Question:
What are some commonalities of people who have not made it through the surgery?
I have read in many places that the morbidity rate for this surgery is .5% or 1 out of 200. I am interested in knowing who is at a higher risk obviously or more concrete statistics. I go in for surgery in 2 days and am starting to get a little nervous about that number. I have only one health risk that is sleep apnea. Thanks for any help you can give to ease my mind or alert it! — colleen B. (posted on September 16, 2003)
September 15, 2003
Colleen, I can't answer your question about commonalities, etc. But
speaking for myself, I know that if I hadn't had the surgery, I wouldn't
have lived long enough to see retirement. I had lap rny on 5/29/03, I've
lost 58 pounds, and I've never ever felt better. I can actually climb
stairs! Being nervous is perfectly normal. You'll be fine! Here's hoping
that your surgery is as easy as mine was. Linda
— lorien
September 15, 2003
Their rate is AVERAGE for ANY surgery. If they put you out to take your
tonsiles out have the SAME chance of dying from that as any surgery.
Normally people I have heard of dying were sooooooo bad off in the first
place the surgery was the only alternative for them. You can get a blood
clot afterward but as long as you get up and walk and wear your support
hose you should be fine. Ask the nurses what signs you should look for.
— Rebecca K.
September 15, 2003
Colleen, I am so glad to read in your profile that you got properly
diagnosed for sleep apnea and are on CPAP. Regarding your question on
morbidity rate, I believe it depends mostly on the individual's health
prior to surgery. Some deaths cannot be avoided, however, some could have
easily been prevented. An example is my friend, Ginger Brewster, who's
story is on the memorial page of this website. She had the surgery with
undiagnosed/untreated sleep apnea and the result was her death. In your
case, please make sure that all medical personnel, (not just your surgeon)
taking care of you during and after your surgery are well aware of the fact
that you have sleep apnea and that they are taking precautions for you
having it. Best of luck to you for a successful surgery.
— Hackett
September 15, 2003
I ditto the previous poster. I think it is good to know that their are
risks and to help diminish those, a prospective surgery patient should know
that their surgeon is competent at the surgery that they are performing and
ensure that they have a good aftercare program set up. A good pre-op exam
should detect any issues that might need special attention during surgery.
I know that that 1 in 200 sounds scary but I'm sure that is probably very
similar to the risks of any surgery and I personally feel that the risk of
having this surgery is far less than the risk of continuing to be morbidly
obese. Right now you have sleep apnea.....in a year without the surgery,
who knows what other comorbities you could have. I for one, had gotten
diabetes.
I will say one more thing. On the day after surgery, I was so groggy from
the morphine drip and I really dislike that feeling. I was wondering that
day if I would ever feel normal again. And then when they took me down
that morning to take a xray to make sure that I wasn't leaking, I was so
worried of what I would do if there was a problem. But there wasn't and
by the 2nd day I was starting to feel like myself again. Here I am 7-1/2
months postop and only 4 lbs from my goal of 135 lbs. I feel wonderful and
know that I did the best thing in the world for me by having this surgery.
Good luck - you will be in our prayers.
— Judy R.
September 16, 2003
Colleen, sometimes the deaths come about as a total surprise. I work for an
insurance company, and we look at unexpected deaths. Most are unavoidable,
and come under the heading of "S&$t happens." Morbidly obese
people are already at high risk - for any surgery - so some deaths are to
be expected (statistically speaking). Everyone who goes into surgery
knows that. But, if you do your best to be in the best shape you can be
before surgery, you lower your chances of having an unexpected outcome.
Exercise - even if it's only walking to the sidewalk out front, stopping
smoking, eating sensibly and take medications as directed and use CPAP if
you have it - those are all things that can help lower risk. (Not you
personally - just generally speaking here.) Some things can't be changed; a
family history of blood clots for one. But one can be given medications to
try to avoid problems there. Everyone has the concern about dying before
they have surgery, especially since this is an elective surgery. You sound
like your risks for complications, including death, are relatively low, so
you should be fine. All the best on your re-birthday!
— koogy
September 16, 2003
— JM B.
September 16, 2003
I agree with Janelle. This surgery has been glamorised a bit lately. Be as
completely informed as possible. Things like Leaks can happen to anyone, no
matter how "good" your health is. Research your surgeon, make
sure you know that a lot of things could go wrong, doesn't mean they will,
but doesn't mean they won't either. I should be having this done middle of
next month. My surgeon made sure that I understood the seriousness of this
procedure. He made a point of talking about a lot of the possible
complications that could happen. As far as leaks go they check for them 3x
before leaving the hospital (at least he does). 1st when they complete the
surgerey before you go to recovery, the next day before you are given foods
of any kind & then before you are discharged. It's something he takes
quite seriously. Anyway, yes, death is a possibility for any of us that go
under the knife, especially under a general anestetic, but from what I
understand it's no more common than in other types of abdominal surgery.
— Beverly M.
September 17, 2003
I love this site because you get so much support and advice - good advice
because it is from people who have been there done that or are related to
someone that has or are currently going through it. I am pre-op and work
in the medical field for over 20 years. All of our surgical patients must
understand that ANYTHING can happen including death but MOST surgeries turn
out just fine. Complications afterward are hard to predict - many
variables. Just follow the docs advice/orders, be aware of your risks, and
listen to your gut - ALWAYS! You are in charge of your health - if you
feel something is wrong - SPEAK UP, ASK FOR HELP, DEMAND ATTENTION if you
feel it is necessary. The docs and nurses caring for you are not
clairvoyant. i can't tell you how many patients I've had say tome -
"well I thought you guys knew I was going to have pain" or "
I figured I was supposed to feel like that". Aaacccck! Speak up - you
are your best advocate. If you are afraid too - take along someone who
isn't. You have courageously chosen to give yourself a wonderful gift - be
safe and I'll send up a couple prayers for an uneventful surgery and
recovery. HUGS, HUGS, and more HUGS!
— Deborah F.
September 17, 2003
My surgeon told me that the 1 out of every 200 that die in this surgery,
are mostly males who are over 500 pounds with heart problems and other
serious problems. That is the results of his research. hope everything goes
well for you! God Bless!
— Katrina K.
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