Dying a year out? Why?

I replied to you last week when you first asked if WLS caused Jessica O's complicatins. So,i read your profile this morning and think that YOU are simply not ready for the commitment that WLS takes. Once, again i will tell you Jessicas cancer was not caused by WLS obese women often go undetected for breast, uterine, cervial cancers. As for complicatoins you have gained 9+ pounds since april, add 10 pounds a year for another 5 years and where will you be? Your knee is already bothering you. I have to say if 6 years ago at age 28 i could have done this i would have. I have two uneventful years and great success. Is this surgery the ANSWER for OBESITY ...NO ABSOLUTELY NO!

I don't know any statistics that show people dying from this surgery farther out that would be any higher than for the normal population. It's like the 2% death rate they say is the national average for this surgery. There are many surgeons who have done thousands and have never lost a patient - thereby throwing that 2% number out the window. The surgery doesn't necessarily effect your immune system, some people have underlying issues or medical problems they bring to wls surgery that are made worse by this surgery or poor aftercare. I know many 3,5, 7,10 or more year out posties who are happy, healthy and don't have a complication at all. At 5 years out I'm healthier - not more unhealthy. I've met many hundreds of post ops through online and local support groups and have never personally known any post op who has died. I'm sure I'm not alone. Statistics are what you make of them, and you have to know where they come from. As far as I'm concerned, this surgery is safe, bring about better health and gives us a quality of life to live we wouldn't have had without the surgery.

Amy My biggest fear was never coming out of the surgery. I just decided it was worth the risk -- though I didn't believe I WOULD actually die. When I first starting looking into the surgery I was about 250, give or take a few. When I finally had the surgery, I had gained 21 lbs. and was unwilling to gain any more. I came through it fine, as do a lot of people in this weight group. Regarding Jessica O., if you read her profile, you know that she had a lot of things going on that were NOT about the surgery.I haven't heard of a LOT of people dying -- I think we don't hear from all the people who are doing fine and are not actively sharing their experience. Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best. Warmly, Feisty Emm Highest 329/pre=surg 271/now 203/goal 149 or thereabout It is understandable how you feel. No one can make the decision for you.

Amy... I've heard the same thing about so many people dying after a year out of surgery. And have also worried so much that my husband worries about me he is constantly always everyday keeping on me about taking all of my meds. And I do thank him for that, because I feel that if it had not been for him sticking with me before during and after this the WLS I don't know where I would be today so just remember that I think it is all of the Dr's information that he/she is giving to all of us should be FOLLOWED TO A (T) my husband is my alarm clock as for making me and reminding me to take all meds, again I thank him for being here for me some of us are not that lucky to have someone here to keep as I say nagging but you know it is WELL WORTH THE NAG. So I keep saying and stressing. KEEP TAKING THOSE SUPPLEMENTS AND KEEP GETTING IN THE FLUIDS...... AND TO ALL GOOD LUCK BECAUSE IT IS A ROUGH TRYING TO KEEP UP ALL THE ADVICE THAT IS GIVIN TO US ALL.

You have to understand that many people who get WLS have serious health issues that were brought on by their morbid obesity. At 400, 500, 600 lbs, the entire workings of the body become affected. The heart is weakened, the liver is working overtime, the kidneys - the whole machine. If you read Jessica's story, then you will see that she did not die from the WLS. I encourage everyone to do the research. If you are going to look at statistics, look at the co-morbidities these people had before their weight loss surgery. Make an informed decision based not on fear, but on the entire set of facts. Good luck and God Bless!

Amy, Regardless of surgery or not, I truly believe when it is your time to go, it is your time to go. Everything happens for a reason. I think that you should read the cons as well as the pros of surgery before you make this life long decision. But I think you need to be careful where you are reading the cons and what the statistics are based on. Several weeks ago the story came out in the media about the death rate among RNY patients after a year and when researched further, it was primarily in patients over 50 or 60 (can't remember off hand). It could be possible that the deaths were not at all related to the surgery itself but a co morbid disease that came along with being obese and these people would have died with or without surgery. You have to look into all of the research. You also have to make the decision if death is something you would risk to become more healthy. Everyone else had to think of that prior to surgery and you see what there decision was and how the majority of people would do it again. You need to pray about it and you will know the right decision for you. Good luck with whatever you chose and on your weight loss journey! Misty

You must realize that we (morbidly obese folks) are not healthy. This fat has weakened our hearts, lungs immune systems. We are much more likly to die in a year without the surgery! Yes quick dramtic weight loss puts a lot of stress on the body and there can be complications. But carring the weight can be more dangerous. So you have to weigh the risks and the benifits. Frankly I can't wait to have my surgery. Good luck my prayers are with you whatever you decide. Cindy

I have not heard of people dying at a year or more out. Where is the info posted? I am interested in learning about the complications post-ops face after a year or more after surgery. I take my vitamins/supplements, eat my protein, and drink 80+ ounces of decaf unsweet tea w/Splenda EVERY day. I feel better than I have felt in years! Best wishes to you in making your decision. Hugs and happiness, Tammy

Amy, When my doctor approached me about the surgery. He said Lynn your gonna die if you don't have it. So it was not a hard choice and I have had the best time since the surgery. I can actually chase me 4 year old grandaughter around the yard. And play for the first time in a long time. So I am enjoing every second. And if something happens at least I have had this time. But I stay compliant to keep my chances high that everything will be ok.

I believe God has premeasured the days of our lives and when your time is up, you die. It's what you do with the time you have which is important. Make your peace with the Father and pray for His guidance as you make your WLS decision. Lynda