Fear sinceAppt with Dr. Glazer

Interesting that Dr. Hagen quoted local statistics while Dr. Glazer quoted international statistics.  Suppose both sets of information are good to have.

1 in 200 is a bit out-dated these days.  Mostly I've seen 0.3%, which is 1 in 330.  Ontario is absolutely tracking their mortality rate, so it would be interesting to hear.  I believe St Joe's in Hamilton are the only centre of excellence not to have a death, though many of the others (including HRRH) were in the earlier days of the programs.  All the studies suggest that high-volume and surgeon experience are key to safe surgeries.  I think Ontario is doing an excellent job overall. 

Do what is right for you.

Michelle

I had a long time before surgery to decide if this was right for me.  By the time I met the surgeon and he covered the risks of the surgery, I signed happily the surgical consent form.  However, I had already weighed the risks of NOT HAVING SURGERY.  I had updated my will and power of attorney in case it was needed.  So I planned for the worst possible scenario and then relaxed and had surgery.

I am almost 2 years post-op (in two days).  I have lost 160 lbs and no longer on medication for diabetes or high blood pressure.  I am mobile and have energy to do stuff. 

Good luck in your decision making.

Judy

Thank you all so much for your replies, i had a good night of soul searching and have decided that i wanted and need this surgery for a reason.  I  have the appointment booked to talk with the surgeon but needed to make the decision on my own and know that i was doing the best  thing i can for my health to be here long term for my kids and family.

I am not sure why my emotions were so high for the past few days, i have had several people disagree with the surgery and i have defended my decision with each one.  I am usually a very strong person and when i make a decision, it is DONE.

I laughed out loud at kathycantwait's comment about kicking Glazer.  It is such a life altering decision and i am at peace with my part to ensure success, the only part i was so scared about was the part that i have no control over which is my life and i have decided to leave that up to God, i really have no control either way, when my time is up, he will decide, not me.

Thank you all and please keep a spot for me on the bench,.... :)

When I went to my surgeon appt. my surgeon said the same thing about people dying he asked me also if I still wanted the surgery after everything he told me and I said yes. They want you to be aware of the bad along with the good as with all surgery there are risks and complications that can occur.

Yes I was terrified of dying I was telling my husband and grown daughter what I wanted done with my stuff and made them aware where everything was I also wrote all passwords etc. out and had a will because i was so scared. I was scared up until the day I had my surgery when I was waiting to go into surgery I said to the doctor the only thing I want you to make sure is that I wake up and here I am 10 months out today healthy and very happy.

So yes it is normal to be scared especially when you hear all the bad things.

I had my surgery on 11/18/13 and cried for two days prior to my surgery.  I asked my family members to help raise my teenage daughter should something go wrong during or after surgery.  Although the surgery went well, I did experience some minor set backs (very painful UTI and kidney infection due to dehydration), I'm finally glad I did it.  I'm just now coming out of my "regret" phase, am starting to feel better, and get my energy back.  It has been a challenging 3 weeks, to say the least, but in reality, my health will improve and I believe I'll get to live a much longer, healthier life.  As everyone is posting, feeling anxiety and fear is normal.  We're undergoing major surgery, and it's scary...but I know I made the best decision in the long run.  I prayed about it, and have a wonderful support circle.  That helps me so much.  Whatever you decide, I wish you the VERY best. 

my surgeon also told me approx. 1 in 1000 specifically in ontario.. the 1 in 200 number is included in all of north america. 

I just had my appointment with dr glazer and I feel the same way I'm absolutely terrified.

When I first see Dr. Glazier he asked me the same thing and of course I said yes.He said you could be intabated and has since made me go through every test imaginable just to make me wait.So a year goes by and he decides I should go on Optifast for 8-12 months. They now make me go to the psych again,nut classs and the nut again. Go see him on Jan.29,2014, wants me to lose 100 lbs. by then,so far lost 90.,better lose the other 10 or he'll make me wait even longer.