Did anyone else have to give themselves injections of heparin twice a day for 14 days after surgery? This is something I didn't know about:eek: . I found out during my preop appointment this week. I have all my meds for the7th. also did anyone use hydrocodone as their pain killer? I am allergic to codine and my doc says this medication is a slight form but I should be fine. If anyone took it does it make you sleepy:notagree ? ok sorry about all the questions it's just that I am going in for surgery in two weeks and I want to ask these thing.

Hi! welcome, and all that jazz. Ive never heard of anyone using heparin for the band. I used to inject that into a Hickman line for someone I was caring for as it kept the blood from clotting to the line. (that is a semi permanent iv type port used to administer Chemo) What do they think you need this for? Anybody out there ever hear of this??? As far as using codeine, you don't really need it if you want to use something else like Tylenol and or Advil in liquid form. Most people only need pain relief for a few days. So if you are allergic to it then don't use it! and yes it makes me very sleepy. I didn't like it as it was very constipating. Do not be afraid of asking you DR. everything. You must not be intimidated or made to feel like you are stupid for not "automatically" knowing this stuff. Ask and Ask again if you are unsure. I found that when I am even slightly stressed, Info just doesn't get digested properly to me and I have to ask some things several times to really get it. Its OK and you are important enough to take good care of. So take good care of yourself. The really good Dr's are glad to explain everything!

I was given two heprin shots in the belly the day of surgery and the day after. I was told that it stops blood clots. I think it is only a precaution. Did anyone have the massaging leggings after surgery?

Before surgery they had put those things on me but after surgery they had them conected to an air pump and I went home late in the PM. and thats as long as I had those. I knew that they were clot stoppers. If I had heprin, I didnt know it!

Some docs do require you to inject Lovenox as a precautionary measure to prevent clotting. Not all. It's not fun, but I'd rather do it than have a clot.

I keep a supply of this stuff in my home at all times, due to having a history of DVT/PE and taking blood thinners.

I have to use it for two weeks or so. I was suprised. Thanks everyone. My doc is great he explained it all. I just didn't know if it was common. thanks again for the replies. I

I had pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in the lungs) and take coumadin (a blood thinner) but had to come off the coumadin for the surgery. For the two days prior to surgery and 3 days after, I had to inject Lovenox (similar to heparin) twice a day. Once I was back to a therapeutic level on the Coumadin, I no longer needed the injections. I have not heard of anyone being sent home on heparin who does not have a clotting problem history. Once you're up walking around (for me it was a few hours after surgery) you should not require anticoagulants.

I had no coumadin, my SIL that was banded the same day was on it following hers, she also has a history of DVT. I too am allergic to codeine, and I was given the hydrocodone, and began itching in my face within minutes...I was monitored, and had some minor swelling, but it never got too bad, I did not ever get a second dose, though, they changed it to demerol the next time. I was given some pain meds in my IV ( I cannot for the life of me remember what the name was!) the day of surgery, in the afternoon. By evening I was awake enough to question WHAT it was? I am also allergic to morphine. I opted to not have anything else put in my IV. They gave me a crushed up sleeping pill at bedtime, and that was all I had. On the flight home, I did take a dose of ES Liquid Tylenol, during a layover. I have not had anything since....and I am over a month out now. I am not against taking the medication, if I need it, I just haven't needed anything!! Good Luck!!!

Kat

I had the Hepron shot just before surgery. I am also allergic to Codeine. I was given a Prescription for Lortab which my Insurance switched to generic HydroCodone. I was told it is a synthetic and doesn't react like Codeine. I didn't have any problems taking it.

I had a heparin shot just before surgery. I did not have any pain killers; I had a Rx but never needed them.

I had a heprin injection before surgery. They sent me home with a prescription for Lortab, but that was all I had for pain and I only took it at night so I could sleep.