I'm Scared Of Gastric Sleeve Leaks...i'm Nuts?

[PattieW 3]

Hi All,

I think my Doc has scared me into thinking I can get a leak pretty easy. He says this is the dangerous time. But I think he is talking about the stretching of the "little" belly. I had a hiatal hernia repair at the same time of the removal of the band and of course the sleeve. Am I just nuts?

[PdxMan 4,292]

You just want to be very compliant with the meal plan they laid out for you. Don't over eat, don't drink with meals. Let you stomach heal.

[Lissa 2,631]

I agree with PDX. Leaks are possible, but not probable. Of those who I've seen post about leaks, most were related to errors during surgery (a skipped staple if I remember right) or an infection post-op.

You should adhere very closely to your doc's plan and go easy on filling your tummy with either food or Water. The less stress you put on that staple line, the less chance of a leak, IMO.

I don't think you're nuts. It's good to be very cautious about causing a leak, especially in the very early stages post-op. I really worried about it, and, so far, I've not had any complications from my band. In 5 days, I'll be 4 months out.

Good luck with your journey!!

[Thomas CPA 496]

Don't worry, just avoid the berries and other items that can get stuck in the the internal staple line for 4 to 6 weeks. Don't eat rough stuff, stick to liquid and pureed diet.

Doctor probably being cautious with all the procedures you had at one time.

[MeMeMEEE 206]

It can happen. Mine was discovered at about 9 weeks out. Know the symptoms and if something doesn't feel right don't let them put you off. My ONLY symptom was left shoulder pain, from about one month out. They kept telling me it was acid reflux. Finally a bad lab made them look in to it further.

It sounds like you had your band removed at the same time? It seems like there can be more damage to the stomach from that and more risk of leaks. If you look up Tiffykins she had complications and leak with her band to sleeve.

Leaks are rare but they do happen. I had no idea I had one, was convinced I had no complications. Because I didn't have multiple symptoms the doctors didn't come to that conclusion either.

Don't be paranoid but be aware of your body and if you do have any symptoms make sure your doctor checks everything to your satisfaction.

[lml32937 65]

@mememee... what tests did they do just out of curoiosity... i'm getting labs done in 3 weeks and perhaps should suggest something.... just as a rule out kind of thing.. ,my only issue is nausea and a bit of vomiting if I don't take my Reglan on time or something is too solidy...