RIP post scared me!

Well, I'm sceduled to have surgery on the 7th of May  for the sleeve and I read the RNY that went bad.  I'm nervous enough and I read this, crap.  I need some assurance out there.  Tell me it's going to be ok.  I'm 48 with 3 kids and love life too much.  Kelly from Florida

Hi Kelly. It's normal to be apprehensive pre-op. I'm 52 and I have lots of life to live, too. ; ) That's why I had my surgery. I know my lifespan would have been dramatically shorter without this step. I had full confidence in my surgeon, and my anesthesiologist was just as important. I did have other health issues, but everything had been thoroughly checked and everyone was as prepared and ready as possible. I actually did great through surgery and my recovery has been incredibly smooth. There are risks with any surgery, but choose an excellent and caring surgeon, and know that for many of us the risks of not having surgery were greater than those that come with surgery. I had co-morbidities that encouraged me to keep going forward. I will keep you in my prayers.

Hi Shelley Thanks for such encouraging words.  I knew all this as I have been preparing for this for six months.  I read that post and all that research and confidence went out the door.  I realize she had major complications, one's mind will play tricks on you , especially approaching the surgery date.  I will be ok and hopefully healthier real soon. Kelly from Florida

Such a horrible story. My thoughts  are with the family.

I think sometimes you have to put things in their proper perspective. Obesity carries a 100% chance of complications and/or death. Surgery carries less than 1% chance of complications and/or death. WLS is a life saving procedure for the greater majority of people. The person in question was a difficult case, many adhesions to the point that they couldn't even finish the initial surgery.  That was also bypass and not a sleeve. It's kind of like open heart surgery.  For many patients if they do not have it they will surely die, if they do have surgery they risk death.  What do you do?  Die of the disease so you won't take a chance on surgery? Again, it's all perspective.

I agree with the post above. The inherent risk in remaining obese is more than the risk of the operation. Also, take heart in the fact that if I could pull out with minimal complications, then you should too. I am sure that I was (am) at least double your starting weight.

It's normal to be nervous.  Not all surgeries go as planned.  My VSG went beautifully.  I just had hernia repair and a tummy tuck and had all kinds of complications including 3 blood clots on my lungs.  There is just so much one can do regarding choosing the 'best' surgeon, 'best' hospital, choosing the 'best' surgery to meet your needs.  The rest is faith. I know you meant no disrespect, and you are nervous as the 7th is right around the corner, but referring to the  story of someone's passing as 'crap' is a bit harsh.   May your surgery be uneventful and your recovery quick.

Oh, I don't think the OP meant that the death of someone is "crap" I read it completely different.  That the crap is reading anything negative during a time of great anxiety. I think she meant that the timing of her reading this is crap, not that someone died.

Thank you midwestgirl that is exactly what I meant!  And nervous I am!!!

I can see where it was taken disrespectfully but my thoughts were and I will rephrase, "oh crap, i'm nervous after reading that".  That was what I meant and would never disrespect the loss of another person.  Thank you for pointing that out. Kelly from Florida