Ok this is absolutely not meant to scare anyone. This is solely for my own educational purposes. I'm new to this and I want to know how to decrease the chances of getting blood clots. There was a message today in group that I'm apart of on FB where someone who was sleeved 10 weeks ago passed away from a blood clot. This shocked me because I was thinking maybe 4 or 5 weeks tops you would be in danger of blood clots. Does anyone know how long I should be concerned about blood clots after I have my surgery. I want to make sure I stay on top of that. Also someone mentioned walking 15mins every hour your awake and you will be fine. I work a desk job and I plan to be back at work before 10 weeks is this the best way to avoid clots? Thanks everyone .

Edited March 11, 201610 yr by cbrown1

This definitely just scared me because that is my biggest fear !!

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Are they sending you home on a blood thinner? I'll have to give myself injections every day for a week after I go home. Physical activity and plenty of hydration along with following all doctors orders is really all you can do once you're home. If anything feels weird, call the doctor.

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I haven't had my surgery yet it was more of a educational question more than anything. Thanks ajbishop2 I will definitely be following Dr's orders

I haven't had my surgery yet either. I was asking if they've mentioned blood thinners to you because I wasn't sure if everyone goes home on them or not- kinda like the pre-op diet debate, it may only be some surgeons that do that. Also, did I read correctly that you're wanting to be back to work "before 10 weeks" ? It shouldn't be close to that unless you have complications, right?

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I haven't had my surgery yet either. I was asking if they've mentioned blood thinners to you because I wasn't sure if everyone goes home on them or not- kinda like the pre-op diet debate, it may only be some surgeons that do that. Also, did I read correctly that you're wanting to be back to work "before 10 weeks" ? It shouldn't be close to that unless you have complications, right?

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me too Chaelove0810

oh sorry if i confused you . no I was saying the person who passed away did so after 10weeks. I plan to be back well before 10 weeks. My question was is there a best way to avoid clots and also I thought we were in the clear after about a month or so. Passing away 10 weeks later from blood clots just shook me up some thats all. iwanted to know if anyone has any suggestions like frequency of exercise each day etc.... I have not discussed being sent home on blood thinners with my Dr. at this point in time.

Theoretically you can die from a blood clot at any time. The risk is higher for obese people. So not getting the surgery will actually increase your odds of dying from a blood clot.

The overwhelming majority of blood clots happen after an injury of some form. For example, I had a friend die from a pulmonary embolism (blood clots in arteries of lungs) after spraining his ankle. Surgery is included as an "injury". Once formed, a blood lot can lie dormant in a vein for a long time before breaking free and traveling to cause damage.

I have had 3 DVTs. (Deep veined thromrosis) One after knee surgery from a car wreck that put me in hospital for a month. (30 years ago) they pumped heparin into me through my IV. They told me that I had a 90% chance of having a clot go to my brain or lungs and dying. And I'd never be able to have kids. I have 2 ,one adopted.The second after I was pregnant and travelled cross country and slept in my car. Hospitalized for a week. Two of my sisters have had clots. One a P.E. That's when we found out that we have Leiden Factor V. A predisposition to getting clots. You can get a blood test to see if you have it. The third was when I tripped in garage. Went to hospital and got an ultrasound and they said, yep you have a clot in your leg. Then they sent me home. I drove myself! They've come a long ways in caring for clots. For surgeries, they give me Lovenox as a bridge from the lifetime Coumadin (blood thinner) I need to take now. Make sure they put compression boots on while they do surgery. Probably routine nowadays. It pumps your calves to help circulation. Be sure and get up and walk. 15 min an hour seems excessive. I have had multiple surgeries since my last blood clot. Thyroidectomy, hysterectomy, gallbladder surgery. I am concerned with any surgery. Just keep ambulatory and let your dr. know of your concerns. Blood clots happen to healthy and unhealthy alike. I know a tennis pro who had one and cost him his life. Freak thing. Good luck!

Hello all! I will be sleeved 3/22 and just had a outpatient procedure for an ivc filter yesterday which is suppose to help prevent blood clots....has anyone else had one of these inserted?

Hello all! I will be sleeved 3/22 and just had a outpatient procedure for an ivc filter yesterday which is suppose to help prevent blood clots....has anyone else had one of these inserted?

I had one for one my surgeries. They removed it after. Simple procedure. My dr. Decided against it for my sleeve. I know mine cost 14K. Not sure they use them as often as they use to.

Thanks everyone your feedback has been so helpful

Prior to surgery I received a shot of Heparin and another the day after surgery to prevent blood clots.

The shots sound worse than they are, never felt them.

The best any of us can do is to get up & moving after surgery immediately after your anesthesia wears off & it's safe for you to walk. Then continue to be up on your feet and walking the days following surgery. If you can't get outside, do laps in your home.

With regard to the filter procedure being done, I'm assuming if your Dr suggests you have it, than you must need that extra precaution.

Wow! Educational thread. Didn't know a lot about blood clots. Thanks for the stories.

FYI ... I didn't have a blood filter, nor did I take / do blood-thinner shots post-op.

Your surgeon should be very aware of blood clot risks and how to mitigate them (if not get another surgeon).

According to my surgeon, the two biggest risks from surgery are pneumonia and blood clots. Both can be life threatening.

Just follow your surgeon's instructions which should include: walking, staying hydrated, taking the prescribed medication (whether shots or pills), using any devices prescribed (like leg pumps, incentive spirometer, etc.).

If you aren't sure what to do, then ask your surgeon and healthcare team, and keep asking until you understand.