Question:
has anyone had any complications,leaks,bleeding,etc. what is the mortaliy rate?

i am considering surgery but would like to know what are the possible complications after surgery, mortality rate?, and bleeding , leaks, etc.    — brenda M. (posted on February 20, 2004)

February 20, 2004
http://www.wlscenter.com<P> This site has info on risks but you have to remember remaining MO has risks of its own. What you do is find a experienced surgeon. Mines group death rate is now .4 percent way better than the national average 1 to 2%. Besides risk is individual to YOU! A lightweight failrly healthy MO is probably safer than a 800 pounder who cant walk anymore. Beyond which bloodclots the moast common killer is largely preventable by walking begining before surgery and espically immediately after surgery. Risk comes in many forms and I hope everyone has the success I had. BTW Barb Thompsons book is awesome.
   — bob-haller

February 20, 2004
Nationally I think it is 6% complications .5% mortality. My surgeon never lost anyone.
   — mrsmyranow

February 20, 2004
The nationally quoted mortality rate is 1 out of every 200 die from this surgery. This should also be measured against the national figure of the thousands and thousands who die from the complications of obesity every year. My surgeon who has done over 200 surgeries has never had a loss so is above the average. However, as Bob mentioned, some of those operated on come in in pretty bad shape-very high risk- to start with and I give alot of credit to the surgeons who try to help. As far as complications after surgery, there are an assortment of those as there can be with any type of surgery, such as hernias, blood clots, infections, leaks and kinked bowels. I had the kinked bowel caused by a pre-existing hernia at 5 days post-op which required a 2nd surgery, this one open. Even with all that, I would gladly do this surgery over and over to have the same results I have today.
   — Cindy R.

February 20, 2004
I have also heard the 1 in 200 data, but I am wondering how different that number will be in five years now that so many people are having this surgery with lower BMI's. I would guess that atleast part of this data came from the days when only the extremely ill patients who were near death already were having surgery. Just my oppinion. Best of luck to you!
   — denisel

February 20, 2004
I am the only one of my Dr. patients in the last 2 years to "bleed" after LAP RNY surgery. I did have to go back to surgery for repair plus get 2 bags of blood 12 hours post op. Unfortunately that wasn't the end. 5 days later I went back in again for OPEN ABD surgery to clean out the infection from the previous 2 surgeries. Then I got C-Diff a particularly nasty bug from my IV antibiotics. I had that for 6 weeks. It all took a real toll on my mental & physical wellbeing. If not for STRONG family support I don't believe I would have pulled out of it. I was 48, single and off work for 3 months, 2 of those without pay. Now 2 years later and 128 pounds lighter it may have been worth it. I can't believe I have actually scheduled to go under the knife again next month for a TT and maxoplasty.
   — Connie M.