New here

Hi everyone! I am brand new here, just had my referral a few months ago. Going to my orientation on Feb 13. The biggest thing in my mind are the following two questions....

1. Serious Complications/Death: As a mom of young kids I am really worried about serious complications. I've read that they are very rare and I know that every surgery has risks. Would love to hear how others dealt with this. Hoping the process and appointments help.
2. Telling people: did you tell people you know? Your family? Wondering how that went too. 

Thanks so much! Loving reading all your posts, hope to begin to contribute soon. 

Howdy! I'm new too, had my orientation in December. I found the orientation to be extremely informative and reassuring. I walked into the classroom maybe 50/50 on whether or not to have WLS- I walked out 99% sure it was the right thing for me to do.

As far as complications/death, they will do medical assessments to minimize the risk- thorough medical history, blood tests, ECG, sleep study, and will refer you to any medical specialists as they see fit. For example, my blood pressure is a bit high, and my weight is in the high 300's, so I'm being referred to an internist just to make sure everything is okay. In this respect, imo the surgery is actually a lot less risky than if, say, you had an accident and required emergency surgery.

Also, speaking for myself only, I know I'm at risk of developing all sorts of illnesses like diabetes, heart disease...I'm probably at higher risk of having a stroke or heart attack right now than I will be at risk of death during surgery.

I haven't told anyone yet except for my immediate family and a couple of best friends, but it's early days for me. I'm a fairly private person so I'm not sure who all I'd feel comfortable sharing with. I think it all depends on what you feel comfortable with, and what stage you're at in the process.

Good luck with the orientation! I'm sure they will help reassure you and remember you can always ask questions and raise any concerns while you're there.

Thank you very much for the kind response. Rationally I know these things to be true but am just going through the process I guess. 

Hello and WELCOME 

This surgery is a big deal!!  We all had worries about horrible things that could happen to us.  All surgeries involve risk....and freak things can happen.....but the long involved preop screens will determine any obvious risk factors.  As most people would agree at the point of considering surgery......you are likely in a position of current or potential huge health factors that could also result in death....so it becomes a question of "what if I don't do something about this weight....what will happen to me?"

As for telling....I told a few choice friends, the people I lean on for all lifes adventures. I will tell total strangers.  I'm involved in a great suppoort group and yet ....haven't told my family ( they have become quite used to seeing me drop massive amts of weight over the past 20+ yrs)so I don't think they find it suspicious.  I really didn't want to worry them, or hear any potential negative comments.

 I researched and waited nearly 2yrs....it was my choice and I wasn't about to allow one of them the chance to say the worst words you can say to a wls patient   ......    "I took the easy way".  As we all know, there is nothing easy about this.  They haven't proven to be overly supportive to me with other things in the past......so for me..., I keep it to myself.  But many of you I'm sure would be greatly benefited by having family on board for support.  It's whatever makes you comfortable. 

Thank you! I think you are right, I just need to go through the process and make my own mind up 100%. Then I think the rest will come easier. 

I want to say welcome and agree completely with what the others have said.  For me, I chose to tell only a few people.

Thank you! I told a good friend yesterday that I was planning it. Still have to talk to my husband. Talking to my friend and having that support felt great. I want to be 100% sure before I tell my hubby incase he trys to talk me out of it.