Question:
What kind of life threatening complications can occur
during or after surgey that could cause death. I don't want to scare anyone or think negatively but I've been reading the memorial page and I noticed that alot of these people seemed like they should have come through the surgey just fine. Also, is there anyone here that had an RNY when they first started preforming it - what 10 or so years ago? And are you having any problems with it? — K T. (posted on March 11, 2001)
March 11, 2001
There are a number of complications that can happen. Your surgeon should
tell you about them prior to surgery and should be able to give you an idea
of any specific risks related to your health. Keep in mind that everyone
is different. Really no different than any other surgery. I had a couple
of complications that set back my recovery. The good news is that my
surgeon was top notch and watched me very closely. I an now well on my way
to a thinner, healthier life. Your concern is normal. Best of luck to
you!!!
— Terri D.
March 11, 2001
My best friend had the surgery 17 years ago....and is doing great...her
weight has fluctuated over the years between 5 & 15 pounds....she has
had no complications - However, she is in the early stages of
osteoporesis...but 17 years ago, the emphasis was not on women and bone
density....just remember to follow all your surgeon's instructions....I
hope this helps!! Karan
— chance2lv
March 11, 2001
I know that death from this surgery is very rare. In reality, the risk of
death from not having the surgery is probably much greater for many of us.
When I first started reading this site, I would look through the memorials,
but I came to believe that I would rather die fighting this disease than
have it kill me through (another)heart attack or my deteriorating diabetes,
etc. This attitude kept me calm through the surgery, and after four months,
I couldn't be happier that I did it.
— KG B.
July 29, 2003
I just experienced a life-threatening cardiac complication during an
attempted lap RNY. Just after they made a couple of incisions to start the
procedure, I developed severe bradycardia (slow heartrate). My blood
pressure dropped and my heart slowed down to 3 beats per minute. I was
given atropine which almost immediately corrected the problem. Just to be
on the safe side, they terminated the operation and sent me to ICU
overnight. A cardiologist was called in but after extensive testing, they
could find nothing wrong with my heart. My doctor explained that it was
most likely an automatic central nervous system reponse (vasal vagus nerve
compression) to either the anesthesia and/or to the positioning of my body
after the introduction of the carbon dioxide gas into my abdomen for the
laproscopic procedure. I am told that I can still have the laproscopic
procedure but that they will need to attach a temporary pacemaker to my
heart during the surgery. Needless to say, I'm going to take the warning
that complications can occur much more seriously next time. But I'm still
going through with it, no matter what. If you want something badly enough,
you must be willing to live with the risks. Good luck and many prayers for
a safe journey.
— etaylor58
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