HOLY CRAP!! Are they trying to scare us out of the surgery or what?

BamaBob54
on 2/26/08 11:59 pm - Meridianville, AL

The following is an exerpt from a state medical form that the surgeons must have the patient sign prior to having gastric bypass surgery of any kind. The releases I signed before they went in and played with my heart weren't nearly as scarey as this! Most of the complications they list are what I am trying to avoid by having the surgery. I know they must cover their azzes and have a patient sign an informed consent form acknowledging they understand the possible consequences, but what the heck is this about? Sheeeshhhhhhh!! (#12 under Other complications may actually be considered a positive by some here! ) The following surgical complications may arise:

(1) Bleeding, this may require a transfusion of blood or blood products

(2) Surgical site infections, either superficial or deep to include port sites for laproscopic access. These could lead to wound breakdowns and hernia formation.

(3) Perforations (leaks) of the stomach or intestine causing peritonitis, subphrenic abscess or enteroenteric or enterocutaneous fistulas.

(4) Sepsis

(5) Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)

(6) Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

(7) Myocardial infarction (heart attack)

(8) Cardiac rhythm disturbances

(9) Congestive heart failure

(10) Atelectasis

(11) Pneumonia

(12) Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)

(13) Pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs)

(14) Injury to adjacent structures, including the spleen, liver, diaphragm, pancreas and colon.

(15) Possible removal of the spleen

(16) Stroke

(17) Kidney failure

(18) Pressure sores

(19) deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs or arms)

(20) pulmonary embolism (clots migrating to the heart and lungs)

(21) staple line disruption

(22) Ulcer formation (marginal ulcer or in the distal stomach)

(23) Small bowel obstructions

(24) Internal hernias

(25) Incisional hernias, this includes port sites for laproscopic access

(26) Dehiscence or evisceration

(27) Inadequate or excessive weight loss

(28) Kidney stones

(29) Gout

(30) Encephalopathy

(31) Stoma Stenosis

(32) Urinary tract infections

(33) Esophageal, pouch, or small bowel motility disorders

Nutritional Complications to include:

(1) Protein malnutrition

(2) Vitamin deficiencies, including B12, B1, B6, Folate and fat soluble vitamins A, D., E, and

(3) Mineral deficiencies including calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper

and other trace minerals.

(4) Uncorrected deficiencies can lead to anemia, neuro-psychiatric disorders

and nerve damage

Psychiatric complications to include:

(1) Depression

(2) Bulimia

(3) Anorexia

(4) Dysfunctional social problem

Other Complications to include:

(1) Adverse outcomes may be precipitated by smoking

(2) Constipation

(3) Diarrhea

(4) bloating

(5) cramping

(6) development of gallstones

(7) Intolerance of refined or simple sugars, dumping, with nausea, sweating and weakness

(8) low blood sugar, especially with improper eating habits

(9) vomiting, the inability to eat certain foods, especially with improper eating habits or poor dentition.

(10) loose skin

(11) intertriginous dermatitis due to loose skin

(12) malodorous gas, especially with improper food habits

(13) hair loss (alopecia)

(14) anemia

(15) bone disease

(16) stretching of the pouch or the stoma

(17) low blood pressure

(18) cold intolerance

(19) fatty liver disease or non alcoholic liver disease (NALF)

(20) Progression of existing of preexisting NALF or cirrhosis

(21) vitamin deficiencies may already exist before surgery

(22) diminished alcohol tolerance

BamaBob54 ROLL TIDE!!!
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sjbob
on 2/27/08 1:12 am - Willingboro, NJ

RNY on 01/21/05

Yes, you do have to sign stating that you understand the possible dangers of the surgey. Many, and I do mean many of them are common to any surgery. If you're obese, the possibility of a complication increases. Signing the form does not absolve the surgeons or hospital from their responsibilities, i.e., if they mess up your surgery, you can still sue them.

TheonlyGuyonthisboar
d
on 2/27/08 1:12 am - Mars, PA

Must be standard across the country cause that's very similar to what my doc put in front of me to sign. By item 10 he was literally going blah, blah, blah........ Funny thing was before I signed it he got called out of the room, and when he came back he forgot to have me sign. But they caught it the next day before I went in to the OR. No sweat Bama, you'll be fine. Guy

Play hard or go home.

(deactivated member)
on 2/27/08 1:24 am - northeastern, NC

RNY on 06/06/05

And everything on the list has been covered here ad nauseum. Next...

BamaBob54
on 2/27/08 3:43 am - Meridianville, AL

RNY on 04/28/08

Well I wasn't here when it was covered "ad nauseum" so I put it out there. Next . . .

BamaBob54 ROLL TIDE!!!
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foobear
on 2/27/08 1:52 am - Medford, MA

RNY on 11/27/07

That form lists all the (known) risks that are possible, risks that you should appreciate before giving your consent. My surgeon's practice made sure we understood all of them (note that everything listed on your form isn't of equal seriousness or likelihood.) I'm only 3 mos out, but so far, I've only experienced two of the listed complications: Surgical #1: internal bleeding post-op, severe enough to require transfusion of 3 pints of blood and a visit back to the OR for an exploratory. It sounds hellish, but at no point did I feel bad; it just meant that I entered the hospital on Tuesday AM and left a couple of days later than expected on Sat afternoon. The post-op bleeding was just a freak event from the laparoscopic surgical method; apparently one of the lap ports nicked an abdominal artery that had no business being where it was. Other #2: constipation, easyilt managed with Colace and adequate fluid intake. If you haven't read "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies", I recommend that you pick up a copy. It was my bible during my pre-op months. It also goes into the risks in fairly good detail. Of course, remember the risks and complications arising from NOT having the surgery, too... /Steve

Brian I.
on 2/27/08 2:44 am

RNY on 03/04/08

It's funny because my consent signing appointment isn't until the day before surgery. I'm wondering if they do that for a reason. Hmm....

Mike H.
on 2/27/08 3:36 am - SF Bay Area, CA

RNY on 08/01/07

Surgery is risky and bad things can happen, therefore un-necessary surgery should probably be avoided. In the event that death or injury occurs as a result of surgery, it is necessary for the PATIENT to assume the risks, rather than the medical profession. Obviously if errors or negligence are commited by the medical profession, they can be held accountable. Don't kid yourself; WLS can result in death so the benefits need to be carefully weighed against the risks. Be prepared!

Mike H