oh so worried now

http://www.mercola.com/2004/oct/20/gastric_bypass.htm go to this website.. a someone sent this to me, Says one in 50 people die.. That is something serious... Im suppose to have surgery next friday.. please some support... Jen

Jennifer, as I was reading the article you linked to, I suddenly realized that the DR writing the article was promoting his own health plan for weight loss. Sounds about as credible as the tobacco companies telling us that THEIR scientists claim that smoking is not bad for us. I know that the national average for patient deaths from WLS is about 2%, which is 1 in 50. What the Dr promoting his product doesn't tell you is the morbidity rate of those who don't have WLS and are morbidly obese. All people who are morbidly obese and remain so will almost certainly die due to the comorbidities associated to being morbily obese. Depending on your surgeon and his experience, the average is much better. I went with Dr Sydney Appel @ DeKalb Medical Center, and I know his average is less than 1/2 %. Choose your Dr wisely and follow their plan and you'll be just fine. Good luck, Paul McConnell Ellenwood, GA. [email protected]

Paul, How did you like Dr. Appel? I went to his seminar and really felt informed. What insurance did you have? He requires 3 different weight loss attempts for 6 months and I don't have that. I just thought you might be able to give me some pointers with him to help me get this on the move before BCBS HMO stops paying for the surgery. Thanks Karen

Karen, My Dr., Dr. Procter (Obesity Solutions in Gainesville - website is www.obesitysolutions.com) only requires 1 medically supervised attempt at weight loss for 6 months. If you have any old weigh****chers records, any notes in your medical history that the doctor has offered suggestions as to ways to lose weight, or if he/she just documented that they noted you needed to lose weight, this may suffice. I had 6 months of WW records, and I also have BCBS HMO and it expires in April. I just had my surgery Monday. I got approval in 15 days. Hope that helps! Amanda

Jennifer, I couldn't agree more with what Paul just said. At the end of the article, this doctor is trying to promote his diet. Having said that, I too read that study about the deaths a couple of months ago. There was an article in the USA Today about it. To be perfectly honest, it was rather shocking. I am not going to say that it's not true, but I think that you have to put it into context. How many studies have you seen on various things that have two absoluteley different outcomes? It happens every day! If you have been on this board long, you know for yourself that complications can and do happen. But for those that have complications, there are those (like myself) that didn't. It is so okay to be scared, could you die? Of course. Will you? Not likeley. Will your quality of life be changed as a result of this surgery? WITHOUT A DOUBT. In the end, the decision is yours, I read on the main board about a women that changed her mind while they were putting her under on the operating table. Having surgery was the best thing that I have ever done, it has made me a better wife, the mother that I always dreamed of bieng, and slowly but surely, a pretty outgoing person. If I had to do it over again, the only thing that I would change was my lack of knowledge about complications. I was clueless! I am a staunch advocate of knowledge about this surgery, and the complications that It could cause. See, you are already more prepared now, than I ever was! I hope that in some small way, that I may have eased at least a little of your anxiety. I truly believe that all will be okay when you have your surgery, and as far as supporting you, You have all that I can give, and then some! Cathy Martin

The important statistics for you are those of your own surgeon. My surgeon's experience with my particular procedure was critical to me. I have found that there is always evidence for differing views, no matter the issue. You can prove almost anything even if it is false simply by changing the variables. Most of the credible research that I have seen shows a death ratio of 1 in 200. This is a risky surgery, but for me so far, it has been well worth it. We will be here to support you no matter what your decision may be. Hugs, Becky

Jennifer, I see you have Dr. Appel...he's great. He's been doing this surgery for 17 years, he did mine in July and I am happy, happy, happy! There are many of us who have had Dr. A do our surgeries....please join in the support group (both meetings and on-line). Patti

Jen, I wouldn't worry any about what this Dr says. Those statistics are way out of line. He is trying to scare people out of it and wanting them to try his way so he can make more money. Talk to you Dr and tell him your worries and let him put your mind at ease. There are over 800 members alone on this Georgia board and over 10,000 on all the others. I know the rate is not any where near what that guy says. We are all here for you. If you need anything, just yell. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs, Debra =^..^=