Question:
I am wondering if anyone has a source for the nationwide mortaility rate with WLS.

I've heard different percentages from various people (including doctors at their seminars) but I haven't been able to find one source online that gives up-to-date figures.    — Arlene S. (posted on September 21, 2002)

September 21, 2002
Its generally accepted to be around 1% for ALL WLS patients. But the number is really individual to YOU> The death rate for the super morbids of 600 pounds and unable to walk is much more than the average 300 pounder. The 500 pound person has more to loose because of the higher risk, but more to gain too. <P> Pre op we all fear death and thats normal. But the vast majority of us do so well after WLS. The ones who do die from surgery that could of been from any surgery. MOs are at risk when operated on. Better with WLS thats planned months in advance with lots of pre op testing. Thats better than emergenct heart surgery at the last minute. Finally we can all minimize our risks by following doctors orders and walk walk walk after surgery since blood clots are the biggest killer.
   — bob-haller

September 21, 2002
Arlene, I believe it is 1 in 200, which is about .5%...I would be most concerned with YOUR doctor's numbers', not someone elses'...you may want to check American Obesity Assoc (http://www.obesity.org/). Good Luck.
   — heathercross

September 22, 2002
Arlene, I have read and heard many times that the statistical average is .5%. I do believe, however, that if you have an extremely high BMI, or have untreated and uncontrolled comorbids, for one example, if you have sleep apnea which is untreated, your risk factor is much higher. It is definitely to your advantage if you have any comorbids to get them under control as much as possible before surgery. If you do this, or if you don't have any comorbids and you are basically healthy you should be fine.
   — Hackett