Did anyone think twice when your doctor discussed the risks of the surgeries with you? I had my first appointment with the surgeon on Thursday and it just set me back a bit. I know the overall risk is low, they shared the data with me. I guess it was more just hearing the reality of the surgery, etc. Just looking for how others felt. I’m not saying I may not go through with it, but it makes me think twice.

Although it can be startling, what you're describing is actually a good thing. It means your surgeon was open and honest with you about the risks so that you can make a truly informed decision. Now you can balance those risks against the expected benefits and come to your own conclusion about whether or not surgery is worth it. For me, it was definitely worth moving forward with surgery since, as you said, the risk of serious complications is low overall (and the risks associated with remaining obese were very high). Only you can decide how the risk vs. benefits equation balances out for you. But having accurate information is a prerequisite to be able to do that. I wish you the best, whatever you decide. ?

Thank you!

I was OK the day they went over the risks, but got REALLY nervous when I had to sign all the forms day of surgery and was waiting to be taken back. I don't think I ever really considered canceling, but it did cross my mind. This is major, life altering surgery and comes with real risks. However, if you are like me, my life needed altering. I'm so glad I did this.

Like others, the benefits of the surgery out weighed the risks. My quality of life was horrible and only getting worse as I got older. Co-morbidities were increasing. I did have 2 complications - post op blood clots and an ulcer, but both were successfully treated and resolved. I do not regret surgery for a minute. I have a new life with a bright future ahead.

I am 65 now and they’re about to send my file to the insurance co. Ive gone through 2 other programs in the last six years & my family talked me out of it. Now i am pre-diabetic and I have made a firm decision that I need to do this or my years on Earth will be severely limited. My back is degenerated from injuries; carrying this extra weight is painful & making it hard to be active. I am accepting the low risks of surgery because diabetes is very high risk. And I don’t want to live with morbid obesity from a wheelchair when my back crumbles. This surgery is, the way I see it, a ticket to a better and longer life.

The risks are low so I wasn't worried, especially since I figured my bad luck already happened as when I'd had brain surgery in 2017 and there was only a 1% chance of getting meningitis... I got meningitis. So I figured I'd already had my run with bad luck and I wasn't worried about anything bad happening for this surgery. I figured positive thinking would go a long way and... I'm 9 months out and had no issues so everything went fine for me.

That’s wonderful! Congratulations!

Im older, 51years, and had the gastric bypass for I gained so much weight from illnesses and injuries. I went up to 550 lbs and everything in my body hurt. I couldnt hardly walk and forget about setting down in a tub. My degenerative disc disease in my back was causing severe pain everyday. The doctors told me of the risk, but for me it was about lessing the pain i felt. I needed help after recovering from heart failure from the flu. I decided to do it. I lost 278 lbs after my bypass. I will tell you that i did have some pain afterwards from the drain they had to leave in, but that was not for to long. Before I knew it I was dropping weight so fast that i was in disbelief. It was a wonderful feeling. I could walk around again, dance with my husband, play with my grandkids. All those things are the exact reason i got mine. Also it takes commitment, i started to gain back and am working to get back on path. However, i wouldnt have changed my choice ever. Good luck.

I did some research and found studies with zero, 0.2% or 1.3% mortality rate for the SADI-S WLS. I had a 43 BMI at the beginning of the year when I requested the surgery. I had a 35 BMI on the day of surgery. Compared to most patients in these studies, I was probably the healthiest person so I believe my risk was quite low. The benefits of lowering my BMI to 28 so far definitely improve my health and outweigh the risks.

I was definitely a little scared of the risks, but at 48 years old, 5'3" and 393 pounds, I knew the risk of me not getting the surgery was worse. I was diagnosed with NASH and hepatic fibrosis, and had just developed high blood pressure. Diabetes runs heavily in my family. By some miracle I didn't have it even though my mom did at a younger age than me and my cousins developed in their early 30s.
I have a 9 year old son and I want to be here for him as long as I can.
I was willing to accept the risks, knowing they are very unlikely to happen, for the chance to live a longer, healthier life where I can be active.
I'm so happy I took the risk. I know it's sobering to hear the risks but just remind yourself why you're doing it.
And ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the risks. Only you can decide. Good luck to you!


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