Morbidity Rate for WLS

I saw this question embedded in another thread, but I want to ask it of any of the doctors, very directly: the news has plastered a story about WLS and people who die within the first year--they are saying it's 20%!!! (The direct quote was "about one in five"). I heard this numerous times on CNN, the local news, and two morning-news shows. I cannot believe it is correct, not by a long shot. Why in heaven's name is this being trumpeted all over the media? My WLS is upcoming, and now my family has gone ballistic! Info please...

well everyone dies... maybe it just so happens that 20% of the people had WLS died in car accidents/busses ran over them, freaky things in nature. IN my opinion, I think this # is wacked, I belong to 2 different wls support groups, if this # was true, several of the members should have passed? But on the other hand, since HEALTH CARE SUCKS for those on PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, they will NOT treat MO as a rule, so therefore health risks ARE higher to begin with and 20% might be accurate in their stat's. To quote CNN "Those patients often have medical problems brought on by their girth, including heart trouble, diabetes and breathing difficulties -- problems which obesity surgery can sometimes resolve but which can also contribute to making the surgery risky." see at a higher risk to start with. as Dr. Neil Hutcher , president of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, said "that Medicare patients are probably sicker than the general U.S. population and that complication rates have declined as surgeons' expertise has increased." backs up my opinion on that. I'm not giving you a hard time, but read deeper into articles like this, before freaking, they want us to believe [must be powered by insurance co's] that this kill us, rather than save us. Again, this is just my opinion, backed by a couple of quotes from CNN. I for 1 have been lucky, I'm in the slightly higher risk age @46, I *had* some health issues that put me at risk, like asthma, edema, but no bp problems, no gerd, no diabetes, I was a pretty healthy fat lady, I just could NOT take care of myself or walk, stand, breathe. I think they failed to include ME in those stat's.. oh this study occurred, Patients studied underwent surgery between 1997 and 2002, ??guess that's why?? I'm doing fine! 348/318/185

Susan... You have to look at all the successful stories that are on this website. If we listened to everything the media says.. we would not do much of anything in life anymore. Just remember.. you are doing this for yourself to improve your health. To be there for your family and to be able to enjoy your life. I am 5 months out and down 77lbs. The only thing I had against me was diabetes. After the first month.. it was gone. I feel fanastic. There have been several other people on here that have had more severe health issues and they are doing great now. I believe it is another crock of crap that someone has dreamed up to cause controversy among the people trying to take control of their lives again. Good Luck and Best Wishes. Julie

I did try to address this question in the last thread "under any doctors". This was a very specific group of patients and surgeons. For clarification please see my note. If there are any additional questions please email me. I would be glad to clarify. There was a lot of misunderstanding about what the article really was saying. Sincerely, Calvin Selwyn, M.D. Assistant Professor of Surgery UC Center for Surgical Weight Loss University Hospital/Christ Hospital/ University Pointe - West Chester [email protected] 513-475-7770.

I'm sorry if this is a second post. I can never tell if the post works because it never shows up immediately after it says successfully posted. The news cast created a lot of confusion but please see my post under the thread " any doctors" thanks, Calvin Selwyn, M.D. Assistant Professor of Surgery Director of Surgical Endoscopy and Laparoscopy UC Center for Surgical Weight Loss University Hospital/Christ Hospital/ University Pointe - West Chester [email protected] 513-475-7770.

What all was said here is the point I was trying to get across, but couldn't. Thanks again. Julie K Brunswick,OH