worried about complications?

Hi All, I am getting myself mentally prepared for my RNY surgery in December.  But, I have been reading some scary stories online about surgery complications.  Death within 30 days, etc...  Does anyone else worry about complications?  I am getting myself a little scared by what I am reading.  I have all the faith in the world in Dr. Kim and US Bariatrics but complications can happen no matter what.  Am I worrying too much for no reason? Worried, Karla

Try not to worry too much, most people fly through this surgery with no complications, some with little pain. I on the other hand, had a complication and required a second surgery. My RNY was 4 weeks ago today and I've only been home from the hospital for 2 weeks. I do NOT regret it ONE bit! I have tremendous faith in God and I knew He would get me through it all, and He did. The MOST important thing is to be educated before hand. You need to know what the warning signs are of all the types of complications so that you know what is ok pain/discomfort and what is NOT ok. That is what saved me literally. The education I rec'd before surgery through the bariatric program at Mercy Hospital was crucial in many ways. My family was telling me I just had gas and to relax and try to calm down - but I knew something was bad wrong and made them take me to the ER. Their faces turned white when the surgeon diagnosed the problem and told me he was thankful I came in when I did ..................I just smiled. Point is - learn everything you can before you go for your surgery. If you have great faith in your doctor, even better!! The other main thing I would suggest is - think POSITIVE once you are at the hospital. Just try and force scarry, negative thoughts from your mind and think of happy times, wonderful memories, your favorite things, the future you...... anything to keep your mind positive. Do all that, and follow your doctor and nutritionist's instructions and you will be fine!!! Please continue posting so we can be here for you!!! Much love, Carol V

Everybody considers complications before surgery. The thing you have to know is what is YOUR surgeon's rate of complications. My surgeon has so few problems that I knew I'd be fine. Also, the more co-morbidities you have, the higher risk you are, and that can affect complications too. It's real normal to be concerned, but if you chose a good surgeon and you do what you're told and you pay attention to how you feel, and chances are, you'll be fine! See you on the losing side soon! Jan

This is my first time to post, so please correct me if I do something wrong. I do not have a date yet, but it should be coming next week. Of course I have had concerns, trying not to worry, but concerned. I am 64 and Dr. Jawad is my doctor, so Jan, it was good to hear what you had to say. Please tell me more about Dr. Jawad. Thank you to all. I am reading posts for the first time. Carol

Carol, welcome to the board!! Dr. Jawad has a nice message board that you might also like to check out. It's at JawadMD.com and you click on Support to find the board. The people there are very nice and since we're all Jawad patients there, we have lots in common. Dr. Jawad is a leader in his field and was born to do this kind of surgery! He's very talented and so compassionate. I see him most weeks because of my work and he always gives my shoulder a squeeze and calls me "skinny". Sylvia is his ARNP and she's just TOPS. Can't say enough good about her!! Dr. Jawad has put together a whole team that's just great and this way he has great support for after the surgery. I hope you can come to one of the support group meetings. We have others from Leesburg and even as far as Orlando that come because the meetings are important and very worthwhile. They are held the last Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the West Marion Medical Building, adjacent to the hospital on the second floor. If you want to go and are chicken to walk in alone, let me know and I'll meet you. I always go unless there's an earthquake. Of course, this month is Thanksgiving, so you'll have to wait until December. So what else can I tell you?? Jan 240/124/130

Hi Karla: I know exactly what you are feeling. It is especially hard not thinking about complications when we read these message boards. Guess it sort of keeps us on our toes so to speak. I am 2 wks out yesterday and saw my surgeon for the first time today. I told him those exact fears you have and he told me that I was past the complications phase. Also, my Dr. is an artist in the field of lap surgery and I knew I was in good hands. He has had very few patients with complications and he told me that they were patients where he would have expected some. He told me today, he would make a deal with me. Call him if I feel sick, otherwise let him do the worrying. I love him to pieces. So try to absorb my words and don't waste as much time as I did fretting over every little thought and watch how God will take over. God Bless and Good luck Nancy

Karla- Call Dr. Kim's office and discuss your concerns. They will have the facts and figures to set your mind at ease. I believe Dr. Kim has a great reputation and that you will be in good hands. But you need to give him the opportunity to quiet your fears. He and his staff I am sure, are quite familiar with dealing with these sorts of issues. To be anxious before major surgery is not whiney-baby stuff, you have legitimate concerns. There is no need to feel embarassed or uncomfortable with discussing these concerns with your surgeon. Red

Hi Karla, From a psychological standpoint you are going through absolutely normal steps in preparing yourself for the surgery. There would be issues if you didn't think of the risks. There are risks for every type of surgery and this is no different. I had just as much chance of dying from a leg surgery that I had a few years ago, as I had with this surgery. No one made a big issue of the leg surgery, but EVERYONE had something to say about the WLS. A lot of John Q public is so mis-informed about WLS, that they are trying to give sound advice, but their knowledge is very outdated. I listened to everyone, did my research and made my decision. I am very happy with the results...I am now 4 months out and have lost 100 pounds. I feel wonderful, I can eat most anything...but just smaller amounts. I have great energy and sleep so well. It sounds like you are right on track and you'll know the right decision for yourself. Good luck! Laurie