Question:
if it weren't for all the wonderful people who promote wls, it might still be

thought of as "unreachable" to all of us working class stiffs (surgery that only movie stars and rich people get) I read many responses to the what if someone dies question, and alot of answers came back with-yeah, my best friend died and it kinda scared me...is death from THIS surgery common?    — Vicki B. (posted on February 12, 2002)

February 12, 2002
Vickie, death from this surgery is no more common than death from any major abdominal surgery for the morbidly obese patient. I believe statistically the mortality rate is 1.7% or something like that. I recently lost a friend following complications from WLS. He had a weak heart going into it and he knew the risks. On the day he died he said he had no regrets. On a happy note, I personally know over 400 people who had the surgery and have done beautifully!! It's not without risks - that's a fact. You simply have to decide what the greater risk is - having surgery or being morbidly obese. You'll know the right answer for you. Best of luck to you!!!
   — ronascott

February 12, 2002
Why don't you ask how many people die of being morbidly obese? If one chooses NOT to have WLS what quality of life will they have? Not being able to tie a shoe, fit on an airplane seat/ booth, ride at an amuesment park, not to mention heart attacks, diabetes etc. etc. etc. When you weigh the odds they are better for surgery than not.
   — Cindee A.