Question:
Should I make a will before my surgery?

My name is Nicole and I will be reciving my surgery date real soon(within the next week).I am so excited but on the other hand I am scarred to death.Not so much for myself but for my family and my husband.What would they do without me here,I am the glue that holds every thing together here.And I know it sounds real stupid but I am a big animal lover and I have lots of them they are like my children....No one would or would be able to take care of them for me....Should I make a will,Im only 25 years old does this sound stupid?What are the chances I wont make it through this thing?No one will tell me the right info......Thanks so much for your time and help....    — nicole K. (posted on November 15, 2002)

November 15, 2002
hello. it's normal to be scared and it's a good idea for all adults to have a will - especially if it will make you feel more comfortable/secure. the statistics are 1 in 200 will die from gastric bypass -- i'm wondering who you are talking about when you say "no one will tell me the right info" your surgeon should be upfront with you about the mortality rates overall as well as the mortality/complication rate of his/her patients. you can check out your doctor with the american medical association plus this site has a lot of doctor reviews. i know a lot of people who've had gastric bypass (roux-en-y) with little or few complications and i know a few who've had complications...i've only met one person who wanted the surgery reversed. (i facilitate a wls support group) feel free to email me anytime, i have lots of info online at: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/Life_Savors/files {{hugs}} kate open rny 6-14-01 pre op: 268lbs goal: 135lbs current: 126lbs
   — jkb

November 15, 2002
You should make out a will. You can do it for free by going to WWW.Freewill.com at this web site you can also find attorneys in your area to help you if you need it. I felt the same way you did and I felt more comfortable knowing everything would be taken care of if something happened to me. Good Luck on your up coming surgery.
   — Tricia A.

November 15, 2002
I made sure I had a will before my surgery, but even more important to me was the Advanced Medical Directive spelling out what I would want in every worst case scenario. It was put in my hospital chart so there could be no questions about my wishes, and it also appoints someone to be in charge of making sure your wishes are followed. I think its the practical thing to do, and also removes the burden of making these decisions from your loved ones.
   — Linda 1.

November 15, 2002
Hi Nicole - No it isn't stupid, it's being responsible. I had a will already but I made some specific requests for personal possessions and funeral arrangements, etc. I know it sounds kind of morbid, but it was important to me. Do it if it eases your mind but don't dwell on the possibility of a bad outcome. The mortality rate for this surgery is relatively low unless you have a lot of co-morbidities such as heart problems. I may be wrong but I think I was told that the mortality rate for this surgery is about 1%. Those are pretty good odds if you are in decent health. Good luck to you! - Mike
   — Michael N.

November 15, 2002
Hi Nicole, I had surgery last week to have my tonsils out. I didn't make out a will but I did make out a living will. This was my big concern if something would go wrong I didn't want my hubby and family to be unsure of what I would have wanted. I did this when I went for my pre-op testing. When I came home with the papers to talk to hubby about them he was really shook up. But, the next day thanked me for making my choices clear to him. You may want to consider doing this to if you haven't already. Good Luck on your surgery! Smiles :o) Kim
   — kimmarie68

November 15, 2002
I really wouldn't worry about making a formal or legal will. A few years ago I hand wrote a will with some directions and had my best friend sign it. She knows where it is if needed. It may not stand up in court but it will make you feel better. I did it before an airline trip.
   — Tawnda C.

November 15, 2002
I did not make out a will, but instead gave my best friend a list of important information and phone numbers. I knew in case of need, he would be there to assist my wife.
   — Steve B.