Question:
What is the real risk?

My surgery date is Dec 26th, and I am SOOOOO ready for the day...but I would like some more information on the risks of the surgery? This site states that there is a death risk of .2% ...that is with both high-risk and low-risk put together. I want to know what the % is for just High-risk??? Where can I get some hard core (and correct) info?    — thekatinthehat (posted on October 13, 2002)

October 12, 2002
My surgeon defines highest risk as cant walk. Are you able to get around? Blood clots are the biggest killer, and walking minimizes them. We have folks here do fine with higher BMIs than you.
   — bob-haller

October 13, 2002
Hard core correct info?? Good Luck- I just do not think it exists. Not becasue we do not want it too, but because it is so hard to document. It all depends on what your comorbidities are. You are at the same risk for death as you would be if you had any major surgery. If you have heart or vascular disease, you may be at higher risk then some. IF you have respiratory problems, that can give you a little higher risk also. But, your docs and the anesthesiologist will know this, so they will take extra care. These are some of the reasons that you need to talk to your docs and make sure that they know all that is going on with you. Good Luck!
   — Vicki L.

October 13, 2002
Your best bet is to call your surgeons nurse and ask her about YOUR surgeons percentages and that will give you the very best info.
   — cherokey55

October 14, 2002
You might try checking out other WLS sites, such as the American Obesity Association and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). There is some very good information about the surgery on both sites. As far as accurate mortality rates, you'll probably have a harder time getting that because many surgeons and bariatric groups skew the data to be more favorable to them. Bottom line is: Think about what your probable life span will be without the surgery. For most of us, the benefits of the surgery far outweigh the risks.
   — Arlene S.

October 14, 2002
I agree with Arlene. Trust your surgeon and the results of your pre-op testing. Statistics can be very deceiving. One thing is sure.... compare the risks of WLS to the certain increasing health problems of not having WLS.
   — Lin B.