Q. My aunt is having stomach bypass surgery. Is she at risk for a blood clot to her brain?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Yes, your aunt is at risk for a blood clot to her brain. Blood clots can form in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) after surgery. A blood clot that breaks free and travels to the brain can cause a stroke.
Professional guidelines recommend that people who have had surgery to lose weight (like a stomach bypass surgery) take measures to prevent blood clots for at least six weeks after surgery. These measures may include wearing compression stockings, getting up and moving around soon after surgery, and taking medication to thin the blood.