Recent death in KY???

Boy am I sorry I ever asked this question. I didn't realize it was such an offensive question. I think I will remove my profile and no longer be a part of this website. It seems one can't ask anything without getting flamed. I am not sure I want to continue on a website that treats people this way. I was in no way blaming the surgeon. I work in the medical field I know you can die from the simplest of surgeries. Yes I live in a small town, but I have yet to find anyone who knew the cir****tances, whether he died in the operating room, several days later, weeks later or even IF the surgery had anything to do with his death. Because people know that I had the surgery I am asked about him quite often so I wanted to know something. I have no idea if he had the surgery in Georgetown, Lexington. Louisville or where so I do not see how asking the cir****tances means that I am trying to start trouble in my town.?!? NO my father did not tell me his surgeons attended the funeral, how would he know unless they stood up and said who they were would anyone except the family know they were his surgeons? But I do not understand why that makes a difference in my question. I NEVER said he was my fathers best friend and that he knew everything about him. I simply said they were friends. My father spoke to him at ball games, at the grocery, etc. They weren't call each other everyday kind of friends. He knew when this mans wife had the surgery because he talked at length with this man about my surgery and how wonderful and smooth everything had gone and how mach he liked my surgeon. The man had told him that he was eventually going to have the surgery but dad did not know he had even had the surgery until he was at the funeral home and people were discussing it. This will be my last post to the message board. Sorry I am sooo offensive.

Shannon and other posts, I did read the other posts before I decided to say something. It was not my intention to offend anyone, but to let Shannon know I support asking all kinds of questions on the message board. No, I don't agree with every message or question posted, but that's what great about it...I don't have to agree or disagree. It wasn't my question. Delores...I appologize for saying you were " a little harsh" in the tone of your message, when that was not your intention. I'm eating lunch and warmed it in the microwave and a coworker just walked by and sniffed and scrunched his nose and said, "What's that smell?" When I raised my bowl and said it's my lunch, he shyly said, "oh". You see I didn't intend to offend you, I was just stating what I felt. I do applogize. I do not have a problem with you...I don't even know you. But thanks for the offer to email you Please don't be angry, I didn't mean to hurt you. Perhaps one day we will get to meet and you will see I'm not a mean person I like Shannon come to this board looking for answers to questions we have yet to experience...I didn't want her getting scared away, and not seeking the support that is abundant here. No one has to explain their post to me...I only wanted to encourage Shannon to ask away... Shannon, don't stop posting! Your resolve to should be to post more often Michelle

I spoke with someone from the surgeon's office who said unfortunately, they did have a patient death. He was 3 weeks out from surgery and died from a pulmonary embolisum. I too work in the medical field and know that this can happen from any type of surgery. That is why they stress you must walk. Sorry if you felt attacked before. I know when we speak of death, people tend to get defensive. I know I do, lol. Hope that helps. Andrea

It's good that people are aware when there is a death of a weight loss surgery patient. This makes it real, as we sometimes tend to forget that this is a surgery, and that there are risks with any surgery. I know the family and the person was in his early 40's. He did have a pulmonary embolus about 2 1/2 weeks after surgery despite all preventative measures given prior to and after surgery. It's real and it does happen. The surgeons are very skilled and the facility is top notched and nationally recognized...but it can still happen to anyone, at any time, at any facility. Please talk with your surgeon and get all the information you can about what you are wanting. Make sure there is a comprehensive aftercare program in place, as support after is so important.

This mystery man you speak of is my uncle. He got his surgery done at Georgetown Hospital, but the doctor nor the surgery itself was the cause of death. Mike Hawkins died of a blood clot. He developed it when he got home from the hospital by not walking enough. Soon it moved upward and lodged between his heart and lung. When they were tranferring him to UK, the clot dislodged and entered his heart, killing him. This is a very senstive and sincere subject and I would appreciate some respect from you all. I am only 17 and I don't fight like a child on a serious matter. My family needs prayer and the utmost respect. I also am getting the surgery this summer. My name is Kelsey.

Kelsey, First off congratulations to you for taking the steps to a healthier life. My prayers go out to you and your family. ~Robin

Kelsey: My heart goes out to you and to Mike's family. The day he had his surgery I has my gall bladder out. my husband spokewith his wife in the waiting room. We other patients are mourning him in our way too and our hearts are breaking over this. My deepest sympathy and love goes out to your family in this difficult time. And best wishes to you on your brave journey. Sincerely, Kat

I am truly sorry for your loss. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. And, thanks for letting us know.

Kelsey, I am so sorry for your family's loss. I asked the question on this board because my father called me very upset. Although he and Mike were not good friends my father considered him a friend, and was very upset about his death. He attended the funeral and was heartbroken to see his wife and family in so much pain. My father felt it was disrespectful to ask quesitons regarding the cir****tances of his death to his family. As I said in my post dad said there was whispering amoungst some of the funeral goers about the surgery and it being the cause of his death. I had gastric bypass in Georgetown in September 2002 and although my father knew the risks I was facing he was supportive. I am going to be having a revision this summer. Mike's death showed my father what can possibly happen and he is scared for me. Although the risks are expalined to us it is different when we have first hand knowledge of it actually happening. I work in the health care field and I know that what happened to Mike can happen with any surgery. I did not post my question to put blame on anyone as some others accused me of. I was not trying to start trouble or insult anyone. When my father grieves so do I, and when he called me he spoke so highly of Mike and told me how special of a man Mike was I could tell although they were not close friends his heart was breaking for Mike's fmaily and friends and for the close knit community that Mike was a part of. I thought if I could tell him the cir****tances suuronding his death it might ease his mind a little about me and also give him some closure as to why his friend died. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. It was the best thing I ever did. I am a single mother and although I knew the risks I knew what kind of life I would have at the weight I was, and that I could not be the mother I wanted to be. I think it is great that you are having the surgery at your age, with your whole life ahead of you. I know some people are against teens having the surgery but I wish i could go back and relive my teens and young adult years as a thinner person. It would have made me a different person. My prayers are with you and your family. I was introduced to Mike a couple years ago but I did not know him, from what I hear he was an exceptional man and will be greatly missed.

See there Shannon someone here did know what you were asking about. Please continue to post here. The good far outwieghs any bad feelings. And, I think because we only read posts that sometimes the inflection is misinterpreted. Everyone here tries to be helpful and wants the best for this board. As for Kelsey now she is getting lovely posts full of prayers and well wishes for her surgery. We all hate to lose a peer. It is a sad reminder that we are all only human and anything can happen. And we want everyone to succeed here. As we reflect on Kelseys family lets also remember our care givers and surgeons in our prayers.