Is it okay to ask your surgeon his mortality rate?

[raquel_c 23]

Hi all!

I'm in my 4th month and have two months to go before I can have surgery...I've been thinking a lot about what if I never wake up etc, is it okay or proper to ask my surgeon his mortality rate? I don't wNt to offend him but this is my life. I appreciate your responses ????

[Elode 8,093]

@raquel_cOf course you are paying him so ask away!

[blondiebabs 214]

Yes it is ok!! I asked mine on the first consult, I also asked him how many of these surgeries he's done, and he was happy to answer my questions. I'd say if they acted offended or didn't want to answer that, then maybe that isn't the surgeon you want. I know I don't want someone cutting on me who has a bad attitude.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I didn't have to ask mine. He discussed it openly in the first group meeting.

[MichiganChic 3,262]

Absolutely. And if your doc is offended, run. I didn't have to ask, either. My doc discloses his in his seminar.

[Pac-woman 325]

Mine discussed it without me asking. Plus you can research some stuff on the net. If you know anyone in credentialing in the medical field you can get the real dirt.

[catdaddy 232]

My doctor had no qualms about telling me. As a matter of fact while my wife was sitting there the first thing he said was I killed five patients. There's more to the story but you should know the mortality odds for your surgery.

Edited January 9, 2015 by catdaddy

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Yup. Ask him how many sleeves/bypasses/lap bands/whatever you are doing he's done, too.

[ashleyxx 277]

My surgeon brings it up at his seminars, but if he doesn't mention it I would forsure ask.

[Sleeve101 72]

I asked! And I asked about any complications and infection rates...

[boosh10 98]

Go ahead and ask. I even asked my surgeons if they have any history of substance abuse. It is YOUR life, by no means should you feel like you're offending someone.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Of course, it's OK. You're not attending an ice cream social. You're meeting with someone to decide if they're worthy for you to entrust them with your life.

Not only do you want to find a surgeon who won't kill you, but someone who is so experienced and skilled at the surgery you will have that he is very unlikely to make any errors that will give you a bogus new stomach.

[Dualstarr 104]

the first thing he said was I killed five patients.

And I think I would have took off running..lol Not the first thing I want to hear

Edited January 9, 2015 by Dualstarr

[catdaddy 232]

And I think I would have took off running..lol Not the first thing I want to hear

Yeah, not the best thing to hear especially to my wife. She was the one going in as my support and didn't know anything about what the surgery was. I did the research and knew about mortality rates. I also knew my surgeon had a very long history as a Bariatric Surgeon, plus he was my only option because of insurance. But with that said, he quickly won over our confidants and explained everything. I have no regrets choosing him as my surgeon.

[Addawn 81]

Of course you can! If he is offended you need to find a different doctor. They know your scared, and you should know all about your doctor!