WLS Horror Stories

I always seem to see the surgery successes, but, I am planning WLS and am wondering if there are any Who have had problems with the Surgeries. If so How were they treated or resolves.
I am not trying to be morbid just want to know how often the risk happen.

http://www.meltingmama.net/wls/2009/08/obesity-surgery-death -rates-are-kinda-low-says-study.html

Check out the above article.  I had a few problems but ----------  I would do it all over again with the same surgeon, hospital & clinic!!!  You can PM me and I will tell you the particulars.

Lynne

You might take a look at these forums.  Please keep in mind every patient is different, every surgeon is different and every surgery is different.  Good luck.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/failed_wls_second_time_aro und/

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/complications/

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/any_wls_regrets/

Julie

When you read the horror stories, which some are downright scary, keep everything in perspective, your doctors stats, your health, your weight, why you need this surgery, are you sure you have tried everything else, is it worth the risk to you.  If you know in your heart your doctor is great and the benefits outway the risks then you can sleep easy knowing you made the right choice to have wls.  If I were 20 again considering wls it would be a tough call, would I do it, probably not although I probably wouldn't have qualified then either since I becamse MO at 20 and was pregnant 5 years later.  Its all about risk vs benefits and a reality check on if you can't do this on your own can you continue on the path you are currently on. 

Good Luck
Hugs Heidi

I may get flamed for this, but it is not just your surgeon's stats. Many complications develop later - way past the actual surgery process.
I have suffered a number of complications from the surgery - that were in no way due to my surgeon's ability, rather they were do to the surgery in and of itself. I personally think that all the potential complications from wls still are not necessarily known and/or recognized.
I have chronic, severe anemia that despite a number of treatments of different types has not been resolved. In addition, I have ulcers which have bled on several occassions - one time resulting in my almost dying. In addition, severe anemia can lead to heart failure. Currently, my ulcers are under control (Thankfully).
That said, you need to do your own complete research and decide if wls is the best option for you.

Do you know what cuased the problems with your ulcers ... and anemia?? Were you taking NSAID's??? Iron??? Multi-vitamins??? Those are the kinds of questions I need to know .... what is the actual cause of these complications, if any ..... !!

My ulcers are located at the "reconnection" site. I was NOT taking NSAID's.
I have always been  anemic since I started my periods. My current physician said that if he had been my PCP when I decided to have the wls - he would have recommended against it due to the fact many women who are anemic prior to surgery find the anemia getting worse.
I have had the iron IV and it helped somewhat. (Unfortunately, I do not have insurance as of yesterday - so not going to be able to continue w/ those right now.)
I take 2 multivitamins (one in AM and one in PM) and am taking Tandem iron supplements - per my doctor's instructions. (Again on in AM and one in PM) I have modified my diet - per doctor instruction to "tame" the ulcers and hopefully keep them from bleeding again.

Bless your heart ... hope you get to feeling much better SOON! 

check my blog for details of my horror story....

even so, i have no regrets that i elected to have RNY because i've got my life back....though obviously i would have preferred not to almost lose my life in the process....

You cannot predict your own path -- I wouldn't really bother getting worked up about what might happen.  Stuff happens - but it's the choice between those risks and the risks of remaining morbidly obese.

I've had severe anemia, vitamin D deficiency, reactive hypoglycemia, memory loss, cognitive problems, and seizures.  But, whatever, I'm alive.