Question:
why do people focus on wls complications?

I have been reading the memorials, and it seems to me that a lot of deaths are related to blood clots. Why would blood clots be any more prevalent in wls patients than in other types of surgery? do people focus on us because wls is elective, or is death from blood clots and other complications more common in wls patients? it seems to me that complications are just as common in other types of surgery, but i would appreciate any informed answers. i am not afraid, and i see hundreds of positive experiences compared to the few that have died, i just want to know why the focus is on wls. thanks! darci    — darci T. (posted on July 21, 2003)

July 20, 2003
obese persons, due to our rather sedetary life-style tend to be much more likely to develop blood clots than our thinner counter-parts. WLS is only done on obese persons. Hence, you will find it not too uncommon for complications to arise due to blood clotting in WLS patients. However, many things help reduce this risk. Moving those legs immediately - even if you can't get up, draw figure 8's with your toes helps...wearing the pressure sock thingys (how's that for a technical term) help as well.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 20, 2003
Darci, it is true what Ruth said. I, however, refused to focus on the complications. I had many surgerie before WLS and always did fine. I never focused on 'what if I die'- I just knew I was NOT going to. I do not know if it was my faith that kept me positive or just the fact that the mortality rate is only a few percent.I just knew that I was very unhappy with the way I was and that I had the opportunity to change it with WLS. So I did. Good Luck.
   — Jan S.

July 20, 2003
Hi Darci, I think people, in general, focus on the negatives because they still believe losing weight is just a matter of pushing away from the table. They basically ask "Why would you have surgery and take these risks when all you need to do is stop eating?" It's society's ignorance of morbid obesity in my opinion. I finally found that if I would say "Weight loss surgery is as vital to my survival as chemotherapy is to a cancer patient's." people would either realize how important it was or they'd give up on arguing with me. Hopefully, over time, society will realize that morbid obesity is a disease and WLS is a valid, reasonable treatment. Keep the faith and best wishes to you!
   — ronascott

July 21, 2003
I don't think focusing on complicatios is what we are doing. We are focusing on WLS, and a part of WLS IS the complications. Some folks have no trouble at all; others suffer all sorts of problems. Personally, I think it is best to be aware of the potential complications as part of overall picture of WLS. Ignoring the possibiity of problems is not going to make them go away; but then, again, obsessing about them` doesn't help either. But they are there, a part of the WLS process. Ninain Maine
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 21, 2003
Actually, I prefer to think of it as covering all the bases and playing it safe rather than focusing on complications. Its important to know what complications can occur and trying to do what you can to prevent them before they happen to you. My friend, Ginger Brewster, on the memorial page of this website, died because all the bases weren't covered prior to and after her surgery. Please be safe by trying to be in the best health that you can be in prior to your surgery. Best of luck to you for a safe and successful surgery.
   — Hackett

July 21, 2003
Complications are a part of all surgical procedures, whether you have them or not is up to the individual. This is an elective procedure, therefore you need to be informed of all the possibilities. The ones directly related to the surgical procedure itself, is pretty common of most major surgeries. But keep in mind that you are completely rerouting your insides. Your body is going to get pissed off about that. If anyone is going to focus on the complications...focus on the ones that happen down the road a bit. If death comes in the hospital...it was your time. Sad, but true...that is how I viewed it. Its the ones down the road that worried about..the ones that I might possibly been able to prevent. Research all complications so you know how to recognise them if and when they appear. Don't think 'oh that wont happen to me', you just never know. I never thought I would have some of the complications I had...'wont happen to me.' Boom..hello :) Dont stress over it...just be aware. Make an educated decision, one that involves the possibility not the probability, and everything will come out according to plan.
   — RebeccaP

July 21, 2003
It is sooo important for people to be aware of the risk of complications with surgery.I think an educated,informed decision should be based on knowing the bad with the bad.Weightloss surgery is an elective procedure.I had surgery 6 weeks ago and I have had complications (strictures).But I knew beforehand that there was that risk.I got to the point where I wanted to have the surgery so badly that I was willing to accept the complications that could possibly come with it.I had to go back into the hospital for a week and I've had a horrible time but even so I still do not regret it for a second.
   — jennifer A.