So much to think about

Hi All, I just feel like I need a friend in here to help me feel not so freightened about the surgery. Would appreciate anything you can share with me about your experience and how you weighed your decision to proceed. I, like most others, worry about the fact that I could die from this surgery. I wanted my surgeon to assure me that it won't happen but he said "I cannot guaranty you won't be the one, however, the mortality rate is so very low" Don't get me wrong, he is a wonderful and supportive doctor. I would rather know the truth than be lied to. Please if you would, reach out to me and share you wisdom on this matter with me. Thank you so much. Darla

Hi Darla, Your fears and concerns are very normal and something that indicates you are going into this very big life change with thought and research. When facing other surgeries that are life saving the same statistics and chances to die are right there. Many times they are even risker with worse chances of dying, yet people do forge ahead and get them because they feel their chances of living a longer and healthier life are worth the risk involved. When comparing the risks of obesity, and the long term effects of hypertension and other co-morbidities that are likely to come with continued obesity, the comparison helped me go forward. If you needed to get a hysterectomy or to get your gallbladder out to relieve painful symptoms, you would not get a promise from your surgeon that you would not die in surgery. I'm guessing though you would get the surgery. I don't have to preach to anyone here about how hard it is to live a life with obesity, but as hard as it is, it is still the familiar and "safe" place when your thinking of offering yourself up for surgery. It's scary!! It's good to give this such serious consideration, but only give your nerves so much space at the table. The surgery has saved my life and given me hope to keep the weight off. I feel wonderful and my health is great. I wi**** for anyone who needs it and hope you go forward. Patty

Hi Patty, I cannot thank you enough for taking the time you have to help me get a better grip on this. I do want a healthier life and you have given me the strength to move forward once again. I so appreciate people that are there as you just were for me to help me through one more tear. God Bless You and please lean on me if you ever need a friend. Darla

Darla, Only you can decide if the risk is worth making, however Dr's cannot ever make promises due to possibilities and insurance claims. Keep in mind how far the medical field has come in this type of surgery. The risks are at a minimum compared to when they first started doing WLS. I am only 2 weeks Post-OP and am glad I did it. As the years go on and weight continues to go on our quality of life goes down. There are so many things that I would like to do but dont' because of my weight. I want my life to be about living and not eating going forward. Like Patty said if it was some other type of surgery you probably wouldn't hesitate. I was never frightened about dying going into this- I was more afraid of getting diabetes or high blood pressure if I continued to gain weight. You deserve to be happy and if WLS is an option to get you there then you are worth it! Take care Carrie