You would need to discontinue blood thinners before bariatric surgery.
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- 2 weeks prior to surgery, you’d need to stop blood thinners like aspirin
- 2 days prior to surgery, you need to stop anti-clotting drugs.
This prevents severe bleeding through the procedure.
It is very important to discuss all the medications you’re on, with your bariatric surgeon.
Disclaimer: Weight loss results may vary. We do not guarantee any specific results.
Why Discontinue Blood Thinners?
The rationale behind the use of blood thinners is simple – prevention of blood clots.
But, by thinning the blood, we increase the risk for bleeding and lower the chances of recuperation.
Your bariatric surgeon may ask you to start anti-coagulants within 18-24 hrs into the surgery, but only if the surgeon feels that there is no danger of bleeding.
“The aim of pre-operative DOAC (direct oral anticoagulants) interruption is to seek minimal or no residual anticoagulant effect at the time of procedure [1]Sunkara T, et al. Perioperative Management of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). 2016;9(Suppl 1):25-36.
View in Article.” – A 2016 published study by Sunkara T and colleagues
The study also suggests that in case there is major bleeding due to anticoagulants, it is directly linked to delayed wound healing, immobilization and extended hospitalization [1]Sunkara T, et al. Perioperative Management of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). 2016;9(Suppl 1):25-36.
View in Article.
Note: The main aim is to increase the efficacy of the procedure while maintaining the safety of the patient. Consult your doctor/surgeon before discontinuing blood thinners.
Reference
1. Sunkara T, et al. Perioperative Management of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). 2016;9(Suppl 1):25-36.