Question:
Articles written by Sue Widemark

Has anyone come across negative articles (Example: By Sue Widemark on gastricbypass.net.firms) that have made you have second thoughts? I'm really scared about having blod clots and possibly having a heart attack. I really want to do this but now I'm having doubts. Even though her views on this seem pretty lame, it still bothers me. Any input is very appreciated. Thanks    — TLLessor (posted on January 6, 2003)

January 6, 2003
I haven't read Sue's articles but have seen enough written about her and her viewpoint to know that she is misinformed. I would imagine that her articles would make you think twice. As would going to the section on this site that is a memorial to those who have died during or right after the surgery. What you have to keep in mind is that all surgerys have risks, not just the WLS. People, even healthy people, do die on the table and some die after surgery from blood clots. While the stats are low, and you have a much higher chance of dying in a car accident, it can happen. Depending on how heavy you are, and what your co-morbidities are, you may have a higher chance of having a heart attack from morbid obesity than dying from surgery. So, you must decide whether the small risk of dying from surgery is worth a lifetime of health. Good luck.
   — Cindy R.

January 6, 2003
I have noticed quite a few of the people on the memorial page died waiting for surgery... keep that in mind. This is a lesser of two evils thing... certainly if you're having second thoughts DON'T DO IT!!! Wait until you are comfortable and well informed... the more informed you become the more comfortable you will feel...either way... you could be comfortable making a decision not to have it, or ready to go for it... but please please don't buy into any fantacy of before and after like a flip switch... it doesn't happen overnight, and there can be troubles, it is a struggle and a big commitment... it's life changing all around... so you're doing good to read both sides, and see about it. I know that the support group really helps me. I went before surgery and heard people tell their horror stories, and their stories of success, and I made the decision to do it, and I must admit I thought it would be easier than this but it's not "easy" at all... Overall I am so happy I made the decision to have surgery... I am nearly six months out and almost to "century club" status...
   — MF

January 6, 2003
Hey I post to her list when I have the time. Just to provide some balance from her sky is falling position. She likes to post out of context and makes claims that are pure junk sometimes. I agree everyone needs to know the risks, but she fear mongers. In her perfect world WW works great, MOs can be perfectly healthy, and seemingly EVERYONE she knows is MO, with no comorbidities and grandly happy. Wish it were so. Take what she puts out with a grain of salt. I really believe she is trying to save folks from the mutiliation of our digestive track, her words. Being MO takes a average of 15 years off our lives. I sure am GLAD I didnt let folks like her scare me away from surgery. Hope that sums it up!
   — bob-haller

January 6, 2003
In order for some people to be happy, they have to be miserable. I used to post on her site, but got tired of beating a dead horse. Do your research, decide what works best for you, and don't listen to freakin Sue. Get your information from REAL sources.
   — Diana L.

January 6, 2003
As MO, we are GOING to have some kind of surgery, sooner or later, as the organs begin to give up the fight. Many of the risks she attributes to WLS are the same, no matter what they're doing to your innards. Gall bladder, hystie, hernia repair, etc. Yes, there are WLS specific things, like post-op leak & such. But it would be a mistake to think that ONLY WLS can have surgical complications. The way I figure it, if we have to have surgery, it may as well be THIS one. Lucky me, all my disposable parts were already gone by the time I got to "this" one, so I'd risked those risks already about 6 times! Had a good doc, a good surgery, and walked away (ok, bent over!) from each one.
   — vitalady

January 6, 2003
Terrie, I was also very concerned about having the surgery and having a heart attack. I had a history of very high and uncontrolled blood pressure. My surgery went fine, but I did have a few days of very high blood pressure after the surgery. However I am now getting off my blood pressure meds and doing just fine. I have never had any regrets about having the surgery. I felt that my chances of having a heart attack were far greater if I did not have the surgery. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do........ Gina
   — Gina P.

January 6, 2003
The most of the major risk associated with this surgery are also associated with any other type of major surgery. I should know I have had 2 C-sections both times it was a life threating thing (one to my son and the second time to myself) did i hestitate then to have thoose surgeries because of fear of blod clots? NO becuase it was what was needed to save a life (mine or my sons). If you had stomach cancer and need to have surgery to have it removed would you hesitate? that is the question i ask myself a about 6 months ago when i ran across widemarks page. Thats the way i looked at the 200 extra pounds i was carring around, a cancer that WAS DEFINATELY going to kill me. Certainly know the risk that you face with the surgery so you can be better prepared to avoid them, But when you begin to worry just remmeber the risk you face living with the MO. Feel free to email me if you want to talk.
   — Becky M.

January 7, 2003
Hi Terrie! I have read a few negative articles that surprised me. They had me quesioning the surgery also, for about 30 minutes. For me this surgery is like letting me out of prison. The POSSIBLE side effects to me are lessor than having to live a life knowing I could die early from the same or similar events. I have multiple disabilities, most of which are amplified by obesity (ie. congestive heart failure, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, COPD, etc.) These conditions have made me lose my job and virtually become imprisioned in my own home. Loss of weight will virtually eliminate or greatly reduce these conditions, so for me the choice is clear. I suggest you sit down with paper and pencil and write down pros and cons. For me, this approach always helps me to decide my options. Good luck!
   — Melanie H.