Blood clot symptoms, prevention, & treatment after weight loss surgery is an important issue for you. Blood clots can establish in arteries (which carry blood away from the heart) or veins (which carry blood to the heart), with different risks and symptoms for each.
In the bariatric surgery population, venous clots are the most common problem. Arterial problems are usually addressed prior to surgery, and many of these patients will be vetted out if their risk is too high. As a result, the remainder of this page will concentrate on venous blood clots.
Consider what happens once you get a frequent cut on your skin to understand a blood clot, also known as a thrombus. Because platelets in your blood cause the blood to coagulate, a small cut will stop bleeding after a few minutes (change from a liquid into a semi solid state).
A blood clot is similar to a blood clot in that platelets cause your blood to coagulate, except it happens inside your body.
The clot forms inside the heart or a blood vessel when normally flowing blood is slowed or becomes stagnant (for example, due to clogged arteries). When a blood clot separates from the site where it formed, it is referred to as a embolus.
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Why Does This Occur?
Because you’re usually in bed for long periods of time while recovering from an operation, DVT is common. When you stop moving, blood in your deep veins slows down, which can cause a clot. Between 2 and 10 days after surgery, you’re most likely to get a clot, but your chances are higher for the next 3 months.
Following surgery, you may have a higher risk of DVT if you:
- Smoke
- Have you ever had DVT?
- Are you obese or overweight?
- Have DVT in your immediate family?
- Are you expecting a child?
- Have you been diagnosed with a blood or vein disorder?
- Are you older?
- Certain medications, such as birth control and hormone therapy, should be used.
- Have specific cancer types
- Surgical Procedures
The surgical procedure itself can sometimes result in a blood clot. Long procedures that require you to be on the operating table for several hours allow your blood to settle and pool, making clotting easier.
During an operation, tissue, particles, fat, or collagen may be released into your bloodstream, thickening the blood around those particles. If your veins are punctured during an operation, blood clots can form.
Antigens may be released during surgeries which involve shedding or cutting into a bone, such as a hip replacement. These antigens activate your body’s immune system, which can result in blood clots.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Only about half of those who develop DVT experience symptoms.
If you notice any of the following symptoms of DVT or PE, contact your doctor right away:
- Tenderness or pain in your leg
- Leg swells or becomes warm.
- Leg skin that is red or discoloured
- Veins that protrude
- Breathing problems
- I’m coughing blood.
- Chest pain that comes on suddenly
- Breathing problems
- Prevention
Stop smoking before your surgery. Work on losing any excess weight you may be carrying. If you require assistance, speak with your doctor.
You’ll want to keep your blood flowing after your surgery. Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, may be prescribed by your doctor. They make it more difficult for your blood to clot and stick together.
Simple movements in bed, such as leg lifts, can help to improve blood flow. You may require pain medication in order to exercise comfortably. Blood can pool in your veins if you wear elastic compression stockings or use a compression device.
How Long After Bariatric Surgery Are You at Risk For Blood Clots?
Although the risks of pulmonary embolism are low, they are still a concern after surgery. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to an artery in the lungs and blocks the passage of blood.
During the first six weeks following surgery, the risk of developing pulmonary embolism is highest. The risks of pulmonary embolism may be reduced through anticoagulants, compression devices, and increasing movement gradually.
Patients with recent bariatric surgery have a higher risk of blood clots. The surgeon may use external pneumatic compression devices to keep blood flowing through the leg veins.
The filters, located in the inferior vena cava (a vein carrying blood from the lower body to the heart), are no longer permanent and can be removed once the risk of clots is gone.
The first days after bariatric surgery carry the highest risk of blood clots. This risk may last for a couple of days, or even weeks. However, the risk of blood clots is reduced the further away you are from surgery.
To minimize the risk of blood clots, continue to engage in approved physical activity. Physical activity promotes good circulation and promotes health.
The cumulative mortality rate after first bariatric surgery is approximately 0.3%, which is much lower than the risk after laparoscopic procedures. There are many other factors that may increase the risk. Among the other factors, open procedures are more common and RYGP has a higher risk.
Smoking and prior VTE are risk factors. In addition, there are no specific guidelines for identifying who is at higher risk than another patient.
Resources:
https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/blood-clot-symptoms.html
