I wonder why some surgeons do multi leak tests and others don't...

[twobluecats 1]

Several of us have used Dr. Nick here in Dallas, and he doesn't do a leak test the following day. I guess I never really thought to ask him why he doesn't. I'm 17 days out tomorrow, and these are the things that are entering my mind now. I am just starting to exercise again per PA release, and I'm having mushy food and introducing soft foods as well. I had a really mushed up chicken tender tonight watered down further with a little gravy. Not the healthiest choice, and certainly not a regular meal at my house, but even that guilt got me all freaked. I'm like the poster child for worriers.

[Tiffykins 673]

I haven't ever been able to figure it out either. My surgeon did 1 leak in the OR, one the day after, and a 3rd on the 2nd day post-op.

I am sure Dr. Nick has his reasonings, maybe he is confident in his ability because of his success with low to no leaks.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

I am the poster child for worriers as well. I am glad Dr. Aceves does 3 leak tests. It made me feel more confident after surgery that if I followed the post op diet, I would not have problems.

[cajun 46]

Research done by Dr Cirangle in LapSF showed no need for them in his practice, which has probably done more VSGs than anyone in the world. Others may be following suit. But some surgeons who want to be extra careful, or who find that the test reassures the patient, continue to do them. I was glad to have them done, myself. There are various "right" ways to do things, and I suppose this is one example.

[i1Linda 15]

I asked Dr. Nick this very question. He told me that there has been some concern that the leak test post-op may contribute to a leak by stressing the staple line. However, he is quick to order one if you become symptomatic (I had a leak test at 14 days post-op due to horrible back pain - it wasn't a leak). So basically, I called them with EVERY symptom I had that was concerning. I think every surgeon has their own thoughts and resulting procedures for limiting their complication rates and best taking care of their patients.

[twobluecats 1]

I knew you'd have the answer, Linda! I totally trust Dr. Nick, and they've been great to answer questions when I was having that weird pulling pain and back spasms. It's so weird how those pains literally went away overnight. I thought that tugging feeling near my main incision was never going to leave! Progress!

[i1Linda 15]

Theresa,

Dr. Nick has been great. I'm always calling for little things (especially early on), but even now on occasion. They are really good about getting back with you quickly with an answer (Bea, Kristin, or Dr. Nick himself). Glad you are recovering quickly - it's all downhill (weight loss anyway) from here.

[bigtex52 0]

I was told that Dr. Nick doesn't do the leak test on day one postop because of his op day methylene blue test and the methods he uses in surgery (staples with buttressing, oversewing and surgical glue).

[OMG123 0]

OMG....the tugging by the main incision that you mentioned TwoBlueCats....I have that same issue. It is like my stomach is too heavy for the way the stapling went. I asked them why that one was so deep...LOL! Although a big percentage of my pain and discomfort disappeared when they pulled the drain out of me the week after, this is one issue I am looking forward to dissipating!

And on the subject of leak tests, I had 1 in the OR and a second one the next day.

[i1Linda 15]

I was told that Dr. Nick doesn't do the leak test on day one postop because of his op day methylene blue test and the methods he uses in surgery (staples with buttressing, oversewing and surgical glue).

Yes, you are right, but most surgeons do some type of leak test while in the OR. Many others do another 1-2 days post-op. Dr. Nick and many others do not. I think it just comes down to the experience, training and medical opinion of the surgeon.

[chi-chic 0]

Had leak tests done in the OR, and surgeon does it that way everytime and has little to no leaks <0.5%. I feel great, and would not hesitate to contact my surgeon if I had any unsettling feelings.

Follow the slow progression of diet, and don't be too anxious to move to regular food and give your new stomach adequate time to heal and it should be OK.

CC

[FabBy50 0]

I don't know if they did one in the OR but I had 2 following surgery. They gave us the awful purple stuff to dink and then watched our drains. The second test was the exray following the drink. I thought they all did leak tests?

[Deb 0]

Dr Webb told my husband that he did 2 leak tests in the OR under pressure. I also had one the next morning and omg, That stuff I had to drink was horrible. I actually threw up. Of course I was apologizing but my gag reflex is very sensitive. The day aftger surg I did not want anything at all, much less something that tasted awful. Good news though.... NO LEAK!

[FabBy50 0]

That stuff is awful!!! It was all I could do not to puke it back up! But no leaks!

[bigtex52 0]

The purple stuff they gave me the day after surgery was awful, too. It was Isopure (Isopuke) Grape Frost. :thumbup: