Will aspirin and reflux stop my journey?

[tbella67 19]

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!

[Djmohr 6,965]

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.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

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.

[tbella67 19]

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.

[liannatx 897]

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.

[tbella67 19]

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

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,443]

@@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, 2015 by WLSResources/ClothingExch

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

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

[tbella67 19]

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

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

@@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.

[tbella67 19]

Oh, okay. Thank you