Correct information is important

I would like to take a moment to express my concern regarding misinformation on this site recently regarding the death of a bypass patient. Keep in mind that my post is in no way meant to minimize his loss, as he will be deeply missed. I had to follow up as I had heard from one source that he died the night of his surgery, and another source conflicted it. So, being the type of person who wants to know that she is telling the right thing...I looked into it. The obituary for this wonderful man cleared all things up, as he did not die from his surgery. He did in fact pass away, but it was not until a week later. The obit does not say what his complications were, but those who knew him knew he had heart problems as was stated in the original post. When I was pre-op, I used this site religiously to learn more and get the support I needed. To be honest, if I had heard that someone died the night of their surgery from heart complications, I don't know that I would've gone through with it...I would have been scared. So, I feel it's important to make sure that if we post information on here saying such a thing...that we make sure it's true. This way, we don't in any way scare people because they think the surgery did it. And we also don't ruin the character of an absolutely wonderful surgeon. Trust me, he will be missed by all who knew him and even those who didn't. He is in a better place now, and it was obviously his time. Let's all remember what the boards are for and make sure that we post information that is correct. So no one is hurt. And so that someone who may very well be ready for the surgery doesn't run away from something that could be great because they hear it's a killer. ~gretchen~

I did not want to respond to this message but every time I read it, I am not sure who you are addressing in this note. Curious, there does not seem to be any reference to the misinformation you are talking about. The information that I provided does not say anything about WLS causing the person's death. I am more concerned with your comment, "To be honest, if I had heard that someone died the night of their surgery from heart complications, I don't know that I would've gone through with it.." Also "And so that someone who may very well be ready for the surgery doesn't run away from something that could be great because they hear it's a killer." OBESITY DOES KILL. There are also many occurences of deaths related to WBS. If a person is not aware of the "facts", I contend they are probably not ready. If you do any sort of research of RNY you will know that there is a severe risk involved with the operation, 1 out of every 200. There is also a severe risk with being obese. The reason that Dr. Wynn and Irgaau require so many tests prior to surgery approval is that they are trying to reduce the risk, but they would never telling you going in that is guaranteed. Also, you need to take ownership for what you do with the information you decide to read on the web. None of the people on this site are doctors, so they are simply sharing their experiences, successes, and failures. Sorry to get so upset, but I have re-read the letter from Barbara many times over, and I do not think that it states anything incorrectly. I think your mis-information is coming from other sources.

I have to support Rob here. The message simply stated that Jerry had passed away due to a massive heart attack following his WLS. That is correct information. And it is important for everyone to know the risks that are involved, a reminder of that is a healthy dose of reality. Certainly if you have a bad heart going into any major surgery the risk of a heart attack after the procedure will be greater then that of someone with a healthy heart. No One is making any personal attack on a WONDERFUL surgeon's repution. The Chiras surgeons are well loved and respected on this board. No one blames the surgeon for the heart attack, which is what the cause of death was. But in all likelyhood it was the stress of surgery that caused his heart the problems. That could have been true of any surgery. My heart & deepest sympathies go out to Jerry's family. It is everyone's worst fear come true. But please, everyone must be honest with themselves heading into this major surgery and be comfortable with their decision. You cannot ignore the fact that there are risks involved. The post was simply informative. Not slanderous in any way. It stated the cause of death was a heart attack, not some wrong doing by the surgical team. And it is a possibilty to anyone going into this major surgery. Pre ops should not be blind to that fact. In all likeyhood death with not happen - but it can, obviously. Make no mistake, I love my surgeon and would do it again tomorrow in a heartbeat. But I do so knowing there are risks beyond her control. Each of us have varying levels of risks going into this surgery based on our own personal health at the time. It is a very personal decision & each person must access their own risks and be aware of them. There is plenty of pre-op care through Chiras that makes us aware of what we are about to undertake when having this surgery. Kathy V.

I'm enclosing a copy of the obituary folks. It doesn't really state a cause of death. That would be on the death certificate and up to the autopsy. It doesn't indicate nor does it insinuate WLS nor does it mention his heart problems. Please let this man and his family have the decency of privacy and let this one go to rest. When someone passes, mourn his or her death, post it, but lets leave our concern and opinions in a closet. Amen. Elissa Jerry Allan Turner Jerry Allan Turner, age 57, of Wilmington, DE, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at the Christiana Hospital. Mr. Turner served our country for 17 years in the United States Navy. He previously worked at the Department of Immigration in Philadelphia before coming to work as a treasury clerk for New Castle County. Mr. Turner is survived by his wife, Phyllis Graham-Turner; 2 sons, Michael Turner and Christopher Turner; 2 step-children, Wesley Graham and Tammy Bowen; 3 brothers, Thomas Turner, Terry Turner and Russell Turner; 2 sisters, Sandy Turner and Judy Ritcher; and 5 step-grandchildren. A memorial service in celebration of Mr. Turner's life will be held on Friday, March 19, 2004 at 3 pm at the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE, 19702. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.strano-feeley.com STRANO & FEELEY FAMILY FUNERAL HOME 302-731-5459 [published 03/18/2004]