Question:
You would think the Death Rate would have change...

There is estimated to be twice as many surgeries this year and this past then there was in prior years. I would think that the .5 death rate would of change? Any thought? Or have you heard anything on this issue?    — Kelly C. (posted on September 5, 2001)

September 5, 2001
As the surgeries increase surgeons become more experienced (my opinion). Also the death rate is about average for any surgery. Personally I'm glad it remains low.:)
   — Becky K.

September 5, 2001
When you think of the health of the folks having wls I think it is a miracle that the death/complication rate isn't higher. Once we get approved for the surgery I think we try not to think about what the word morbidly means. The pre op testing I am having is making the morbid part of my obesity very apparent. It reminds me of exactly why I have decided to take the surgical risks of this procedure. My heart is heavy for those who have died in an effort to reclaim their life and for those who love them, It is a very high price to pay. Life is precious and fragile and no one knows when or where it will come to an end. I hope all of us will be surrounded by caring, loving people when it is our turn to pass, whether we pass on or pass over. God be with us!
   — [Anonymous]

September 5, 2001
At this point, I would expect the rates to remain about the same, due to the counter-balancing effect. Sure, the surgeons who have been doing the surgeries for a while should see decreasing mortality rates as their skill increases. But, there are a LOT more surgeons now entering this field who have their own learning curve, and all surgeons seem to be taking on more higher risk patients (greater number and/or severity of co-morbidities, more surgeries on super-obese, etc.) I would have expected to see a slight rise in the rate, and then a drop back down to the standard surgical rate of .5%, but there has not been a rise as far as I have read. -Kate-
   — kateseidel

September 6, 2001
Thanks for the answers and your thoughts. I think KS hit what I was trying to relay. I did get a personaly email from someone that I think thinks I'm stupid or something. I thank the rest of you for not making me feel that way. I totally understand the rate and how it is in all surgeries but just wanted some thoughts on possible changes.
   — Kelly C.

Click Here to Return