Memorial Posts Decreasing

I remember when I was pre-op in 2005 looking at the memorial figures for the prior 2-3 years. Randy's death caused me to look at the memorial page once again.

Condolences to Randy and his family and friends, but it was good to see that so far there have been only 2 deaths posted for 2007. Hope this means that the surgeons are getting more proficient, that people are going in better prepared, or both. 

Dave

It's hard to draw conclusions from the memorial page.  2006 was the highest year, but then again that was the sites biggest growth year as well. I suspect that the percentage of deaths is going down, as (1) more doctors are getting proper training/accreditation  on the surgery rather than just "hanging out a shingle" without experience; (2) more and more doctors in lots of regions have established reputations and done hundreds of surgeries; (3) people are becoming more careful about picking surgeons who meet these criteria; and (4) more knowledge is being generally gained about how to treat/prevent the major causes of surgery mortality.  There is also the probability that (5) the average WLS patient now is healthier going in than a decade or even a few years ago, as it has become more acceptable for younger patients with few comorbidities to seek/receive the surgery, and healthier patients are going to have a lower risk. That said, in American the number of WLS patients has grown at a rapid rate for several years, so I suspect the absolute number of fatalities may be going up every year, even as the percentage decreases. Randy's death is quite sad; my condolences to his wife and his other loved ones.  I obviously don't know the cir****tances, but I expect at his weight and age he was a high risk patient.  It's a tragic reality that those with the most to gain from the surgery (older patients, those at a very high weight, those with severe comorbidities) are also those that face the greatest risks.

although it's hard to draw conclusions but i have another theory. i think there's a lot more banding now than ever which is a much safer surgery. also, since this is more popular i think it translates to less heavier people getting the surgery hence healthier people which arddberg alluded to.

also i think people are opting for this surgery sooner which heads off the bad health problems accumulating such as was my case and many others here. the banding is more affordable to. couple this with much more awareness of wls and i just think you have younger and less obese people opting for the surgery now. just a theory mind you........carbonblob

Didn't know there were that many people banding now. But I have never checked the band board, either... 

hoping the earthquake missed you there..... Best Wishes- Dx

Missed me! Completely different island. We didn't even feel it up here. Then, there's my neighborhood which has been historically rock-solid.

Thanks for Thinking about Me,

Dave