Question:
I saw a page about someone who died after having WLS. Am I going to die?
The reason this concerns me is that she had the same surgeon that I am waiting to see. Should I be concerend about the fact that someone in the ELS Memorial page had the same surgeon as me. I can't find any pther post-op stories about this surgeon. What should I do? — Kicker (posted on February 2, 2002)
February 1, 2002
Missy, you don't know what this other person's medical state was. You
don't know what his/her co-morbidities were. Of course surgeons/hospitals
do everything they can to ensure safety with any surgery. I'm afraid
you're going to let this fear eat you up inside. You can't judge a surgeon
by one patient just like you can't judge how much weight you'll lose by the
surgery your mom had. If you knew every fact about how this person died
then you could make an informed decision about the surgery. I wouldn't
burden myself with the fear of death.
— Jennifer H.
February 1, 2002
Hi! I am a 26 yr old mother of 4. I too was scared. I had my surgery on Jan
17th and am down 30 pounds! You will do great. I looked up your surgeon and
there are many people that have had wonderful experiences with her. Please
look here!
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/mdcomments.phtml?N=967533193
Also, Lee Anne Krause had Dr. Patterson. Check her profile for her view on
this doctor. Good Luck, Branny
— Branwen W.
February 1, 2002
Missie,
I think just about everyone is afraid of dying when they are preparing for
surgery. I know I was. But if you look at the stories behind the names on
the Memorial Page, you'll find that there were all different causes of
death...some died BEFORE having surgery, some had prior heart or other
conditions, and some died of unrelated causes. Of course there is always a
risk with any surgery but for the vast majority of reasonably healthy
people, that risk is very low. The risks of NOT reducing your weight are so
much greater in the long run.
— Donna L.
February 2, 2002
It is funny that I have been coming to this site since last August and I
just found the memorial page about a week ago. Previous posters are
correct.. there is danger in ANY surgery.... there is always to possibility
of death... As for many of the posts on the memorial site... the deaths
were due to complications from the obesity. Dr. Laws in Birmingham stated
that approx just less than 1% die from this surgery.. he said that is the
national average....he says he has not had one fatality but realizes that
he will have to cross that bridge when it comes. When you pick a surgeon
ask him or her about this....ask if they use blood thinners after surgery
as blood clots seem to be the most common cause of death after surgery for
those that died of from the surgery... but this number is soo low. I did
NOT have blood thinners and I was very suprised... This last time was the
second (and last) time I have had surgery to lose weight. My best to you..
keep doing your research..
— Pamela W.
February 2, 2002
I also have Dr. Patterson. I am still in the pre-op phase. I have total
confidence with my surgeon. I am scared of dying also, as I have a new
baby and a wonderful husband that I need to grow old with, but I weigh the
pros and cons. I am already dying, I have multiple health problems, moving
around is difficult and I fear heart failure--that is if I DO NOT have
surgery! Having this tool (surgery) will most likely extend my life! I am
willing to take that chance! If I continue on the track I am on now,
eating cottage cheese and protein shakes, it would take me approximately 3
and one-half years to lose my excess weight if I continue as I have been.
At least with this tool, I know that I have tried everything possible in
order to live a long and healthy life! Hang in there!
— jenn2002
February 2, 2002
Missy, I am scheduled for surgery on the 28th of February. I too am
terrified of dying. I have a fairly new surgeon, who too has lost one
patient. But, I agree with everyone else we have no idea what their state
was before the surgery. I have complete and total trust in my surgeon. I am
dying right now from being overweight and putting myself at a much greater
risk. Being scared of death is only natural. I felt the same fear when I
had my hysterectomy. Just put it in God's hands. He is in control. I pray
every night for him to guide the surgeons hands. I know he will take care
of me because he is the Great Physician!! Cast all your care on him, for he
cares for you!!
— terrifogle40
February 2, 2002
We all fear dying. But as one poster said we are already dying if we have
health problems. How long will you live MO? not too long. You have a
greater chance of dying of MO than "on the table." Good Luck
— Cindee A.
January 21, 2003
Hello, Anyone can die from any surgery. There are many factors involved. My
wife's surgery supposedly went well, but problems occurred with the
aftercare. Please read my story at www.AHusbandsJourney.com as part of your
surgical research. Please free to email me if I can be of any help to any
of you. God bless.
— Michael I.
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