Mortality rates?

I am set to have surgery next month and am confused by the 1%(ish) mortality rate. My doctor's rate is actually less than the national average, and I am completely confident in his abilities. I am 23, 253lb and 5'6, so my BMI is about 40. I've lost 30-35lbs since last september, i have no heart, BP, or respiratory issues. I've already had my gallbladder out and have never smoked. Given that I plan to have lap RNY, is the mortality rate for me low? What is the most common issue that causes mortality? I mean, is it the obesity itself causing cardiac arrests or is it really easy to nick stuff in your stomach? i don't know what I am trying to ask. Maybe I am just nervous suddenly looking for reassurance? Rachel

I dont think you have anything to worry about.  Your doctor sends you for all these pre-op tests for a reason.  To make sure there will be no complications.  To be completely honest. My husband had high blood pressure.  If our surgeon didnt send him to the cardiologist and just put him under the anestesia... he would have had a heart attack or something worse.  If you are concerned about having a heart attack during surgery you should speak to your cardiologist.  You seem to be healthy other than having a weight issue... so i personally dont think you have anything to be concerned about.  Take care and good luck!

I think the most common issue that causes mortality is blood clots (if I am remembering correctly)... the mortality rate is low... I believe the fewest patients die in surgery (I would assume blood loss/cardiac arrest/anesthesia complications) and then there is a slightly higher rate from those who die post-op from complications... as time goes on your risk goes down and I think it all but disappears after 3 months? Im just going by my foggy memory so I could check out more :)

I noticed you had your gallbladder out, I did too way before my surgery. My doc explained to me that the risk of dying is no greater than any other abdominal surgery.  The complication that's different after surgery is the risk of a leak. That can be fixed and that's why they have you NPO (nothing by mouth) for that first day so they can check for that. I had the same issue with worrying about death before I had surgery and just wanted to wake up afterwards and know I was okay. I think the part that scares us is that we've made this decision ourselves and if something happens we have only our selves to blame. Keep in mind that your making a huge decison that will be life altering in the best way possible. Keep your mind on the good things to come, you have no idea right now how good you'll feel! It really has been very easy and I wonder now why I worried so much beforehand, and I'm a nurse! You'll do great, keep a great attitude because that's everything! See you on the losers bench before too long, you go girl! Shanna www.GourmetSoyOnline.com

Hi Rachel- (Sorry for the delayed response. I only check out the 20s board every once in awhile.) I'm 25 and 5'6", my pre-op weight was 286 and I didn't have any health complications. I asked my doctor to go over each complication by the national complication rate, HIS complication rate and then MY complication rate (taking into account my age, weight, etc). He said the most serious complications are within the first 30 days and they are leaks, pulmonary embolism, etc. Then at 30 days, it's a stricture and you can't eat. Other than that, he asks specific questions for each visit that pertain to stuff I may be experiencing.  I'm only 2+ months out, but if you have more questions please email me. I'd be glad to pass on any information that the surgeon and his staff gave me. Good luck! Mag