Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Life changing event ...



Recommended Posts

Wow, Elisabeth. I am so happy you made it through that nightmare. That is my biggest fear of this surgery, the possiblity of a PE afterwards, but I try not to dwell on it. I, too, learned not to sweat the small stuff after a life-changing event when Lung Cancer came into my life. Not me, my Dad. It consumed my life for 2-1/2 years while he suffered with it, and now 2-1/2 years since he has past. I am finally ready to go foward with my life and get myself together, emotionally and physically. Some people never learn not to sweat the small stuff. We are fortunate to have learned that lesson, although the circumstances in which we did were terrifying. I wish you all the best.

You're going to do great in surgery and afterwards. I came off the coumadin 5 days before and had to give myself Lovinox injections until I could go back on Coumadin. I walked around until it was time to get ready for the OR and then jumped on the stretcher. Once you go into the OR, they place ankle booties on that inflate and deflate all during the surgery and post-op.

I was out of the OR in 90 minutes, in recovery for 90 minutes and then walked from the hallway to my bed. Four hours later, I was up to pee and then they had me walk 2 laps in the hallway. Five hours later I was up getting myself washed, had the barium test, drank some fluids and went home.

Go in with a positive attitude and you'll be fine.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My daddy (yes, I'm a huge daddy's girl) has suffered a heart attack and takes an aspirin daily along with other meds. He is flying out next week to visit family and I will pass this along to him. THANK YOU AGAIN!! I knew about the car thing and did so on my way home from my own surgery since it was a 3 hr drive.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know aspirin products are supposed to be a no-no amongst bandsters, but in my case I've had 5-way-bypass surgery and must take a baby aspirin a day. I explained this to my lap-banding surgeon and he is more than supportive of it. I have had no problems with taking aspirin since I got banded, and hope I won't after my first fill in a week.

Thanks for sharing Elizabeth. You have endured a lot and I know what that is like...I've been there...not a PE but 5-way-bypass with 98% clogged arteries. My red blood cells went on vacation for close to a year and it seemed like all I did was sleep and eat...and therefore...now I had to look at lap-banding as a means to put a stop to the fact I can't exercise much and cooking for one isn't much fun, and I'm afraid I chose the wrong foods.

I didn't like the idea of using the ignore button, but I've recently decided it is the way to go for me to avoid any conflict, so I'm exercising it and feeling good about it. What you can't see can't possibly hurt you.

You put a lot in perspective for everyone I think.:clap2:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm curious. What causes DVT/PE?

There are many causes of DVT/PE. Since the clot is in a vein (as opposed to an artery), the problem is in the venous system. I had genetic testing after the PEs and came back positive for MTHFR2 gene. This occurs in 12% of the population. 44% do not have the MTHFR gene and 44% have MTHFR1. They are carriers but are not predisposed to clotting problems.

Some of the major causes include venous insufficiency, obesity, congestive heart failure, cancer, smoking, oral contraceptives, immobility, bone fractures, traumas, etc.

What can help is losing weight, stopping smoking, not taking oral contraceptives after 35 years old if you smoke and are obese, elevating your legs, taking diuretics for congestive heart failure, not sitting for prolonged periods of time, flexing and extending your legs while your're sitting, etc. Meds that are helpful include aspirin, folate, and prescribed anticoagulants and platelet inhibitors such as doses of aspirin higher than 81 mg or Plavax.

Great question!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dody, you should be fine with the baby aspirin. I take one a day also as well as coumadin (my INR is 2.8 as of yesterday). My cardiologist consulted with the lapband surgeon to make sure the band would not interfere with the meds and I'm nearly 5 months out and doing fine. Because I have to take naprosen as well, I was started on Nexium as a precaution. If you have any problems, you might ask your MD to add an acid blocker as a band protector.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I hope this does the trick because it's a small pill and easy to swallow. I've had no problems at all since being banded...no gas or anything. We shall see after the first fill if this continues though :)

I'm a retired nurse myself...been for a few years now. I think your last poster was asking the definition of PE and DVT. It is pulmonary embolus and deep venous thrombosis....neither are a good thing to have. You are lucky Elizabeth. At the first sign of heart pain I took a regular aspirin and the dr. said it probably saved my life. You definitely knew the right thing to do.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×