Birth Control Pill and Surgery Danger???

[Guest marys]

I just read this on lapbandtalk.com and was concerned - I am on the birth control pill and took it before and right after surgery.....

Because the pill can be a causative factor in the formation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary emboli (PE), many surgeons or consults require you to stop the pill before surgery if you're obese. Obesity is another causative factor in DVT and PE as is immobility (on the OR table and post-op).

Once you return to your usual level of activity, it's fine to go back on the pill.

I am going to write to Dr. Ortiz and ask him about this as I'm sure many of his patients are using birth control pills. bbbbbbbb

[ClaireinCO]

Before I was denied by my insurance, I had a consultation with a local surgeon. He explained the risk of blood clots with use of the pill but said he leaves the decision to discontinue totally up to the patient. I think becasue the surgery tinme is so short, how can it be much different than being in the dentist chair for that long? And with the compression hose and all that ... I guess I'm just hoping it isn't a issue!

[Guest marys]

Hey Claire,

Lapband surgery is major surgery even though it is short time wise so imo it is different than being in the dentist chair although i know they do surgery too - but if it's in his/her chair -i'd say not too major.

Before I was denied by my insurance, I had a consultation with a local surgeon. He explained the risk of blood clots with use of the pill but said he leaves the decision to discontinue totally up to the patient. I think becasue the surgery tinme is so short, how can it be much different than being in the dentist chair for that long? And with the compression hose and all that ... I guess I'm just hoping it isn't a issue!

[ClaireinCO]

You've got a point. I guess I was thinking in terms of time you are on your back with no active circulation. I think that is when the DVT risk comes in, and why we were the compression hose. But I'm not even close to being in the medical realm so I could be wrong. Please post what you hear from Dr. Ortiz, ok?

[chrissysdolphin]

I am on the pill and there was never any mention of stopping by Dr Ortiz's office. I was fine and the time that you are not active is a short time so it may not be that much of a concern.