So...someone came into chat today talking about how their surgeon kept saying, "And what if you died on the table, what would happen to your kids?" I said something about how that was a little harsh, and a few people kept telling me "this is a reality you have to face."

Is it really this DRAMATIC? I have accepted and weighed the risks and want to go forward...can someone detail to me why someone would DIE on a table getting a lap band? I keep hearing, "with any surgery there is risks," and I'd like some specific examples of reasons that may happen so I know if I should worry more than I am....

Thank you and hope everyone is doing awesome today!

The posted stats usually say the mortality rate for banding is 1 in 2000 (or .05%), but based on my research I think this stat is relatively old. I think the decrease in surgery time over the past ten years due to the implementation of the low-calorie diet to shrink the liver and new technology makes a big difference in the safety of the operation. For instance, in the past five years, due to these factors, my surgeon's average band operation has gone from 1.5 hours to 45 minutes. That is half as much exposure to anesthesia than it would have been before. I've heard similar stories from other patients of other doctors, so I think that the real mortality rate would be MUCH lower.

Boy how i am kicking myself for reading this post.......it is reality though. All of the positive replys were great. I am prepared......anxious but prepared. My surgery is this monday, Aug 18th @ 7:30am, and i can't wait!

This is a scary subject, but is something that is real. Thats why it is such a personal choice, you have to decide what is best for you. My surgeon said at the seminar that he has never lost a patient during surgery, and only the ones who don't follow what they are suppose to do,, like not smoking,, have had serious complications. In one instance he said they started the surgery to find the woman had cancer that had gone undetected and they were able to save her life!! Its just not a sure thing,, neither is your trip to the grocery store.

Phy,, I hope your mom is doing well,, Cancer is a very real threat to overweight people. I didn't know that until I had my hysterectomy and did some reading. The chances are very high especially if you have it in your family. Just one more reason I want to get the lap band..

Hi kini,

You have talked to many of us online and you know we are worried about dying but we will die from our weight if we don't do it. You are young and so lucky to be able to do this now. I wish I hadn't had to do this at 59. I would have given anything to have it done at your age. You know we all will be there for you and I will come over and take care of you if you need me!!! Or take you to the hosp.and stay with you! If you go with Dr. S. you will have the best surgeon in Denver. Please don't worry and know all your chat friends will support you all the way!!!!

Love, zippykat

Look, we all took a hugh health risk by becoming this over weight. I am a firm believer that we should have are affairs in order in case we "get hit by a bus." Every surgery has risks but the risk of being morbidly obese is far greater. Good luck and keep good thoughts.

My best friend called me this morning in a state of panic saying to be carefull because a co-worker of her mothers knew two people who had brain anurisms from the surgery. I mean what are the odds of this happening? Is there a site that has information that has good information for family memebers.

Lifted directly off of the "NIH" (National Instutites of Health) web site:

Most cerebral aneurysms are congenital, resulting from an inborn abnormality in an artery wall. Cerebral aneurysms are also more common in people with certain genetic diseases, such as connective tissue disorders and polycystic kidney disease, and certain circulatory disorders, such as arteriovenous malformations

In other words, when your number is up, it's up. Those people had an unknown pre-existing condition that would've probably caught up with them eventually any way.

You shouldn't have the surgery if you are petrified of it. All surgery carries risks and this one is elective. But your surgeon should be able to give you hard data to help you make your decision; not anecdotal evidence and rumor! Obesity carries risks, too. We each have to weigh this for ourselves....

My best friend called me this morning in a state of panic saying to be carefull because a co-worker of her mothers knew two people who had brain anurisms from the surgery. I mean what are the odds of this happening? Is there a site that has information that has good information for family memebers.

It is like back in the "day" when I was pregnant EVERYONE had a horror story to tell me. It is a decision only you can make for yourself.

Remember, you surgeon HAS to inform you of the risks of the surgery..One being death. I would say one of the main risks are of a pulmonary embolism, which can kill you. This is when a blood clot from your leg travels to your lungs. So, be sure to get up and move around ASAP after surgery.

Lets just say this surgery has prompted me to do something that we should all have done a long time ago. My will. It will be done before my surgery. I am not scared but I am in the medical field and I am realsitic.

Aloha ! It's nice to see a Big Island sista on here. I had my orientation in June, with Kaiser. I'm now going through the 6 month pre-op program. I think it would be a big mistake not to take any surgery, very seriously. This is definetly a great platform to air your concerns and get great support. You have gotten a lot of great feedback, I hope it soothes your fears.

Edited August 18, 200817 yr by Puna Teri
realized I was not just replying to the lady in Waimea

Can I ask how your diabetes is doing after your surgery?

Thank You all for your feedback. My Mom is a Nurse and she stated also that these people had to have had pre-exisiting conditions and the best thing I can do is read all the facs and be 100% Honest with the surgeon and follow the preop diet before surgery to a T as to not have any problems at the time of surgery.

The greatest risks of "dying on the table" would be a reaction to the anesthesia which is rare but does happen. I believe the day to day risks of obesity are much higher.