Question:
I am scheduled to have WLS on Dec.5 and just read a mesage
that said a 38 year lady died because her liver couldn.t handle all the post op meds and her regular meds. Does anyone know her personally here cause I'd like to know more about what happened?What was her BMI and did she have other health problems?My BMI is 35 so my risks are low but anything could happen!!I guess I'm just a little scared. — natalie J. (posted on November 2, 2003)
November 2, 2003
Hey there! You schooled me today. You do have a "low" BMI. Not
to say that you don't have weight issues. That being said, you are
probably going into the surgery "healthier" than most. Now mind
you, I don't know your co-morbids or if you have any, but you know that
this surgery is a risk. Yes, you can have complications and die.... Do
you have liver problems? Your doctors are your best source of information
and risks for your particular case. If your doc thinks you are a good
candidate.... Go for it.... But be educated and understand that the way
you live will be altered for the rest of your life. (ie.. your food
consumptions, vitamin intake, malabsorbtion issues and how your liver
processes things)Everyone's situation is different and I know that I didn't
give you the specifics on the mentioned individual, but you should approach
this as an individual... Okay, that is my opinion, but the fact that you
asked shows that you want as much info and be as prepared as possible.
Good for you!!!! And I wish you luck..... Email me any time.
— dimpkd
November 2, 2003
— Karen R.
November 2, 2003
Hi Natalie- How sad about the 38-year old woman. I am 39 and can relate.
It's important to know that unfortunately, a very few people do pass away.
If you read the profiles, though, you will see that MOST people make it
thru WLS and move on to a new and happier life :o) Also, not all of the
people in the memorial section of this site died from WLS. (I'm not
familiar with the woman you mentioned.) I feel that I and probably others
like me will be dead from MO way before my time, so the surgery is a risk
I'm willing to take. Best of luck to you :o) Mea
— Mea A.
November 2, 2003
Life is not risk free, and surgery is never risk free. This is major
surgery, but you can take steps to mitigate your risk. Start losing weight
now. Start watching your diet now. Start exercising now. Ask your doctor
what you can do to mitigate any risks you may be facing. You certainly
aren't mitigating any risks by remaining overweight, so take the best
educated risk you can and change your life.
— Cathy S.
November 2, 2003
I would be willing to bet that this woman also had existing liver problems,
as well as other co-morbids, going on before she had surgery. The only
"other meds" I was started on after surgery were vitamins and
minerals! The fact that she was on "regular meds", would indicate
she was being treated for other pre-exiting conditions. Perhaps WLS was her
last chance to prolong her life, but it was just done to late to allow her
to lose weight and become healthier. How sad. I had surgery with a BMI of
42, and I knew I was in better shape than others who had surgery. You will
likely do just fine, as you weight is lower, and therefore, you surgical
risk is lower.
— koogy
November 2, 2003
That is sad...but I think there would have had to already be something
wrong with her liver, or she must have had some serious health issues other
than that. The reason I say that it because you said her liver couldn't
hand all the post op meds and regular meds. Other than some prevacid right
after surgery, I haven't had to take an perscribed medicines. just some
vitamins, and that really isn't that many either. Hang in there, you'll
be fine
— thekatinthehat
November 2, 2003
I THINK THE STATISTICS ARE AS FOLLOWS..PREMATURE DEATH FROM OBESITY: 85% OF
OBESE PEOPLE....DEATH FROM BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY: 2% OF OVER-WEIGHT
PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD SURGERY...NOW WHAT STATISTIC DO YOU WANT TO
BE????**GOOD LUCK IN YOUR JOURNEY**
— BLSLIM77
November 4, 2003
If you are truely ready to have this surgery you should already now the
risks. You are having this surgery to better your life. However, with ANY
type of surgery death can occur. My BMI was 45 (318 lbs). I was a walking
heart attack waiting to happen. I was on so much meds before the surgery it
filled up one draw. I was give very little meds during my stay at the
hospital. NOW, I'm 7 months post-op and I only take one pill a day
(PROTONIX). I'm off all my other meds, may weight is down to 188 lbs. My
parents and friends were very concern about me having this surgery but I
stated if I died during this surgery at least I died trying to improve my
life. Talk with your doctor about your concerns.
— Linda R.
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