I'm presurgery but went to dentist today and they were asking if I had any new meds or surgery since last seen. I don't really see where the dentist office needs this particular info. Am I missing something? We are in a small town and I'm just telling close friends.

Thats a good question. Wish I knew the answer. The only thing I can think of is that there are certain meds we are not suppose to take after surgery and maybe then dentist would need to know in case he gives you anything to numb you or for antibiotics. I think I would tell to be on the safe side. Would think dr privilege would apply here also.

I have no idea how that male pic got in my post. Please disregard.

It seems that most medical conditions can affect teeth and gum.

Here is an article on bariatic surgery and dental care: http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-27/issue-8/columns/from-the-podium/bariatric-surgery-amp-dental-care.html. Dentist are covered by HIPPA and are responsible for assuring your privacy and protecting your mediical history.

Here are some other articles:

http://cdeworld.com/courses/20020-Bariatric_Surgery_and_Implications_for_Oral_Health

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16989694

I am also from a small town but word gets around no matter what you do. Before surgery I embraced it let most coworkers know & come to find out our human resource person already slipped to a coworker. I have decided to not be bitter but to embrace & be proud of myself.

For your dentist question. I recently had GB surgery 8 hours away from my home on Oct 1st drove home 4 days later on a Sunday with a terrible tooth ache waited through the night went to the Dentist office first thing Monday morning sure enough my tooth was infected. I had my dentist consult directly with surgeon because of the medication/digestion issues. It is important to tell the appropriate people about your history to get the best care. If necessary talk to your dentist in private.

The reason they ask is because bacteria from the cleaning or dental work can get into blood stream and attach to any implanted devices or cause an infection in your heart if you have had heart surgery. It's best not to keep it a secret.

I think all of your care providers should know your complete medical history. I am an Advance Practice RN and would hope all my patients would tell me of procedures, new medication, etc.

As a rule of thumb, for any medical procedure I may do, or medical consultation, I am very honest regarding my surgery. As previously mentioned, there are medications that may not agree with me as a gastric bypass patient. For example, my gastric doctor told me, I am unable to take products that contain ibuprofen. There was even specific medications I should take for the common cold, or even when my allergies flared up. Medical teams having this advanced knowledge, may very well save a life. Finally, per the oath medical professionals take, they are prohibited from discussing treatment/patients outside of the context of care. I hope this helps.

I would tell him too.

I'd recommend telling the dentist.

I told mine long before my surgery as I have been open about it with everyone.

However - afterwards, it was particularly important because the changes to my body affected my gums. He told me had I not had the surgery he'd have been extremely concerned, but since he knew I'd had the surgery he knew it was a side effect of that and prescribed some special mouthwash and advised me to watch for it to clear up.

If you want to keep the surgery private longer, I'd just ask the dentist to help keep it quiet.