Dr Oz: Bypass Graft Procedure For Smoking Vietnam War Veteran

Dr Oz: Vietnam Veteran Wanting A Second Chance

Dr Oz shared that he believes in second chances, so when a Vietnam veteran was fighting for his life, he broke one of his cardinal rules. Dr Oz explained that the man had four major arteries that were blocked, which was so critical that he could die at any moment. He was an ex-cocaine and heroin addict and was a current smoker, which really got Dr Oz’s attention. He already had a bunch of stents in his heart, which were keeping the blood vessels open.

The man explained that he was in an accident, for which he started taking pain killers. That led to the heavy drugs. His oldest daughter was the one who got him to stop the drugs. Dr Oz explained that he had never operated on a smoker before.

Dr Oz: Bypass Graft Surgery

The man’s two daughters showed up on operation day, and Dr Oz was happy to hear that he had given up the cigarettes in order to have the surgery. Dr Oz said the man has been through so much pain and wanted a second chance at life, which was what he was going to give him.

Dr Oz had to unblock the four arteries and during the operation showed the black on his organs as a result of his smoking. They successfully got four bypass grafts, which was the goal. After the procedure, Dr Oz told the man’s wife about the tar he saw on his lungs, and said he never wants him putting a cigarette in his mouth again.

Dr Oz: Could Ken Give Up Smoking?

Dr Oz then asked the audience who thought Ken actually gave up smoking and turned his life around. A lot of them thought it would be too hard for him to give it up after 30 years of smoking. Some people suggested that maybe Ken’s love for his family was enough to make him stop.

Dr Oz then shared a video of Ken, who shared that he underwent a knee replacement and quit smoking six or seven months ago. He said Dr Oz really woke him up and inspired him to better himself.