History of breast cancer with last chemotherapy 10/2018 - can I do gastric sleeve or do I have to wait 5 years?

Question

My actual complete chemotherapy was 1/26/18 after that until 10/19/18 it was only Herceptin. No other cancer medications after that . Only medication I currently take is Levothyroxine for thyroid. TIA.

Reza Keshavarzi, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

Hi Myrna867,
Thank you for your question and for sharing a bit of your journey &mdash; you’ve clearly been through a lot, and it’s inspiring to see you taking steps toward better health.
The good news is that a gastric sleeve procedure is often an option for patients with a history of breast cancer, especially if you have been in remission and are not currently undergoing active cancer treatment. Generally, most bariatric programs &mdash; including ours at Miami VIP Surgery &mdash; like to see that patients are at least one to two years out from completing active cancer therapy before considering surgery. Since your last chemotherapy ended in early 2018, and you completed Herceptin by late 2018, you are well beyond that window.
You do not have to wait five years to be eligible for surgery in most cases. However, we do usually require a clearance letter from your oncologist stating that you are in remission and that they feel you are medically stable for elective surgery. This is part of ensuring your safety and the best possible outcome.
At Miami VIP Surgery, we work closely with your other healthcare providers to create a safe, personalized plan for your weight loss journey. If you’d like to learn more about our program or take the next steps, feel free to visit us.
You’ve already shown incredible strength &mdash; and I’m excited for all the good that’s ahead for you.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Dr. Keshavarzi

Jorge Maytorena, MD · Answer

As you know, cancer can return and the best thing to do would be to wait 5 years until you are free of recurrence, after that you can perform the gastric sleeve.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Since your last chemotherapy was in October 2018, you’ve passed the 5-year mark that many surgeons look for when considering bariatric surgery. This is a positive step, but it’s important to check with your oncologist first. They can confirm that you’re healthy enough for surgery and that the risk of recurrence is low.
Your thyroid condition and current medication also need to be factored in. It’s important to make sure your thyroid levels are stable before moving forward. You might also need a nutritional evaluation to check for any deficiencies that could affect healing or recovery.
Since your BMI is 25 and you’ve had a previous sleeve surgery, your surgeon might suggest less invasive options like a gastric balloon.

Islam Abdelkhalek, MD · Answer

Actually receiving chemotherapy may affect the healing of the Staple line of the stomach. So it is better to wait till complete resolution of the effect of chemotherapy

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Breast cancer is not a contraindication to bariatric surgery . Several types of cancer have even been connected to obesity. Therefore making weight loss beneficial. My recmmendation is to approach your oncologist about the possibility of getting surgery and afterwards get evaluated by a bariatric surgeon.

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History of breast cancer with last chemotherapy 10/2018 - can I do gastric sleeve or do I have to wait 5 years?

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Answer: History of breast cancer with last chemotherapy 10/2018 - can I do gastric sleeve or do I have to wait 5 years?

Answer: History of breast cancer with last chemotherapy 10/2018 - can I do gastric sleeve or do I have to wait 5 years?

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