad you are ok!

I agree with your message-- it's easy to forget that this is serious surgery when you're desperate for a weight loss "fix."

People should research thoroughly and know all the risks and benefits before going forward.

[NurseSophie 0]

Jack..what happened to you was because of your medical history. It is surgery for sure but this does not happen to just anyone. I am an RN that works in surgery. I think though, once you get past this hump..you will be so glad you did it! My experience and the experience of so many others is nothing like this. Hope you are up and around soon!

[BetsyB 9]

How scary, Jack! You're right--any surgery has potential complications. The risks skyrocket when you add a complicated medical history such as yours.

I am so glad you got prompt care and are on the road to recovery.

In the long run, I hope you are happy with your decision to be banded; the risks of obesity are so, so high---and with a cardiac history, even more so.

You've had a rough road, but it will hopefully mark the beginning of a healthier new life.

[3820_jack 0]

Nurse Sophie I'm only trying to make people aware of potential problems. Your right my blood thinners and medical history only complicated the surgery. I just thought that I'll be out of work for a week and everything will be fine. Most people will do fine. Just keep the fact that surgery is not always cut and dry. Thanks for your comments.