Not sure how your logic adds up to "wasn't that bad" except compared to death, and don't get too excited...   First of all, just because this guy was listed as being in 'stable condition" following a shooting, doesn't mean anything other than as it relates to mortality. He could be listed as being in stable condition following an amputation...so, 'stable' means he's not in danger of dying. Second, having surgery, post GSW to the glute (hip) and 'lower extremity' is completely norm