How to Prevent a DVT After Weight Loss Surgery

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the body, most commonly the legs. Certain circumstances increase your risk of a blood clot. Weight-loss and any other type of surgery is one of them. Obesity is another common risk factor. You can do several things to reduce your chances of forming a DVT after weight-loss surgery.

Instructions

1

Take any medications as directed. Your doctor will probably give you blood-thinning medications like Coumadin or Heparin after your surgery, to prevent blood clots from forming. These are very serious medications, and you must take them exactly as directed. Taking too much or too little can have serious consequences.

2

Keep all follow-up appointments. If you are placed on blood-thinners, you will need regular blood work to monitor how the medication is affecting your blood's clotting factors. It might be necessary to alter the doses based on the results. This testing is very important.

3

Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Vitamin K helps blood clot and too much of it will interfere with the actions of your medication. Foods high in vitamin K include canola and soybean oil, broccoli, spinach and green leafy vegetables. Blood-thinning medications usually come with an information packet which will include a list of foods to avoid. Ask your doctor for one if you do not receive it.

4

Exercise your calf muscles every so often if you will be sitting for a prolonged period of time. Get up and walk around for a few minutes. If you cannot get up, raise and lower your heels while keeping your toes grounded and do the reverse as well: keep your heels grounded while you lift your toes. Get up and move around as much as you can. If your surgery left you on bed rest for any amount of time, start getting active as soon as you are able to. This decreases the risk of DVT.

5

Do not smoke.