post-op death - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

poet_kelly · 10-14-2009, 06:46 PM

There is this other WLS forum I post on sometimes, and there is a woman there who had surgery around the beginning of September. Tonight her sister posted to let people know that she passed away at the beginning of October from surgery-related complications. I did not really know her, but I feel really shaken by it.

I don't know many details, but apparently she was not feeling well and told her surgeon she felt poorly. I'm not sure what her symptoms were or what her surgeon did. But apparently her potassium had dropped dangerously low and he did not check that. She ended up going into cardiac arrest. They took her to the hospital, I assume by ambulance, where they checked her potassium and discovered how low it was. She coded again and they resucitated her, but in the end she didn't make it. Her sister is very angry that the surgeon didn't check her potassium in the first place, but I have no idea if that's something that should have been checked or if it was some unusual complication that would be easy to miss or what.

Like I said, I did not really know her, but I still feel very shaken by the news of her death. She has three small children she leaves behind. I am reminded of how lucky I am to have come through the surgery with what few complications I did have, and I am reminded of how risky this surgery can be. Yes, most people come through it fine. But some people don't. And leave behind little children and sisters who will mourn them forever.

Nothing like a little reminder of our own mortality, huh?

Kelly

BrandnewMe · 10-14-2009, 07:04 PM

That is scary! I had this surgery so I would be a better mom for my 2 daughters, I can't imagine the surgery ending up being my demise. That scares me.

I will be going next week for my one month checkup. I certainly hope they do bloodwork now!

Highlandlass · 10-14-2009, 07:08 PM

Man, you aren't kidding - this is a reminder to us all of how lucky we are and that we should cherish each and every day. I can't even imagine how her poor sister would feel. I remember when I first saw the surgeon about 2 years ago when I was just thinking about what to do about my weight his first caution to me scared the be-jesus out of me - "You know, you could die from this." As soon as he said that I decided not to pursue the surgery at that time. When I had the ministroke in February I had to make a difficult choice and went for the RNY and am blessed to be in wonderful health now. Some people just aren't as lucky. I wonder how the low potassium was allowed? Make the very best of each and every day.

poet_kelly · 10-14-2009, 07:11 PM

You know, I think they usually don't do blood work until three months. And I am not sure it needs to be done sooner if you aren't having any problems. But if you are concerned, you can certainly ask them to do it sooner. If you have problems, apparently sometimes it should be done sooner, as was the case with this woman.

Kelly

Laureate · 10-14-2009, 07:15 PM

Kelly, thanks for sharing. I hate to hear it, but we need to know the risks.

I feel awful for her loved ones.

hollycerniglia · 10-14-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrandnewMe

That is scary! I had this surgery so I would be a better mom for my 2 daughters, I can't imagine the surgery ending up being my demise. That scares me.

I will be going next week for my one month checkup. I certainly hope they do bloodwork now!

I was told that I won't have bloodwork until I am 6 mo. post-op.

Highlandlass · 10-14-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollycerniglia

I was told that I won't have bloodwork until I am 6 mo. post-op.

That seems like a long time - you should see if you can get it done sooner. My Family Dr. makes sure I get the blood work done often then the NUT does the 'big' tests for me every 3 months. After readng about this woman's death I wouldn't wait longer than 3 months and if I felt strange I would insist upon getting a test sooner.

poet_kelly · 10-14-2009, 08:06 PM

I would also ask for routine blood work at three months. My surgeon actually did not do any labs until six months, but when he did, I found I was very low on vitamin D. I wish I had asked to have them done sooner. Most doctors do them at three months, and I think that is a good time to have them done.

Of course, that would not have helped the woman who passed away, she was only one month out. If you are not feeling well, you can always ask for labs to be checked sooner than three months.

Kelly

ardita · 10-14-2009, 08:30 PM

It is amazing that after all these years of experience with RNY, so much is still unknown. I suspect part of the reason is that the surgeon's focus is more on the surgical methodology and getting that right. The post operative care and nutrition management is somewhat of black hole. This woman's story is a frightening but important reminder of the risks involved with disturbing the inner workings of the human body. I am so sad to hear she died from what should have saved her life.

poet_kelly · 10-14-2009, 08:33 PM

OK, I looked up symptoms of low potassium. Apparently it can be caused by a number of things, including vomiting. So if you are vomiting a lot, perhaps you would want to have your potassium checked.

Muscles need potassium in order to contract, and that includes the heart muscle. If there is not enough potassium, your heart cannot beat effectively

Symptoms of low potassium include weakness, fatigue, cramping in the arm or leg muscles, numbness or tingling, nausea, palpitations (feeling your heart beat irregularly), excessive urination, excessive thirst, fainting, and psychological symptoms like depression and hallucinations.

Kelly