Question:
complications being a lightweight

I was wondering if the risk of complications before and after surgery get any lower when you are a lightweight. Does it even make a diffrence? Is there anywhere you can read about what kind of complications people die from and there health going into the operation? I am just a little nervous and trying to calm myself (maybe). I am 31 years old 5 2' and weight 225 pounds. Planning on surgery but nervous about not making it through the whole thing~~ thanks for any help Lori    — my J. (posted on December 4, 2002)

December 4, 2002
I was a lightweight. 5'3" at 231 lbs. I almost died of complications. However my complications were mostly due to the surgeon not knowing what he was doing. In other words, he just screwed up! Most other complications are the same complications that come with any surgery...anesthesia, too much blood loss, blood clots, etc. Both heavy & lightweights need to be sure to get moving right after surgery whether they feel like it or not so no blood clots form. I was in a coma so I couldnt move but they had the inflatable socks on me and gave me Lovenox shots twice daily in the belly to protect from clots until I came out of coma and was able to get moving. If you go for a consult just to see what the surgery will entail, voice your concern to your physician and allow him/her to explain it further.
   — Karla K.

December 4, 2002
I agree with the first post, research your surgeon, this surgery really is who has more experience. I have almost the same stats as you, and my operation was Nov 22nd, two weeks this friday, I had a small complication due to abnormal Anatomy but the doctor went with the VGB instead of RNY I feel good, there are no guarantees and I think thats what everyone wants when they start questioning the surgery, each operation is individualized you just have to pray for the best. Good Luck
   — Teresa G.

December 4, 2002
I have almost the exact stats as you. I am 34, was 224 and 5 foot 1. I had no complications what so ever from the surgery. I agree with the other answers. Talk to your Dr. Make sure you feel at ease with him and get his stats. Best of luck to you. I am down to 171 Open RNY July 12 2002.
   — Lynne K.

December 4, 2002
I was a "lightweight" that still cracks me up. LOL I am also 31 and I started out at 268. I have had no complications at all. My surgeon says that I am off the charts in the weighloss. I have no sagging skin and no hair loss. I went from a size 24 to a 6 in the first 6 months. I do take extra care to take care of myself and get in all of the right protein and nutrients that my body now needs. I figure that my durgeon did a great job getting me through the surgery with no complications now it is my responsibility to keep myself healthy. Check my profile for pics and more info.
   — Linda A.

December 5, 2002
Lori, although there are no guarantees in life, the healthier you are going into surgery, the better off you will come thru it. Being a lightweight, and young is good. If you don't smoke, don't have heart problems etc, even better. There are risks with any surgery, even for healthy, young people, but those risks increase the older, and sicker you are. Pick a surgeon you have faith in and you'll be fine.
   — Cindy R.

December 5, 2002
Hi Lori...I too, was a 'lightweight'...I still remember laughing at my surgeon when he called me that LOL...anyway, I was 240 at my highest...222 on date of surgery...5'2"...very close to your stats, size 22/24 I was 32 yrs. old on my surgery date. I came through my surgery with flying colors...my recovery was great...I was out Christmas Shopping the day after I got out of the hospital. At one year out, I was down to 120...and a size 2. It doesn't get much better than that. I had a tummy tuck in June, along with a gall bladder removal. I am currently awaiting insurance on my breast lift. No complications and a whole lot of fun!! Take care and good luck!! Have a Sparkling Day!! ~CAE~
   — Mustang

December 7, 2002
Lori - I was also a "lightweight." When I had the surgery on July 15th of this year I was 223 at 5"1" and 38 years old. I have done just fine! So far I have lost 55lbs, gone from a size 24 to a 16! and lost about 20 to 25 inches total from wrists to calves and everything else in between. I was discouraged at first because I was not losing as fast as some of the larger people in my support group but then I was reassured by my doctor when he told me that I did not have as much to lose in the first place! Just hang in there! Don't fall back into the old habits, find a local support group for WLS patients that deals with all if the issues and BE A REGULAR ATTENDANT! If there isn't a support group MAKE ONE! You will learn more from a group of your peers who have "been there and done that" then you will learn from everyone else! Good luck on your journey of discovery and God Bless! Patty Cloud (open RNY 7/15/02)
   — Patty C.