A coworker is in a coma and on a respirator after wls

Ok here is my situation. A person who works at my company had WLS 3
weeks ago. He is not doing so good. I am not sure about who his
surgeon was. He had periontonitis and is in a coma and on a
respirator. He almost died 3 times. Once during the surgery, and
twice since, but has managed to hold on.
His fever has dropped, but he is still on life support. I pray for
him everyday, and wish God would just heal him up.
He is in Tampa, and that is all I know. He is around 40 years old
and was very tall and very large (approx 350-400.)
So now how does this information relate to me? It scared the
beegeesus out of me. I am afraid that what happen to him can happen
to me. I know there is a death rate of 0.5 %, but this man I know,
so it is so much closer to home.
Please help me if you can. I really need to get your opinion and
support to help him recover. Pray for him please, and let me know

what you think…
Love, and peas to you and Prayers to BB.
Jennifer
Pre-op 275
Surgery scheduled 11-21-02
Dr. Michael Hocking, Gainsville

2 Responses to “A coworker is in a coma and on a respirator after wls”

  1. louie_8 Says:

    Jennifer,
    I was so sorry to hear about your co-worker and you are right to ask what
    steps people are taking to protect themselves.
    I can only speak for myself - It took me two years just to decide that yes I
    wanted this surgery - then I spent another year finding the right doctor -
    In my opinion we are all HIGH risk - and it is up to us to make informed
    decision. I looked for the RIGHT surgeon - and did my homework very
    thoroughly - you have too !!! You have one life and you have to protect
    yourself………………just because the doctor has an MD behind his name
    does NOT mean he is qualified………….
    A physician is a mechanic who works on humans !!!!! Sorry to be so blunt
    Dear Doc’s - - - but that is my personal opinion.
    Then you need to see if he is Board Certified not just eligible - then check
    to see if he has any pending or settled malpractice suits - verify his
    surgical history - much of this information is public info that is available

    on different medical sites and with the state you reside in.
    Because I am in the medical field (finance) I had access to excellent
    information -
    My personal choice was Dr Szomstein and Dr Rosenthal at Cleveland Clinic in
    Ft Lauderdale, Fl.
    At 56 years of age - I wanted to stack the deck in my favor.
    I hope that your co-worker checked out this surgeon - Tampa does have some
    EXCELLENT hospitals and the physicians to go with them.
    I will certainly pray for him - do let us know how he does.
    In the mean time - I hope that everyone does their homework on their surgeon
    before their surgery - please please please !!!
    Sassy Lynn

  2. kenneth_200 Says:

    In a message dated 10/1/2002 10:08:35 PM Eastern Standard Time,
    mssassyf4f@… writes:
    I agree with all you are saying but it sounds like her friend has peritonitis
    which is a possible complication (although not high on the complication list)
    of surgery. Peritonitis is a risk that everyone takes when they have the
    RNY. I personally won’t let it stop me from my surgery. I think the risks
    of being morbidly obese far outweigh the surgical risks in the long run.
    Sherry
    Consult with Dr. Leitman scheduled for January

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