Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Sucess rates vs. failure\death rates


Guest schelski-mn

Recommended Posts

I don't recall whether he specified, but I *think* it was a combination of both in-op and post-op events.

In any event, compared to the mortality rates from obesity, I would argue that surgery is the *safest* of the two options for the people who aren't able to manage their weight independently. Yes, it's possible to die on the operating table, but if your health was such that you were already dying -- or living as if you were -- what's the additional risk when the result could be a greatly improved lifespan and the ability to enjoy it?

The mortality rates are going to vary by both surgeon and patient, anyway, so seek out the surgeons at the top of the curve, and do what you can to make their work easier and more efficient (like being aggressive during pre-op). It can only improve the odds of a successful outcome.

I couldnt agree with you more. If you are going to have ANY surgery go in there knowing your options, and especially choosing a surgeon who is on the top of the curve.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Does any one know of anyone who has died from the band surgery? I guess thats my big question.

I didn't die but I was extremely close. I had my band done in November of 2007. I was experiencing pain in my port aria. I went to ER twice, did all kinds of tests and X-rays, they couldn't find anything. Finally I had it with pain and told them to open me up and see what's wrong with me. I went for surgery in Feb of 2009. Had 3 surgeries in 3 days, each lasting from 3-4 hour. I had band erosion and half of it was hanging inside my stomach.

I came out of the hospital after a week, I was 120lb skin and bones, in a horrible condition. I was lucky I had a great team of doctors from Ciders Sinai hospital and a overall healthy body working for me. Now I have to take Nexcium every day probably for the rest of my life and I have to fight for my weight just like before, and all the pain I went trough was for nothing. Now I exercise 4 days a week and eat as healthy and less as possible but I still gain weight and that drives me crazy.

I guess my advice will be for those who are like me not in need of this surgery for lifesaving purposes. If you don't absolutely need it then stay away, but if you have multiple medical problems maybe you should take the risk.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Does any one know of anyone who has died from the band surgery? I guess thats my big question.

I didn't die but I was extremely close. I had my band done in November of 2007. I was experiencing pain in my port aria. I went to ER twice, did all kinds of tests and X-rays, they couldn't find anything. Finally I had it with pain and told them to open me up and see what's wrong with me. I went for surgery in Feb of 2009. Had 3 surgeries in 3 days, each lasting from 3-4 hour. I had band erosion and half of it was hanging inside my stomach.

I came out of the hospital after a week, I was 120lb skin and bones, in a horrible condition. I was lucky I had a great team of doctors from Ciders Sinai hospital and a overall healthy body working for me. Now I have to take Nexcium every day probably for the rest of my life and I have to fight for my weight just like before, and all the pain I went trough was for nothing. Now I exercise 4 days a week and eat as healthy and less as possible but I still gain weight and that drives me crazy.

I guess my advice will be for those who are like me not in need of this surgery for lifesaving purposes. If you don't absolutely need it then stay away, but if you have multiple medical problems maybe you should take the risk.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon quoted us his statistics:

Out of 1000+ RNY, he's lost 4 patients.

Out of 100+ lap bands, he's lost none.

Just saying...out of 1000+ RNY he's made about 2 million bucks, Out of 100+ lap bands he's made $400000....not that he's doing this just for the money... but don't forget that for an hours work, he gets a large paycheck, so its not surprising that he wants your business.

I'm not saying that its really bad, but all surgery should be a last resort, when it becomes too dangerous to do otherwise. Once you're dead, you're dead.

P.S. Don't think i'm biased, i'm a med student thinking of studying surgery. But even i am scared of being operated on.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had surgery in October 2010 and have done quite well. I am 53 now and have lost almost 50 lbs with about 8-11 lbs to go. My father in-law age 69 5"7 270# had surgery in Feb 2011, the surgeon nicked his stomach and failed to catch the bleed. Within 24 hours of surgery he was septic, had multiple surgeries over the next 30 days. He passed away 35 days after surgery, surgeries were done by different surgeons in different cities and hospitals.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×