Question:
I just heard about a teacher who died post-op from an

I am not sure if it was an aneurysm or a blood clot. She was only about 2 weeks post-op after an open RNY. The only details I have is that she went rather quickly. Anyone ever hear of an aneurysm being a post-op complication? I realize that it's possible for a layperson to cofuse an aneurysm with a blood clot--just thought I would check since everyone at work (I am also a teacher--but at a different school) is bugging me and telling me that this surgery is WAY too risky. I would like to alleviate their fears.    — Suzanne S. (posted on May 8, 2002)

May 8, 2002
Well I was SURE to die without surgery. A small percentage of people have troubles, and sadly a few die. But look at how many surgery helps, like me see my profile. Blood clots are the most common problem, and thats what probably killed the teacher.
   — bob-haller

May 8, 2002
HI. I am pretty sure that an aneuyrsm is not a complication of any particular type of surgery. As far as I know they are spontaneous and not induced by anything that medical professionals can pinpoint. Don't take this for a fact,as I am not a doctor.
   — Tara J.

May 8, 2002
I don't know of aneurysms being caused by surgery. However a blood clot is one of the most common serious complications. But still there is less than .5% chance of that happening, which is about the same risk as any other surgery. You always hear about the rare negative stories, but few people hear all the positive stories of WLS.
   — Dell H.

May 8, 2002
I'm NOT a doctor, but from what I understand an aneurysm is a weak blood vessel that suddenly bursts, while a blood clot is just that, a clot that forms in or travels to a blood vessel and completely blocks the vessel preventing proper blood flow. If a blood clot travels to the lungs, (one of the most common complications of ANY surgery) it is often, if not usually fatal. Anyway, blood clots are definitely a possible complication of any of the WL surgeries as they are for ANY OTHER TYPE of surgery. Aneurysms are possibly caused by genetic factors and the weakened wall of the blood vessel can be there for years before it breaks. BTW, I was a teacher when I had my surgery, and my outcome was so good another teacher had the same surgery (RNY) and with the same results. Good luck! Maria
   — Maria H.

May 8, 2002
Sadly a morbidly obese person is at greater risk for ANY surgery. Say you had to have your gallbladder removed, knee replacement, open heart , etc. you would be at a much greater risk for complications than an average size person. Sooo when you have WLS you have increased risk especially of PE (blood clot to your lungs) the GREAT part is if you have surgery later on after your weight loss your wont be high risk anymore !!! Aneurysm is not a WLS specific risk factor. Good luck, Ronda G. RN MSN CCRN PS last year I weighed 233, I now weigh 154 and still losing !!!
   — Ronda L.

May 8, 2002
My sister-in-law's sister was an RN and she had the surgery last month. Unfortunately, she had an anurism as well and passed away 3 days after the surgery. I am afraid as well, but I still intend to have my surgery on May 22nd. I feel that if God wants me, he is going to take me whether I am in a car, at work, at the dinner table, or in the OR. This is just my opinion. By the way, my father and 2 family friends had WLS and all are doing well... no major complications and living life to the fullest. Good Luck in whichever decision you make and may God watch over all of you who are struggling with this issue.
   — Beffy W.