Question:
surgery risk ratings...

My husband is having surgery soon and is rated an 8 out of 10 for risk. Any information or input from post op folks who had 8 or higher risk factors would be appreciated. I really don't understand the risk factor thing...what does it mean anyway?    — Brenda F. (posted on November 6, 2005)

November 6, 2005
Hi, no one can predict how your husband will react to the surgery. I am hoping you are researching the possible risks and complications of the surgery just so you know. All surgery has risks by the way. Your surgeon should also be a good resource for the possible risks. I hope you are doing your homework and researching the surgery thoroughly. Check the ObesityHelp website as well. Good luck!
   — shoutjoy

November 6, 2005
I am not familiar with that rating system, sorry. I suggest you ask DIRECTLY what his risk of dying is. Probably around one or two percent...But do realize the risk of remaining MO is usually higher than the risks of surgery, being so heavy shortens our lives by many years. Without WLS something else preventable by WLS might come along and require major surgery, like heart bypass for diabetics. All things to consider.
   — bob-haller

November 6, 2005
I never heard of that particular rating system, but I was over two hundred pounds overweight, insulin-dependent, sleep apneic, asthmatic, full of allergies, and with a very high BMI, and I came through just fine.
   — Novashannon

November 7, 2005
Rated an 8 out of 10 for risk of what? Risk of death or risk of mild discomfort? I've never heard of any sort of rating system at all. Is this something your surgeon told him? If so, I would suggest you ask him to explain it. If not....if it doesn't come from your surgeon- verify it thru him.
   — RebeccaP

November 7, 2005
Brenda- I, too, have never heard of that risk rating system. I was a very high risk patient. My BMI was over 61, my blood pressure was about 160/120 (and was not terribly well controlled even with constantly altering medicine), I had severe obstructive sleep apnea (that I had concealed from my surgery and anesthesiologist) and I was prone to upper respiratory infections. I survived with no complications.
   — SteveColarossi