RE: Surgical deaths 0 JoAnne

[Guest guest]

JoAnne, we also had such an article in the Fresno paper. Your letter is

incredible. Thanks so much for addressing it.

Joan C, Calif.

LAP RNY 11/18/03

Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA

282/257/140

Surgical deaths

December 6, 2003

Re: Bariatric Surgery

To: The Editor, Miami Herald

I am concerned about the recent media coverage about deaths due to bariatric

surgery. The death of a loved one following surgery is a sad and painful

experience. However, patients often die during and soon after major heart

surgery, yet no one is suggesting that such life saving surgery be stopped.

People who qualify for bariatric surgery are not the best surgical risks.

They are at least 100 pound over a healthy weight. They frequently have

diseases such as diabetes, circulatory impairments, and diminished lung

functioning. Such patients are at increased risk of complications,

including death, regardless of what surgical procedure is necessary.

Bariatric surgery is not recommended unless the patient meets a long list of

eligibility conditions. Prime among these is that the patient has tried to

lose weight through diet and exercise for many years, without success.

Morbidly obese people are at a very high risk of dying long before their

natural lifetime is over. The quality of our lives is compromised due to

lack of mobility and the depression and social isolation that often

accompanies extreme obesity. Bariatric surgery is not easy, and the

aftermath of the surgery requires a strong commitment on the part of the

patient to make life long changes in food intake and exercise level. We

will never eat " normally " again. However, the surgery is life saving for the

vast majority of those who have it done. I had bariatric surgery six weeks

ago. My diabetes is now under control for the first time in 10 years. My

blood pressure is now normal. My GERD has disappeared, and the painful

swelling in my legs, ankles, and feet is gone. I have gone from taking 14

prescription medications, plus insulin, to needing only 6. The National

Institutes of Health have concluded that once a person has become morbidly

obese, diet and exercise alone will not work for them. Our choice is to

accept the risks of the surgery or face the far more certain risk of ever

increasing health problems and a slow, painful early death.

JoAnne Mansell

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