Ok now I'm REALLY scared!

I am scheduled for lap RNY on Wednesday 10/8 and I just saw this thread on the main board about a woman who died 3 weeks after her gastric sleeve surgery. Here is the link to her profile, where her husband posted the update: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jerrysgirl/

There is no explanation of what happened, and I'm not going to be nosey and ask, but the husband does say in the blog to not ignore any symptoms or pains, etc. after surgery, so I'm assuming there were some kind of complications? 

I was already nervous about my surgery, now I'm petrified. How will I know if something is wrong post surgery?  Will it be painfully obvious and I will just know?  OMG...please help allay my fears or I'm sure I won't be able to sleep or eat before my surgery....Thanks everyone.

Yes, there are risks, but I suggest you focus on the thousands upon thousands of cases that resulted in success, rather than the one or two that didn't.  Ultimately the choice is yours.  For me, the real risk was on the side if I didn't get surgery.
Yes, if you look you will find cases where complications took over.  You DON'T know what the cir****tances were, so it is unfair to try to assume the same thing will happen to you.

And I WILL say that fear is NORMAL.  Everyone of us who went down this road had fear at some point.  But I will also say that MOST of us would do it again if we had to.

So, relax...take a deep breath.  We are here for you.  Don't freak out.  If you are freaked out, that will pass to everyone who loves you.  Keep sharing your fears on the board.  We'll address each and every one.  But if you decide that this is not right at this time, we will all help you find the strenght to support that decision as well.

Bottom line, your fear is WAY NORMAL.

Paul

Reassuring hugs to you....  I agree with Paul and that you need to focus on the positive in all this..  Make your list of PROS and CONS.  The PROS always win.. 

I wish you all the best on your surgery!!  No worries..!!

Hey Hon!(HUGS)  This is a normal pre gitter thing.  Paul's right, you don't know the cir****tances or her pre-health.  We are hear for you! 
HUGS

If you weren't scared, that would be something to be concerned about. Yes, you will know if there are problems, and now you realize that if something doesn't feel right, to get it checked right away. And if there are complications, you can get through them. I had very serious complications after surgery, and I didn't pay attention to my body. THAT is what will get you in trouble. This board is a great place to find out post op if what is happening is "normal". Also, when in doubt, call the surgeon right away, don't self diagnose or "wait and see". That is why they give you the number for the on call dr. when you go home, so you can call if you have problems. Remember, you are more likely to die from obesity related issues that you are from the surgery. You will be fine, and you will be SO GLAD you did this when you wake up from surgery and realize you are well on your way to being healthy.

Hello! 

No matter what kind of surgery you would have - you will always be able to find some sort of horror story to show that it caused someone's death.  I lost an uncle last year after back surgery.  Yes this RNY has risks - so does crossing the street.  

Try and concentrate on the benefits and the healthy life choice you are making.  Concentrate on the trust you have for the surgeon you have chosen.  How is your life at risk by not having this surgery?

If you have concerns after surgery by all means call the surgeon or your clinic - anything that doesn't seem right or questions you have - that is what they are there for - to reassure that everything is as it should be or check on it to make sure you will be healthy and happy after surgery.

Best wishes on your journey.   

Remember to breathe and relax. First this lady had the vertical sleeve done not RNY why she went that route I couldn't tell you. But it is a completely different surgery. Hang in there you can do it!!!!

It IS tragic when someone has complications, and God forbid, dies from this - or any other surgery.

But I use the "flight" analogy to put fears in perspective.  Every now & then, you hear about a plane crashing (or a bus, as in CA this morning).  It IS tragic, people die.  But what you DON'T hear about are all the flights, or the busses, that make their destinations without a hitch!  How many hundreds of thousands get to where they want to go without a problem, for every ONE person that does experience a problem?  

Be mindful of the risks - you need to.  But don't let them scare you to the extent you feel crippled and bail on a journey that can SAVE your life!

You have already gotten some great advice here. I want to wish you the best in whatever decision you make.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hugs, connie d

 

 

By the way, I believe someone said she died of a blood clot, which is a risk in any surgery, not just gastric bypass.