Action News Report

Hi Everyone, My father told me there was a report on action news last night regarding the dangers of the surgery. I read it and its a good reminder that if you don't feel well go see the doctor right away. Don't wait. Its a sad story but I wanted to share with all of you. Here is the link... God Bless http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/health/actionnews-sr-gastricbypass.html Elizabeth M

Thank-you, Elizabeth. This really hits home. Kinda gives you a (gulp) feeling, doesn't it? Get any little problem checked out! (((hugs))) -Karen

Thanks Elizabeth. I am glad you posted this link, my fiance and I saw the headline yesterday, I am pre-op. He started freaking out, and saying that he no longer thought WLS was the right choice for me. We did not hear the entire story, so I did not think it was fair of him to react that way. The most important part of WLS is maintaining your health. If you dismiss a fever, or anything that does not feel right, the results can be deadly. I am going to have this surgery, and live a happy, healthy, life. And the minute I feel like anything isnt right, I will contact my doctor. You can never ever be too careful. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Hi Elizabeth, I watched this report last night. Their aim was to balance all the hype that has been coming out from celeb successes. A sad but true warning that this surgery is not without risk. I think a lot people forget that in their planning prior to surgery. Many of us are lucky to get the surgery without problems, but some are destined to have problems from either the surgery or the reason they are having the surgery. Rob

Elizabeth, I watched the news. My family called to let me know it would be on. Hubby woke me so I could watch it. It is sad. It is a reality, but like Rob said, I think they are showing this possible side effect to offset all the notarity of the recent celebrities. Focus on the research and facts. Bring your hubby to the PMRI meeting on Monday night. Ask questions. Be informed. Make an informed decision. WLS isn't for everyone. Last night a cousin told me I was brave to have this surgery. I told him my main reason is be healthy. My Dad died from complications from Obesity & other complications at 36 when I was 7. I wish he could have had this surgery 47 yrs ago. ((HUGS)) Elissa

I just read the article. I thought I was as informed as someone can be, but this line .... "Months or even years later, dangerous hernias of the intestine can form. I had NO idea about this, never heard /read/or was told this. I thought once past the criticle time, we were safe. If I had known, it might have changed my mind.

Thanks for the post. I just read the report. The problem with a television broadcast is that you can only give the high points. But there was critical information missing here. What were her comorbidities? Did she have a good immune system or not? Though it was implied that she delayed, why did she delay in seeking treatment? How long? Was the problem that she had weight loss surgery or that shouldn't couldn't get local support for treatment? What are the demographics saying? Total surgeries nationwide, percentage of surgery-related deaths. What, statistically, would have been her chances of survival without the surgery. How MO was she? Sadly, this is a human interest feature touting one specific view. It's not balanced reporting. (Sorry, I'm a professional writer who has a measure of specialty in health writing). Realistically, I bowed out of the surgery twice because it scared me. I've never had major surgery and the chances of something going wrong are significant. The physicians are human. What if he/she had a fight with their spouse before coming to the hospital? What if their kids have been arrested for drugs. What if . . . there are more what-ifs than there are people who've had the surgery. That's why I think this time there is no turning back. Richard Carmean (Milford City Manager) is the first person who talked to me about having the surgery. That was in 2002. He told me that if died the following week, he would still be glad he had the surgery. It's made that much difference in his life. Being burdened with excess weight is not an issue of pounds. There's a lot more that goes with it. You know that as well as I do. Electing to deal with this disease surgically is a big decision. We can rely neither on pie-in-the-sky reports nor gloom and doom epitaphs. That's why forums like this are critical, providing significant pieces in the information-gathering process. OOps! I think I'd better step off the soap box now. By Diane C.

Diane, Very nice synopsis. All your points are excellent and missing from the story, but it's hard to say much in a couple of minutes. At the beginning of the report they indicated that this report was made to show that despite all the positive celebrity that this surgery is getting , ie. Al Roker, Carney Wilson, it is still extremely serious and can have fatal consequences. I think that the story was shown as both a human interest story and buyer beware. Education is key. Off my soap box. Rob

Thanks Rob. Point well taken Di