Chatterboxa86

Has anyone else walked the journey of so many post operative complications causing surgery, more surgery, investigation after investigation, followed by even more surgery??? It's only been a year... seven surgical operations to stretch the esophagus & stomach (called dilatation). Such extreme pain & spasm caused 2 emergency resuscitations by Emergency Mica Paramedicals & specialist HDU doctors/anesthetist resulting in 2 stays in the Intensive Care Unit of 2 hospitals... Has anyone had same or god forbid worse? Yes the weightloss has been incredible 1/2 my original body mass weight in a year has vanished....but at what cost?

Thanks for showing the "reality" that this type of surgery has its risks and prospective patients should be prepared for an unfortunate set back like this. Congrats! how positive you are about the future after such a frightening/traumatic ordeal. Although your scaring will be a reminder of the complications experienced (thanks for posting the photos too) I hope that it also inspires you to enjoy the next part of the journey to losing the desired weight & finding lasting good health & related benefits of extra energy & happiness, loving your new look & not feeling hungry all the time!

Good luck...your transformation will be complete! Good on ya

I totally agree too...thanks for saying it so clearly. I'm an Aussie sleeved patient who was given a very clear understanding of the commitment to lifestyle change & that it is your responsibility to look after yourself (healthy food choices & exercise), with the assistance of a team who work in the practice (psychologist, dietitian, surgeon, Doctor GP, & Nurse Educator). Does this not happen else where? I respond with the question of personal care vs motivation that posts are asking about alcohol or chocolate consumption for example. I personally want to be well, healthy & within a normal health range that I abstain from these items.

I completely empathize with you. It is so hard to battle through it all...the unexpected set backs, numerous surgery from complications, the fear, the remorse, the regret (did I do the right thing having this surgery?). I have also had 7 surgeries so far to correct esophageal blockages, twisting, spasms, stomach contraction, closing off of the esophagus so that breathing was virtually impossible (Paramedic & ICU interventions x2) in less than 12 months of the initial sleeve surgery. About every 4 - 8 weeks I'm in for more surgery... I too suffer from severe depression & anxiety, accompanied by seizures, structural physical damage to my knee & back which was my initial motivation to get the weight off & get a quality of life back! The "set back" from complications has been awful. It feels as if it has destroyed my current existence because I never know when I'm going to end up back in hospital, need resuscitation (very scary), and SO want to avoid the pain and/or vomiting. I am struggling with the beginnings of an eating disorder....basically I don't wont to eat to avoid the complications from it. :(Now in the hands of professional help with this which is helping & I recommend anyone in this position to seek help too! Losing more than 1/2 my body weight in a year after surgery causes people to be amazed....but at what cost? Yes I'm also the 1%er...I wish I wasn't! There are so many success stories which brightens my day. I was in such ill health this surgery really was my only option for lasting results. Losing the weight has greatly improved my mobility, reduced back & knee pain...significantly reduced pain medications too (yeah) ALL POSITIVES!!!! I can now jog & walk for km's/miles easily, climb stairs quickly, not out of breath, can touch my toes (lol), no muscle aches....it's GREAT! No more walking stick, wheelie walker or wheel chair anymore which was humiliating at 40 years old. Great to have support here & know we aren't alone on this "bumpy" journey

Oh you must be so excited being this close to the best change in your life! It is a well known complication from gastric sleeve surgery, usually no big deal & managed really easily..at worst a dilatation post op procedure; I just got the extreme end of the complication!!! Don't be put off. If this was common this surgical procedure I'm sure would be banned. I'm a 1-5% minority whose organs didn't like/rebelling against the surgery... sad face sad face

So sorry to hear about the whole disheartening wait time. These set backs certainly do through your moods around. Stay as positive as you can! Love n accept your limitations. Being overweight is why we elect this surgery anyway...another year of chubbiness soon will be long gone when you have the surgery!