Gorry truths...

First of all, donate your blood. Everyone told me the chances of having to have a transfusion were slim to none... and they probably are. However, they weren't for me. I ended up needing 4 units. I didn't donate my own, and now this is a concern I don't need at this time. It would have been easy enough to go down to the hospital and give blood. I don't know why I didn't. I am going through bad complications, and though I am not at the point where I am going to try and talk anyone out of this... I know so many whose lives were changed for the better this way... I will say the obvious to you: Make damn sure you have tried everything you can before opting for surgery. I am getting all nutrition via tube feeding for right now, and I just wish I could have a bite of something. Anything. Once upon a time, a bite wouldn't be enough. Now I'm thinking when the day comes that I can eat normally again, I will never take a bite for granted again. As for the mortality rate, it's actually not worse than most other surgeries. Just be sure you are aware of the complication risks and carefully weigh whether you face more risks having or not having the surgery. 1 in 200 people die. Most of those 200 people get their lives back or a life to begin with. But it is risky and it should be your last option.