Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y), Afib & Warfarin - Any alternatives?

Posted by cathjerry @cathjerry, Oct 29 9:32pm

I had baractric surgery in. 2016. I have Afib. My surgeon subscribed warifin since studies showed it was the only medication that would absorb in my system. There had not been enough studies to put me on a different medication. Warafin has many conflicting effects with all types of foods and vitamins/supplements. Has anyone had baractric surgery and have Afib and take something else other than warafin?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Support Group.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Oct 30 11:02am

Hi, @cathjerry, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

How did your bariatric surgery go? I am guessing you are looking at warfarin alternatives because of the conflicting effects with all types of foods and vitamins/supplements you mentioned. Will you share more about this and your concerns?

cathjerry | @cathjerry | Oct 30 12:31pm

My surgery was a success. I loss 147 lbs. Since the surgery I gained 40 lbs back. Today, I have loss that and down to 185. I could not tolerate any meats and went for carbs. Haven't had steak which I loved since my surgery. Texture of meats from seafood, pork, chicken, beef, all kinds I turned my nose up at it. I had no desire for meats. I tried, but had the dumping syndrome. I did find I could eat chili made with lean hamburger, but not much, maybe 1/2 cup, even today. So I have Afib and have to take medication for it. Because the body doesn't absorb things as it once did, the surgeon recommend Warafin for the Afib. I have to take INR and stay in range between 2 and 3. Foods can effect that so much. Spinach is a main one. Then there are supplements and spices I want to include in my diet. If my INR is out of range, it's due to what I put in my mouth. One has to coordinate with coagulation clinic to adjust dosage. I get so frustrated because it ends up being just about everything I want to use and it's healthy stuff, not stuff bad for the life style one lives with after surgery. The surgeon said there had not been enough research for the absorption of other medicines. My surgery was at Duke Hospital. My local cardiologist will not go against the surgeon's orders. Interested if anyone else has had my problem and the medication was changed with success. Other than that, I am enjoying losing over 200 lbs , going from plus size 4xl to a large or medium in a regular ladies size. Only wish a doctor needed a volunteer to remove excess skin. I will be 78 years old next week.

cate531 | @cate531 | Nov 8 7:07pm

Yep. I take Eliquis.

cathjerry | @cathjerry | Nov 8 9:07pm

In reply to @cate531 "Yep. I take Eliquis." + (show)

@cate531
Hey, I am so interested in your journey. I would greatly appreciate your history with having baractric surgery and taking Eliquis. Everything just about that I put in my mouth effects my INR warafin range. I have to monitor constantly to prevent either blood clots or thinning blood to point of possibility of brain bleeds, well bleeding, period.