Do you know of anyone who died from his?

Yes, actually I did know someone who died from complications of RNY surgery. She refused to get out of bed after surgery and developed bilateral pulmonary emboli, which killed her. I also knew a patient who had truly horrible and life-threatening complications from bypass surgery that it took years to recover from. She had an untreated leak which caused stomach acid to literally eat a hole through her body. Due to her extended hospitalization she also developed pressure ulcers so deep her spine was exposed, requiring skin grafts. And I had the surgery myself anyway. And I am SOOOO glad I did!

For me, knowledge is the best antidote to fear. Research your surgeon. Make sure you are comfortable with him/her and that you trust them. Understand what is required of you both before and after surgery. Follow your plan. Do everything you can before surgery to reduce your surgical risk. Lose some weight if you can -- even a little will help. Start a walking plan to increase your stamina and lung function. If you smoke, quit. If you're not taking vitamins, start. Increase your protein intake now. You want to be in the best health you possibly can be when you have the surgery.

Above all, remember that while bad outcomes do occur, they are VERY rare. There is no reason to believe something awful will happen to you. After all, if your surgeon thought the surgery was a significant risk for you, he or she would never perform it!

Best of luck to you!

Excellent/perfect advice.

I don't know anyone who has died from the surgery. There is risk with any surgery. If you did not have fear you would be classified as super human.

They way I handled my fear was by preparing. I prepared before surgery and for after and even studied how to look for complications. I felt the more I prepared to handle different battles during the journey the safer I would be. I am 16 and I am taking a big risk and I have never been one to put myself at risk without knowing what I am getting myself into.

The possiblities are always scary. I am making it a point to pray before and after my surgery.

My surgeon told me the chances of dying from a hip replacement are higher statistically than dying from this surgery.

Good Luck!!
Steve

there are risks with anything you do in life, just like driving to the store for some milk. So you have to put the risks in the back of your mind and know they are possible but think of the good that will come from it, and know that it will help you have a longer healthier life.

 Check on your surgeon's stats.  They are usually SUPER SUPER LOW.  The stats for WLS overall is something like death after gallbladder removal.

If it stresses you out that much, take a step back and think about it.

Any surgery has chances of complications.  You chose your surgeon because you trusted him/her right?  None of us know when we'll die but we all will eventually.

I wasn't scared of surgery I knew I would die an early death with the comorbidities piling up.

Do I know of anyone who died?  Yes, several people.  One was an early post-op that was a complication surgery to begin with and had a leak.  He chose a less-than experienced surgeon IMO with the complication factor he had going in.

I know a long-term WLS patient that died due to a bowel obstruction.

I also knew a VSG patient that died due to a blood clot.

Would any of these stop me from having WLS today if I hadn't had it already?  NO

Your fears are experienced by many.  You have to believe this is the right thing for YOU personally.  If not, then wait until you are comfortable proceeding.

I do not know anyone, personally, who has died from this surgery. However, I understand your fear. When I decided to do this I was very open with my family and friends. One person actually told me to go with the lap band because everyone she knew who had bypass had died! Not a very helpful friend if you ask me. Turns out it wasn't even the truth. Since I have had this surgery I have discovered that many people in my circle of friends know others who have had the surgery. Some were successful, others were not, but do far I've not heard of one that died from it.

Many others have pointed out that you can die from any surgery. Truth is you probably have greater odds of being hit by a car than dying from this surgery. The best thing you can do is be very honest with your surgeon about your entire medical history as well as your fears. The more they know the better they can manage your care. Follow the rules and you should be fine.

Thank you all so much for the encouragment! It lightened my fears.

Yes I knew someone quite close that died from this surgery.  She didn't go to a bariatric surgeon or a bariatric clinic but to a doctor who was learning how to do the surgery.  I can tell you within a couple of weeks that she died he closed his practice and left town. I won't know if her death was due to a complication she had or to his inability to perform the surgery correctly.  Did it stop me from proceeding with my surgery, no.  I did more research, found a bariatric expert 3 hours from my town, read reviews about him, I made an appointment and visited with him and actually interviewed him.  Then after all that, I made an appointment to meet with him for pre-op requirements.  I was truthful with him and up front with all my concerns and he was NUMBER ONE!  I love my surgeon, he is the best and so is his staff.  I'm very pleased with my results.  I truly understand where you are coming from; I was scared too.  But do your research and make yourself comfortable.  Talk to your doc and his staff about your feelings.