Question:
I dont understand.. mortality rate of wls is same for other surgeries ....

The mortailty rate for wls is about the same as it is with any other surgery ( Im talking about MO people only)....everyone is freaking out about it and the surgeons go through great lengths to explain it to us....I have had SEVERAL other surgeries some for co morbs, some not, and NO surgeon has ever mentioned it or ever made an issue out of it. I wonder why everone make it such a big issue about this particular surgery? (I am not down playing the seriousness of wls, just a little confused.)    — cherokey55 (posted on May 6, 2002)

May 6, 2002
This surgery is no different than any other normal surgery in the world and fat or not when your time is up...your time is up. The only difference here is if you keep getting fatter and fatter you risk all the diseases and potentials for death then the small risk of death on the table. My wife and I are 2 months out and couldn't be happier...she has been beating the bad odds as she got a blood clot (the leading cause of death with most normal surgeries) and is now on coumaden to dissolve it. So...my advice is not to let people freak you out and do what you feel is right...your chances are better for dying without the surgery. Good Luck
   — Glenn M.

May 6, 2002
I think part in partial because no other surgery has such a wonderful support group.. no other surgery has world wide group of people who get to know each other, care for each other.. If there were a gall bladder forum, there would probably the same kind of issues.. I think another reason is that people in general view this surgery as an option for us, and that we have an option to be deterred by the risks. Where as a Hysterectomy may have the same risks, but the surgeons and the gyns push the fact that it is so needed that they tend to harp on the benifits of surgery verses the risk... As this surgery becomes more accepted in the community as medically neccessary, people will start pushing the benifits more than the risks. It is the surgeons responsibility to explain and make sure you understand the risks of any surgery or procedure. If the risks are the same between two different surgeries, I don't believe they should stress it more with one than another... Just MHO... Thanks
   — Angela G.

May 6, 2002
From what people's response have been to me is the same. I think one reason, is that it is an "elective" surgery. I don't agree with that however, this is my ONLY chance to get healthy. I'm sure other WLS surgery feel the same.
   — elainabolser

May 6, 2002
I agree with the previous poster. Pre-op I was completely pre-occupied with the mortality rate, although it didn't stop me from having surgery. But, the mortality rate was such a big deal to me because it was "elective". Therefore, if I was to die during or because of surgery, I would have left my family for a procedure that I chose to have. Sometimes we don't realize that this surgery is every bit as lifesaving as other surgeries...it is just presented and it works, in different ways.
   — Kristin R.

May 6, 2002
I AM THE ORIGIONAL POSTER......I was asking the question because I saw someone on here post that they may not have wls because of the risk of death. It bothered me that people would give up such a lifesaving surgery just not to face such a small risk. If someone has a lump on their brest, they would have surgery asap and not think twice about it, but for wls it is constantly talked about and worried over......I dont think people should have their head in the sand but the risk is sooo small compared to the amazing benefits....Im having open RNY in June (no actual date yet) Thank you to all that replied.
   — cherokey55

May 6, 2002
I think that those that have a lot of anxiety over having the surgery are probably having their first surgery and don't really know what to expect. I have had 6 (including WLS) surgeries and was at peace with my decision with not an ounce of hesitation. I knew that it was the right decision for me. Some of those that are scared could also be very young going into this and just need that extra support. Congratulations on getting a date!! This is a great adventure!
   — Cheri M.