gettingmyhealthback

@Justine13: The stomach is a very friable tissue, so they cannot go back in and re staple or resuture. I found that out through my experience. It has to heal on its own. It's unfortunate but true...

I had a sleeve done in December and was in the hospital till March. I had a leak, I was septic, I had chest tubes, I had strep on my spleen , got C-Diff due to my antibiotics, I had it all. First of all, I can't give you medical advice, only your doctor can do that, I can only tell you what they did for me. They put a stent in via an endoscopy to cover the leak. That one slipped, and they put in a second one on top of the first one. I was exteremely nasueous, but eventually it did heal. I was not able to do anything by mouth until they knew the leak was healed and they verified that by a CAT scan. I sucked on sponge sticks dipped in iceand cold water. It did suck. It was the worst time of my life. I went home on TPN and by then was allowed very small amounts of liquid and BOOST protein drink. My progression of my diet was very slow I was on clear liquids for a month even after the leak was healed. Then I progressed very slowly to a blended diet, and eventually to a soft diet.I did not get to a general diet until almost June. I am praying for you, but I am here to tell you that you will get through this and it will be OK in the end. I have lost 90 poundso far and have some residual pain in my left lung and lower abdomen that I probably will live with for the rest of my life. However, I can walk without being out of breath, I feel much better and I am getting healthier every day. I am confused as to why you are out of the hospital if you still have an active leak, but that's again up to your doctor. I would like to tell you that in spite of evrything I've been through I would do it again, it was worth it, in spite of the complications, since I think I will live longer and have a better quality of life. If you do not feel you are getting the care that you need, then consider a second opinion. Find a bariatric center of excellence and go have your case reviewed. It's a long road ahead, but you will make it. I have you in my thoughts and prayers. Ask me any other questions that you have.

Wow, these are great ideas. I'm going to Amazon for the edamame and to nuts.com right now! Thanks!

I am in real need of advice. I have finally made up my mind and after some hoops, seminars etc., managed to have my first meeting with my surgeon yesterday. I had lots of questions, but the ONLY thing I was sure of is that I wanted the sleeve. Well he told me that the sleeve can increase reflux. I already have such bad reflux that I feel like my throat is burning up sometimes. I don't mine taking pills for the rest of my life for this, but I really don't know if I could stand it if it got much worse. Have any of you had bad reflux or GErd prior to surgery and have found that it got better after surgery? Worse? I have to decide which surgery I want, and I really did not want the bypass. He said he wanted me to do my own research and make my own decision, as it affects everyone differently. So any input that you all have will be so much appreciated!!! thanks!!!

I could probably stand a little bit of gnawing hunger, it's the acid taste in my throat that I can't stand. Thanks for the input. I hope the PPI helps you! Thanks for your answer!

Thanks for your honest answer. I don't think I have a hiatal hernia. I had an endoscopy last year and nothing showed up. However, my surgeon said that he would be able to "tighten up " the muscles once he went in to do the surgery. I feel stuck also. I don't know what to do. I really did not want the additional changes to my body that come with the bypass. Why did you choose not to go back on a PPI if you were well controlled with it prior to surgery? Just wondering. Also, do you find that Vitamins make the refulx worse? Thanks.

I am trying to decide if the VSG is right for me. I have the kind of reflux that comes up and literally feels like my throat is on fire. The thought of it getting worse after surgery is scaring me... I'm not sure I could handle it. But I really have my heart set on the sleeve... So did anyone have the kind of reflux that burns the throat and it is now better after surgery and with a PPI? Thanks!