Question:
Why are there so many posts on this subject....over and over again it is addressed.

Please doctors if you read this....we need reassurance and we need it badly. I have never seen so many questions and fears about this on any other subject. Is the WLS more risky than other surgeries? Aren't the risks very minimal? Please REAL statistics on this...I have seen so many contradictory numbers. It is confusing! Does a higher BMI make the surgery more risky? We are having this surgery to LIVE not to die.    — Marilyn C. (posted on October 23, 2000)

October 23, 2000
I also would like some information on this. I just went to the first consult with my surgeon. I was expecting him to give me a big lecture on the dangers of this surgery such as I have read (in the profiles) that many others have been given. He basically told me that there is a risk with any surgery and that WLS was no different. That's it. Maybe it's because I am at a fairly "low" weight (BMI 45) and no serious health problems. Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.
   — Naomi F.

October 23, 2000
I believe the reason, that we are so scared of dying is because of the fear of the unknown. I have had 6 surgerys and before each one I have wondered if I will ever wake up. Yes, I too am scared of dying from this surgery, but I believe that there is a much better chance of dying from High blood pressure or Diabetes, or some other complication from obesity.So I am willing to take that risk and if I do die, then I have made my peace with God. I could go to sleep and never wake up from a stroke or heart attack also. The risk are like 1 in 1500, which is really very good.Just look at how many members this site has and then look at how really few deaths there have been on the Memorial page, and some of them were before they could have surgery.
   — Pat B.

October 24, 2000
I am not a doctor, and I cannot tell you with absolute certainty ALL the risks involved with WLS. I have heard stats anywhere from .8 to 2.2% with and open RNY. But in all my research, what I determined was that ANY invasive procedure has risks, including getting your tonsils out. I also determined that the risks of dying from heart disease and worsening diabetes were much much higher than WLS. Be as informed as you can - knowledge is power. I asked myself if I would be better off down the road if I had WLS now, and the answer was undeniably yes. I am 5 months post op and down 84 pounds. I am off my diabetes and high blood pressure meds completely, and I do not use my CPAP machine any longer. And while I am only halfway to goal, the benefits so far have been nothing short of miraculous. WLS was the best life decision I have ever made. Hang in there!!! You'll do fine!!! Smiles and hugs.
   — Paula G.

October 24, 2000
The reason why there's so many posts on this is because it weighs very heavily on the minds of people pre-op. EVERY invasive procedure -- from having WLS to getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist -- carries risks with it. The statistical risk of dying from WLS is less than 1%. The way I figured it, the risk of dying from weighing nearly 350 pounds, having sleep apnea, type II diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and a family history of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, was basically 100% -- not to mention the fact that I was spending all my time being a spectator in my own life instead of living it. I believe that those who die from WLS (not those who die WAITING for it, that's a different kettle of fish all together) likely have significant health problems in addition to morbid obesity that increase their risk of something going wrong. Except for being huge, and having some co-morbidities as mentioned above, I was basically healthy when I had my surgery last April, which made me a good risk. I'd already had two c-sections when overweight, and survived those, so I wasn't really all that concerned about the operation. I was, quite frankly, more afraid of what WOULD happen to me if I DIDN'T have the surgery than what MIGHT happen to me if I DID.
   — Cheryl Denomy

October 24, 2000
I was ssoooo scared when I went to have my RNY. I have never had surgery before and had no idea what to expect. I just got married in April to a wonderful man who loved me regardless, I thought to myself I have so much to live for what if I did die?? That thinking is actually what made me change my mind to go through with the surgery no matter what. I have alot to live for and I want to be able to live a long time without so many restraints and hardships. I love life with a passion and I want to make everyday the best day I can. How will I be able to do that if my health continues to fail?? It doesn't matter what anyone tells you on this website, you are the one who has to make the decision and the first step to making that decision is being honest with yourself. I looked in the mirror and was honest about the things my weight was keeping me from doing. For years I had that attitude of denial, I just have to accept myself, there's nothing I can do, I'm actually pretty healthy except for my weight, etc. Let me tell you something, when the doctor went to do my RNY I had severe gallbladder problems, cysts on my ovaries, and other things, my doctor told me I had been a very sick girl for a long time. My weight was hurting my body badly and I didn't want to think that way growing up because it was easier to stay fat and say this is how I am, deal with it. I had to think that way for a long time in order to survive my life, because it wasn't that great even though I lied to myself and said it was. Whatever the statistics are doesn't matter, you have to make the decision about what you want your life to be like and how long you want to live. I firmly believe that everyone has a time when they are supposed to die and no matter what you do if it is your time then it's your time. I think you should do some self reflection and decide if the risks outweigh the risks you are under now at your current weight. I was sssoo thankful when I woke up in recovery and now I am 50 pounds lighter and cannot believe the difference in how I feel, and it's only going to get better! Just be honest with yourself, you decide what is best for you, God will take care of the rest. Good luck to you in your decision.
   — christine L.