Question:
In reading the WLS memorials, it is rather disturbing

seeing all these people lose all of their excess weight and then for reasons such as twisted bowel and other things that they don't elaborate on. I am curious how long before we don't have to worry about problems that could be fatal. Anyone with insight on this. Most surgeries if you "miss" the blood clot time frame , you are out of the woods for any complications. Thanks, Kim Nelson    — KIM B. (posted on November 29, 2003)

November 29, 2003
The one I found interesting was the one that died from a leak at 18 months out and she was pregnant. I nearly let this one make me cancel my surgery. Now -95 pounds later, I am so glad i didn't. We cannot dwell on the what ifs. There are what ifs every day. What if we walk out into traffic or fall fatually or something. We just can't dwell on it.
   — Delores S.

November 29, 2003
I don't think that we are ever truly "out of the woods" for a few reasons. First, most of us were obese for many years-- we put tremendous strains on our hearts, other vital organs, digestive systems and joints. We typically were not terribly healthy and tended to live sedentary lives. As a result, merely losing the weight doesn't necessarily undue the years of neglect and damage (although it does make us healthier in so many respects). Secondly, many of us lived for years ignoring aches and pains-- how many of us needed to be insulted or not taken seriously in an ER before we just decided to live with the pains we experienced rather than seek treatment. As a result, I find that some of us let lots of important symptoms slip by them; consequently, in some cases warning signs of deadly problems are missed. Thirdly, people kick the bucket every day-- sometimes healthy people die unexpectedly; as more people have weight loss surgery it only stands to reason that more people in the mix of "healthy people who die unexpectedly" will include our peers. But, all things considered, I live a contented life knowing that I have minimized my risks of stroke, heart disease and diabetes by losing my excess weight. As long as I continue to look both ways before crossing streets, I can minimize my risks of being hit by a bus and I can then let the rest of the risks fall where they may.
   — SteveColarossi

November 29, 2003
This is not an answer to your question but I was wondering what memorial page you are talking about and where is it located?
   — Myrna E.

November 29, 2003
Hint: always go to the before and after pictures after you visit the memorial page. It helps keep things in perspective.
   — faybay

November 29, 2003
I too agree with many of the answers here in the view that I don't know if we are ever 'out of the woods' on this, but...after we have had wls, and a few months have gone by...I think that we are really in tune with our bodies and it's signals to us, and we should truly listen to those signals. If something doesn't 'feel' right, contact your dr., plain and simple...Like that saying...an ounce of prevention...I think it is most important to not ignore what our new bodies are telling us. I am suprised it would even speak to me after the years of abuse we have put them through! But listen we must! Just like Jim Henson (of the Muppets) didn't listen to that nagging 'flu' feeling that quickly developed into full blown pneumonia, and he was too busy to see the dr., and he died of pneumonia at such a young age, all because he didn't listen to his body. I see no need to worry about every little tick and gurgle, but if you truly listen to what your system is saying, you should have plenty of lead time to see the doc and check it out! Go out and live live and love it!
   — track

November 29, 2003
Long term complications are rare and that's what we need to focus on. For me it was just a matter of when I was dying. Now I feel I have a chance at a long healthy life. I know that anything past age 50 will be due to having had WLS. At 42 life was going down hill and becoming more and more immobile. <p>Listen to your body and if anything seems out of the ordinary don't mess with it and get to the surgeon or your PCP right away. I know there is not tons of long term data on the RNY even though it has been done for decades, but I feel I have taken less of a chance of the unknown than living as I was. At least that things that come up now I am healthier and better able to survive whatever it is. I realize some do die later on but it's not the norm. Most in the memorial section died because they were extremely high risk before surgery or died trying to get it. I will never regret having surgery, no matter what comes my way. At least the time I do have will be happy, healthy and able to do whatever I want. That alone is worth any risk!
   — zoedogcbr

November 30, 2003
Well I am a litle over a year post-op, and down 170lbs and just had my Abdominoplasty and survived both. Think of it this way, if we die at least we can fit into a casket! I know sick sense of humor but no need for plus size casket for me! It well worth the risk=)
   — EMN