Sad news - Jerry Turner passed away after WLS surgery

I wanted people to see this news. I met Jerry at the March 1st WLS-NDE meetings. It was my first time meeting him, and he was looking forward to his surgery. You can see a picture of him sitting among some of the WLS-NDE women. I know that Jerry will be missed by many people. My prayers to out to his family. Rob _____________________________________________________________ This note was posted by Barbara Malatesta on the WLS-NDE yahoo site: "Barbara Malatesta" Hi everyone, I have some sad news to report to the group. We had a new member at our group meeting on March 1st. His name was Jerry Turner and he came to the meeting with Melissa. Jerry had his surgery on March 9th and the surgery appeared to have gone quite well. However, the following morning Jerry had a mild heart attack. He was responding to treatment and then Tuesday evening he had a massive heart attack and passed away. I understand that Jerry had heart problems and 10 years ago had a quadruple bypass. Strange how things work out, it was Jerry's cardiologist *****commended that he have the surgery. Melissa Walker was his friend and told me about Jerry. Melissa, we are all deeply feeling your loss and have you and Jerry's family in our thoughts. If you need anything or if there is something we can do for Jerry's family please let us know and we will see what we can do. I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry at our March 1st meeting. He seemed to be a kind, pleasant person. I understand from Melissa that he was a generous man who would do anything for you if he could. He took care of his wife who had a stroke last year. Jerry was a friend to many and will be missed. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but this information is important for our members to know. It's sad and it makes us all nervous. To all you pre-ops please discuss any concerns with your surgeon, anything, even the smallest thing you question - ASK. This is the 2nd member of our group we have lost after surgery. For whatever reason these 2 people who were looking for a better life didn't make it. Were these surgery related? Who knows? This surgery is life altering in many ways; please be comfortable with YOUR decision to pursue this surgery - the decision is yours and yours alone. Make your decision based on all the facts. These things happen every day, in any type of surgery, not just WLS surgery. Anytime you are operated on there are significant risks. I hope that you all can make our April 5th meeting. We will have a moment for Jerry during that meeting. I would also like to take up a collection at our meeting for Jerry's wife. I will have a card for us to sign and perhaps Melissa can see that Jerry's wife gets it. If you feel you need to discuss this please call me or call someone you can talk to, we are here to support each other in the good times and bad. I understand that Dr. Wynn was his surgeon and that Jerry was the first patient she has lost to WLS. Barb

I heard this news from Barb. How very sad. I too remember meeting Jerry at the meeting. He seemed very nice. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

I'm so, so sorry to hear this, Rob. Thanks for sharing this sad news. We need to know these things. Dianne

Thanks for sharing....I will keep his family in my prayers..as well as Dr. Wynn. Hugs, Kimberly

I believe I met Jerry at PMRI during my last appointment there. I met a really nice guy who was having surgery but had already had bypass surgery. I believe he told me his name was Jerry. At any rate, I believe he was in his mid to late 50's? Extremely nice and very talkative. My heart sank when I read this thread. I will be praying for his family. Thanks for letting us know Rob!