Maybe I shouldn't have gone looking into the

memorials..... I have all of the sudden gotten so frighten and freaked out. I was in tears reading these people's memorials. I know it is a small percentage but ohhh so scary. DVR lost a patient last year. I was thinking if I continue to go with this I will have to make a will and such since I have small children. Today is gloomy day out and I feel as gloomy as the day is. I really need some encouragement from you wonderful people that has been thropugh the WLS and the ones that will have it done. Sorry everyone I just need some pick me up. I don't mean to be so down. Hugs, Very worried Cira

Cira, I am on my way to see you with a big stick in my hand!!!!! You're right, you shouldn't have gone to the memorials page, but I know you're curious, as we all were before surgery. You can play what if till the cows come home, and since I am a champion what-if'er, I can tell you that there's no game more pointless in the world. Just from "talking" with you, it sounds like your head's on straight. I assume you did your research, if not, do it now. I find that for me, knowledge is the most powerful weapon. You're a smart woman, you know the risks of dying from your comorbidities are higher than from the surgery itself. You also know that you could walk outside and get smushed by a giant piece of concrete falling from the sky! I personally feel that you're in good hands with DVR, and you must too, or you wouldn't have selected him. I can't find his patient who died, give me a little more info. Were there underlying factors? Age? Heart problems that were undiagnosed? Talk to him when you go on Wednesday, he'll tell you that, yes, dying is a risk, but being obese is a bigger one. He's compassionate and I'm sure, will completely understand your fears. That being said, your fears, to a degree, are normal. You wouldn't be human if you weren't scared. Actually, as my surgery date got closer, I became less scared and more sure that this was the best thing I could do for myself. Just hang in there. I've got to leave the office, it's after 5, but I'm going to email you my cell and work numbers. I'll be on the road until about 6, then I've got to run to the grocery store, and I'll be at work from 8-3 tomorrow. Please call if you want to talk. It's going to be okay!!!! Tia

Tia, That's exactly what I need someone to knock me over the head with some sense. Thank you much for your support. I guess i got a bit scared reading all that. Thank you so much for your cell phone number. I have cingular so I didn't want to incur an charges your phone. I have alot of roll over minutes an calling you from my house is free. But I was afraid to call you and eat up your minutes with my big ole scared behind. lol As for DVR's patient that past away last year they mentioned it in the information session last Wednesday. I think it was an embolism. I didn't read it on the memorial page. I am actually feeling a lot better now. I am sorry to have worried anyone who has read this thread. Please forgive me. I did notice that both doctors are compassionate and will definitely answer all my questions with honesty. I am back on the wagon now... on to my consultation appointment on Wednesday! lol Thanks for being there for me Tia! hugs, Cira

I have to ask what did the patient not do that contributed to the death? If you (we) follow the directions of DVR there is no reason for success. Any kind of surgery has risks, but waking every morning can be a risk. I think you know deep down that it will be ok. I know it is so hard to keep from feeling defeated when you are looking for this surgery as well as a dreary type day as we have had. It will be ok. We are all here for you. Aime

Aime, Thank you so much for your support. What great friends I have here at OH!! I really do not have the details of that patient that passed away. It as mentioned briefly at the info session. I will ask more questions about that when I go for my consult on Wednesday. You and Tia are so right there are risks just by walking out your door. Driving a car getting into an accident and so forth. I guess being home in a gloomy day did not hel me either. I am so glad to have you wonderful ladies by my side to yank me back into thinking straight! Thank you so much for your supoort! You are super! Have a wonderful evening. Hugs Cira

Cira, I am 8 weeks post-op and this is what I did....I wrote letters to my hubby and the kids, made notes for a funeral and of course updated my will. I did these things not because I was scared but because I didnt want my family to have to deal with all that IF something had happened. I placed it in God's hands and ask him to allow me to enjoy the benefits of of my surgery and to finally live my life they way I needed to. On my 3 month surgiversary I will take this file and burn and thank God , again, for his love and mercies. Darlene

Hello Darlene, Thank you so much for the support. It is amazing how to hear from people that I have never met before that actually has felt the same way I am feeling. I have been thinking of all the stuff I need to get done so just in case. but I am going to stay positive and thank God for his mercies too. I read your profile and to tell you the truth it has inspired me after all the obstacles and cancellations you have gone through. You are one tough cookie!!! Thanks again for your support. Take care and continue doing great. God Bless Cira

Cira, I looked at it like this. I can either die from surgery or I can die from being fat with complications from high blood pressure and diabetes. One is a sure road to the dirt nap and the other is a chance I was willing to take. Now pick yourself up and dust off. Think positive! Positive things happen to positive people!

Heather, You are so right!! I thank you so much for helping me through this. I am going to stay thinking positive. You are just too sweet. I am so thankful to have you all in my life right now. I am going to take a hot bath and relax! Hugs Cira

The patient that DVR lost was not due to the surgery but had an allegic reaction to the Heprin they gave for blood clotting. The told us about it at our very first informational seminar. He also said it was the only patient they had ever lost. Now for me and my surgery date is approaching quickly (Dec. 5th) I am really afraid of all of the complications that I read about (he also has a very low complication rate) but they still do happen. Stephanie