I have my first initial intake appointment 12/17/15. I have read that if you are on aspirin therapy (I have 2 small holes in heart) that you can't have bypass. Then if you have reflux, the sleeve could make it worse. I know I have to talk to doctor and see what he says, but am I doomed in not being able to have surgery due to these issues? Anyone have bypass and on aspirin therapy? Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated!

I would wait until you meet with your surgeon. They likely will suggest bypass over sleeve mostly because the sleeve can make reflux much worse and in some cases require a revision to bypass anyway.

I had planned for the sleeve but ended up going with bypass for that very reason. I am thrilled that I did. This surgery cured my reflux completely among other things.

In terms of using aspirin, I am not sure. I do know that we are never allowed NSAIDs again.

These surgeons really do a great job of finding alternatives to medications so if you are taking aspirin for a reason, they may be able to tell you what can be taken in its place.

The bigger question with be if you are taking it for a heart condition they will want a clearance from a cardiologist before moving forward.

I have read about many patients getting through this with heart conditions, this surgery helps your heart in the long run but it depends on the condition.

Definitely speak with the surgeon. The reflux issue does make you a better bypass candidate, but there is a possibility you can use NSAIDs under close medical supervision.

Ok. I have two small holes they said never closed when I was born. That is why I am on aspirin to prevent blood clots. I am 48 and just found this out like 7 yrs ago. I will just add it to my book of questions. Lol. Thank you all.

Good question for your surgeon...

I don't know if either issue is an automatic elimination of surgery choice. I have had acid issues and reflux with the sleeve, but only if I don't take a PPI. It wouldn't bother me any if I had to keep taking a PPI every day... small price to pay. I took Omprezole twice a day the first several months, but one a day works now and sometimes I forget and skip that.

I wasn't sure if taking something for reflux after sleeve would help. I would rather have the sleeve I think.

@@tbella67, stay positive for now. It's premature to worry about being denied surgery.

A friend who is 20 years older than you learned in recent years that he has a hole that didn't close. I don't recall what he was experiencing that brought the situation to light, but maybe it's more common than one might think. He was offered a choice between corrective surgery and medication (to the best of my recollection) and was advised that the medication should serve him well. I can't say what he's taking. It's the hole in my head.

Edited December 9, 201510 yr by WLSResources/ClothingExch

Make sure you have a very experienced,highly rated surgeon whom you feel total confidence with.

I am praying he is. He is a center of excellence surgeon.

@@tbella67 - Ask the surgeon if an IVC filter is an option for you. That may be a batter solution to the blood clot issue than daily NSAIDs.

Oh, okay. Thank you