The statistics are that 1-2% will die having weightloss surgery. It is possible that the risks of this surgery most likely vary with one's BMI, co-morbidities, age, etc. Because I had a BMI of nearly 70 and was on oxygen 24/7, I really thought "my" risk of death was quite high. In fact, I thought it was possibly as high as 10%. I read all of the memorials on the http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/wlsmemorial.phtml site. I even categorized those who lost their lives according to what killed them. (Morbid I know ;) The reality is... this is a risky surgery... just as every surgery is a risky surgery... and especially for the really round people.

I also knew, that being a very round person that I was at great risk for gall bladder problems, and was sure that mine would give out in the near future (warning symptoms)... I would have to have surgery... at the SAME risk as the DS... and there I would be -- STILL FAT!

In trying to make my decision of whether to have this surgery, I said to my husband Gene...

If you walked out that door, and you knew there was a 1-2% chance of someone shooting you dead, would you do it? Gene's response was... "What's on the other side if I do walk out it?"   When I said, "If you don't die, you win the lottery,"   Gene stated unequivocally,   "Absolutely, I would walk out that door."

Well, let me tell you, the DS was for me much better than winning the lottery. It was a hands down decision to have the surgery. I did win the lottery!

Now... if you still think that you are in a position to diet down to a healthy weight for you... I say "Go for it!" I truly believe that WLS should be undertaken by people who have come to the realization that dieting is NOT going to work for them. Trust me, dieting was not working for me.

    ........Elle (who won the lottery)