Shame on NBC - Shame on Al Roker

I specifically watched this program because my surgeon, Dr Dan Procter, and his practice/program Obesity Solutions, had a segment on this show. I for some reason thought that Dateline would be doing a show on the success stories of patients that have had WLS. Boy was I ever WRONG. When I heard that Dateline was coming to our support group to film I was thrilled! Not that I wanted to be recognized for my success with WLS, but because Dr Procter would be recognized for the thousands of lives he has saved or at the very least made so much better through WLS. Dr Procter is one of the better bariatric surgeons whose mortality rate is drastically lower than the national average. I also work for the healthcare facilty where Dr Procter performs surgery. I know first hand how commited both are at having an excellent bariatric program. I am extremely proud of both Dr Procter and my employer for the quality healtcare they provide every single day. After viewing the show, I was devasted that NBC choose to showcase once again the negative aspect of WLS. I guess ratings are ratings and it was sweeps week. Proud WLS patient, Laura Shannon

Just my opinion...but don't you think that they should showcase all sides of the types of "outcomes" that WLS can have? It would be an injustice to people to show only the good side of the story. I think it's important to show all sides. Granted, I too think that Proctor is a good surgeon...and I think he stood up for himself extremely well on tv. I guess my point is that I'm glad they are showing the bad stuff too...so people don't come into such a decision wearing rose-colored glasses. They also showcased why teens should think twice before having this surgery- Anyhoo...have a great night Sherry

I think we all know that surgery of any kind on an obese patient carries extra risk, that includes wls. Weight loss surgery has helped many people regain their lives, but with the good comes the bad, and some people have died attempting to regain their lives. We cannot ignore that fact. Death and complications can and do happen. We can't ignore them, they won't go away. Maybe by bringing them to light, surgeon's who are not up to par (not saying that Dr Proctor falls into that category) will have their feet held to the fire and improve their programs. We are all entitled to our own opinions, and in my opinion, Al Roker and Dateline did nothing to be ashamed of. Debbie J Duncan patient 01-14-02 lap-rny 01-15-02 leak repair surgery (non smoker, non steroid taker) 01-29-02 surgery to see if I had another leak, NO thank goodness SEVERE COMPLICATIONS 45 days in ICU, 33 days kept alive via ventilator 30 days in a rehab hospital, had to learn to walk again Now, one happy girl.........LUCKY to be alive

I too watched the Dateline special, I have hesitated until now to comment on it. I should first start off by saying that I have no personal knowledge of Dr. Proctor or Obesity Solutions. I am 2 years post op having had my surgery in Ohio before moving to Georgia. I felt that the show was slanted SOMEWHAT, to project a negative picture of Obestiy Solutions. There were two things in the show that affected me. First, I did not agree with Dateline when they tried to portray the meetings that they attended as misleading. I think that it was Dr. Proctor who said that the risks of the surgery are discussed, but some patients hear only what they want to hear. I agree totally with that, because I was one of those people, who at the time was so desperate to have the surgery, that nothing was going to stop me. I look back now, and see that I was very lucky not to have had any complications, as I would have been totally unprepared for them. Here is what really troubled me. It was an undisputed fact that Dr. Proctor never even called that mans wife after he died. This really bothers me. When asked about it, the doctor said that there really wasn't much to say. (I'm paraphrasing) I guess we can argue about what exactly caused his death, but the doctor should have called in my opinion. I Know that several people on this board have wonderful things to say about this doctor, as I have wonderful things to say about mine. For every patient that has a good connection with their doctor, I am sure that there are ones that don't. I only wished that the doctor would have said that yes, he should have called the family, and not tried to justify why he did not. There will be more shows about this surgery, some good, some bad. I can only hope that knowledge is power, and that the accurate facts about this surgery will out weigh the inaccurate facts. Cathy Martin

Laura, I also watched Dateline this week and I don't think this was a negative program. It just let you see the other side to this surgery. You see My sister Judy Died Oct 4th 2003 From complications due to this surgery. She never came home after surgery. I begged the nurses for help, I kept telling them she should not be throwing up all day, they just kept ignoring our concerns. They were short handed and I feel they didn't have the proper training. They tryed to give to a straw to drink liquids,her stockings were removed and never put back on after a trip to the bathroom. Her breathing was horrible all day. One of the nurses told me that she had another job and that she only worked two days a month at the hospital. My sister died that night! It is my opinion The Hospital did not have nurses that knew what could happen after this surgery. Three other people died in this hospital other than my sister from this surgery. Her Doctor called us two times afterward. He was very concerned over my mom. Yes people don't listen to the dangers, you never think it will happen to you. But it can. You should check out the Doctor and the hospital. But still theres a chance something can go wrong. I still believe in this surgery, it has and can save lives. I just want everyone to research everything before you go for it.