vickytom

On June18 2012 I had the sleeve done. I was released the next day and was feeling pretty good. By the 10th day post op, I was not able to keep water down. I went to the Dr. He sent me to the ER. He called down to the ER and told them what tests he wanted ran. Needless to say, I had a leak. I was admitted into the hospital and my Dr. took me into surgery to repair the leak. I woke up in intensive care with a feeding tube. 2 days later I was told I had to go back into surgery because they discovered an abscess. On to surgery I went. I was in the hospital 39 days. I was finally discharged, feeding tubes and all and so happy to go home. I was home for one week. I still could not keep anything down. I was very dehydrated and was in the hospital for 2 more weeks. Over the next month I was in and out of the hospital for dehydration and severe pain. In August I was admitted again for dehydration, pain and nausea. The feeding tube was removed and a picc was placed. I was then put on TPN (total protein & nutrients) feedings. Admitted again in September after my daughters wedding. This time a fistula was found. Another surgery and feeding tubes were placed again along with TPN bags. I was so depressed. I was not getting better, I got worse. I was in the hospital from Sept 13 to December 10th. In the middle of the night I had a hematoma. Throwing up blood. Caused my spleen to enlarge and become infected. Dr felt that stent was necessary. So one was pyt in. On thanksgiving morning I had to have my spleen removed. The stent slipped and had to be replaced. The 2nd stent was horrible and that had to be removed a few days later. I was in the hospital a total if 116 days from end of June to Dec 10 2012. Still unable to eat, nausea 24 hours a day feeding tubes in place. My Dr could not figure iut what to do. He called other Drs. Mayo and other states. I was discharged and losing weight rapidly. In January of this year I was admitted again. Severly dehydrated and still nausea. After 27 days in hospital a 3 strnt was placed. 1week later it had to be removed. In Feb. my Dr called the Cleveland Clinic in Weston FL for a second opionion. On March 1st my husband and I made the 7 hour drive. I met with the Dr there. I was sent down for uppet gi. Funny.... they found the problems immediately. I was scheduled for surgery on the 14th. I had to have the remainder of my stomach removed, my small intestine was cut and pulled up to my esophagus and attached. Plus the inflammed scar tissue had to be removed. It had been a ling 10 month journey. I have lost 94 pounds, and 10 sizes smaller. I am still not able to eat real food. I eat mashed potatoes, yogury, smoothies, applesause, popsicles, cream of wheat. I do test the waters with some soft foods. Somethings stay some don't. Dr. said It could be 6-8 months before I can tolerate food due to all surgeries. I am also battling a stomach and urinary tract infection for the last 5 weeks. Would I do it all over again. Probably not... however... I did it because my husband has a rare cancer ( due to exposure from agent Orange from Vietnam). He lost his leg and is wheelchair bound. I truly wanted to be healthier to care for him. But he is caring for me now. Please take your time. Research, ask questions, follow your heart. Dont ever let anyone make you feel that you are bothering them. Its your life and you are paying for this procedure to be done. I can sue. I've done a lot of soul searching and even tslked to attorneys. The end result.. I want to live. I want to get better. I want to eat again. Good luck to each and everyone who decides to go forward with which ever procedure. God bless and thank you for allowing me to share my journey.

Hi everyone. Since my last post in April ican honestly say not a whole lot has changed. After all the many complications and so many months in the hospital I still have many problems. I am still unable to keep solid food down and pain is excruciating. I have been back to the Dr many times since April. At first he's like you need healing time. Now we are back to doing several tests. I had a EDG last week. They were looking for a blockage. Now the Dr wants a CT Scan on abdomen since I no longer have a stomach. Dr said hernias and ulcers are very common from "our type" of surgeries. plus an ultra sound on my gallbladder. Trying to find out why I am having so much pain. I'm still nauseated 24/7. Pain meds (oxy & liquid vicodin) no linger touch the pain because I have been like this since day 1. I just don't get it. Feeling so frustrated, depressed, and so upset. My poor husband is such a trooper. Dealing with his cancer and trying so hard to put my health issues on the back burner to face his upcoming surgeries and treatments. Looking for something to give somewhere. Please don't think I'm looking for sympathy. Far from it. Trying to get everyone to see both sides of any surgery. God bless each & everyone of you who move forward. Realize that things do happen. The plus side. I am down 106 pounds. Went from size 24 to a 10.

I sincerely hope you are feeling better and that your complications are gone. I am 10 months post op. I had complications along the way so I can relate. Take it slow and easy. God bless

Hi please see my symptoms under vickytom.. Titled I was sleeved but many complications

Hi please see my symptoms under vickytom.. Titled I was sleeved but many complications

Elpaso73. I'm sorry to hear of your leak. I'm amazed that you didnt go in for surgical repair. I had same symptoms. Drs found a leak. Immediately went into surgery for repair. Due to the leak, 2 days later an abscess was discovered. Again surgery. From there things got worse for me for the next 9 months... Please if you don't feel right immediately get it checked out. It is your life and you are worth living. Prayers are with you.

Jacksonville FL

Thank you everyone. This wss my 1st time posting anything. I felt it very impirtant sharing my experience. I truly wish everyone the best with ipcomibg surgery or those freshly post op. God bless. This site is informative.

I wss unable to do protein shakes but replaced it with carnation instant breakfast drinks. Sure helped. I could not tolerate broth so I opened campbells chicken noodle soup and just used the juice very watered down. Wonderful. ... I am 10 months post op hsd every complication possible. I had the sleeve, plus due to complications I had to have remainder of stomach removed. (You can read my post under vickytom). Best of lucj to you.

Lala2012. Leaks can appear at anytime. Usually you will know if not able to keep down water or anything. Constant nausea, chills; not really fevers, fatigue are common symptoms. My leak happened within 10 days post op. Then one led to the other. We never think these type of things happen to us... they do... good luck to you.

Hi Zen the Dr at the Cleveland clinic found a narrowing in my esophagus plus an indentation in my stomach due to tight staple and suture line. So only cure was to remove what was left of my stomach. Thank you for asking.

Hi Zen the Dr at the Cleveland clinic found a narrowing in my esophagus plus an indentation in my stomach due to tight staple and suture line. So obviously only cure was to remove what was left of my st