Dying a year out? Why?

Why are so many people starting to experience complications and die in excess of a year or more out? I'm getting closer to the reality of a surgery date and am becoming uncomfortable again with my decision. I've been reading a lot of cons lately, stats of 5% dying a year out, and not realizing how much the surgery affects your immune system, as it did Jessica O's. It seems like the answer to obesity but I'm worried I'll be giving up this problem for a hundred others! Don't flame me! ... I'm just curious.

PERSONALLY ,,ME ID DIE A HAPPY MAN,, 9 MONTHS OUT ...IVE LOST 175 SOME ODD LBS.AND THE LAST 9 MONTHS HAVE BEEN ,HANDS DOWN THE BEST OF MY ENTIRE 35 YEARS ON THIS EARTH ,,AND MY WEIGHT HAS ONLY BEEN A REAL ISSUE FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS ,,, WHEN I LOST TRACK ANDGOT REALLY LAZY AND LOST FOCUS BUT LIKE I SAID ,,FOR ME ... ITS WORTH IT ,,ID TRADE 35 YEARS FOR 9 MONTHS ANY DAY ,,THE AMOUNT OF LOVE IVE GIVEN AND RECEIVED AND THE JOY IN MY HEART HAS AMPLIFIED 10 FOLD,,AND IM CONTENT. ITS TRULY WORTH IT TOO ME ,,BUT .. I REFUSE TO DIE. AND YA KNOW WHAT ,I WONT,, MY LIFE AND MY SONG LIVES ON HERE ,AND MY WORDS AND MY STORY ARE HERE. ..SOO TO ME ,,ANY "COMPLICATION" IS WELL WORTH IT ,AND DEF WORTH THE RISKS.. ID GLADLY LIVE 1 YEAR 2 YEARS SOO HEALTHY AND HAPPY, RATHER THEN LIVE 30 MORE YEARS AS A BIG FAT WASTE. ROCK ON RONNIE NO FLAMING HERE ,, NOTHIN BUT LOVE TO YOU,AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY,, GOOD TOPIC THOUGH..IM VERY INTERESTED TO SEE WHERE THIS GOES ,, RONNIE

thank you for posting this because i have been feeling the same way. i have been reading and worring myself but all i can say is that i've come to this conclusion that the risks of being "fat" massley out weigh the risk of surgery in my case anyway hoped that helped a lil

WOW!! Maybe my head has been under a rock but I haven't heard of alot of people dying at one year out. I do know that some die from other complications NOT CAUSED by WLS. You need to remember that there are "rules" that MUST be followed after WLS. Such as taking vitamins (and taking the right kinds of vitamins) and supplements, eating correctly by getting in your protein levels, drinking your good fluids, some excercise, etc. The surgery in itself IS a miracle, however it is not a cure for what ails you. Alot of the healing process is in your head. You have to change the way you eat. Your tummy just changes the amount you eat and IF you are lucky won't let you eat certain foods that are high in sugar, fats, etc. I wish you all the luck in the world. This is NOT an easy decision to make or a easy way out as some people think. When you have this surgery YOU WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. If have to really think long and hard if you are willing to do that. Rita 244/139/125

Unfortunately, there are some people who do everything "right" and still experience long-term complications. The human body is not predictable in response to malabsorption. Sometimes, no matter what the person does, it won't absorb the way it needs to. That's why some folks need takedowns...and unfortunately, it's really hard to find surgeons who will do them. You can meet some of these folks over on OSSG-gone_wrong on yahoogroups.com. We all hope for the best, but sometimes, some people experience the worst even with 100% compliance. Nancy 394/260/180

Hi Nancy, just wanted to comment on your post. I understand where you are coming from, but don't you think on the whole malabsorbtion thing, that if people are doing what they are suppose to...besides taking the vitamins they need to, they should also be going to the surgeon for their check ups? I am saying that I go every 2 months, and they do my bloodwork every 2 months...so, if people are having problems their blood work would show it...right? what are takedowns? and why won't surgeons do them? I will have to check out that site you mentioned. Have you had many complications? I just had one early out...plus my strictures. take care, Bambi

I see they got your picture back up! Was missing that nice smiling face! Bambi

Amy there are so many variables. Much has changed. The surgery is safer now. Surgeons feel it is safe for those over 50 now. The mortality rate increases for everyone as you get older. My surgeon just did my surgery. I am over 60. He has done the surgery on people over 70 and did not consider me that old. The chance of dying during the next year is pretty high for a person over 70 if they have surgery or not. You are smart to examine why the post ops are dying though. Try to eliminate as many complications as possible for your own surgery. The meds I was taking preop may have been affecting my immune system too. I dont take many now. I hope you get many replies to this post and can relate ideas to your own situation. Doris

JUST two add my thoughts.... TO me.....the health risks of dropping dead from a heart attack or stroke at my highest weight of 310 out way any risks for me after surgery. AT this point 6 months out i cant say my immune system is weakened any. I work with kids in a family daycare and have not been ill once since surgery and the kids in my care have been ill repeatidly.... I think i feel more alive and its worth it. I would do it again in a heart beat. BUT you need to maybe sit down and right a list of the pros and cons and decide whats best for you. RIGHT now my eating is in control and it was out of control pre surgery. LISA

Lisa, I am so glad to hear your story...I too work with newborn babies and small children. I had one infection (tooth) and malapsorption was a problem but my surg & primary worked together to get me through it. Other than that I have never felt better. I have way more energy and range of motion, I even went down the slide at the park (imagine that) I feel great. I think I am a better person to be around even at 6 mos out. There is a positive and negative side to every decision, its a matter of what your focus is when looking at the information available. Good luck and keep up the good work. Bonnie