Leak 4Ever?!

[raven8888 86]

I have to admit, still being in the pre- op process this is kind of freaking me out. Can any of you fill me in on where you had your procedure? I really want to do this for a better quality of life, but I'm feeling scared after reading the two bad outcomes. Is it just me? Or isit normal to freak out after reading this thread?

[Candice1222 1]

From what I read on this forum, the odds that you will NOT have a leak is great. I seen some people say that the odds are 1-3% of patients will get a leak and that most of the leaks are caught while still in the hospital.

I had my surgery done in a reputable hospital with an experience doctor. Every surgery has risks. You just have to decide if the risks out weighs the outcome. I have been ask if I regret the surgery because of all the complications I had and still have. I say absolutely not!

[raven8888 86]

Still no regrets, helps me feel a little more at ease. I think I am just starting to get very nervous. my mind wonders and I start thinking of the worst. My date is quickly approaching and I'm nervous and excited all at once.

[Candice1222 1]

Update on Leak4Ever,

After 18 weeks, I finally had my IV taken out and are no longer on TPN. I can now proceed to the creamy Soup stage after being on the clear liquid stage for 5 weeks!

I started taking a chewable Multi-Vitamin and my teeth are extra sensitive because I literally had not used them in so long.

I still have a leak in my stomach but the doctor says that it is very small and contain so we are just going to proceed. This is great news for me because I do not have to have anymore upper GI’s and drink that nasty stuff again. I have literally taken that test 15 times.

[donniej 35]

It normally takes about 12-14 weeks for a leak to heal on its own. Mine was about 12 weeks. Its a tuff ordeal,but I would also do it again to get the results I have from the surgery. As far as who does the surgery, do your homework! Every surgeon with experience has had a leak, it just happens. If they say they never had one, that means they have no experience! I wouldnt want to be thier first leak because they wouldnt know how to handle it! For those that have or had a leak, I pray for you but hang in there it will get better.

[RawrrAshleex3 137]

Sorry it's late but there are solutions. I was given 4;

1 TPN (IV "food") for a min 4-6 weeks and see if it heals on its own

2. Surgically go in and attempt to suture it

3. Convert to bypass

4. Insert a stent temporarily and stay on TPN but I can have sf liquids.

I luckily only have a small leak (I did something that caused 1 staple to come out) but after talking to my surgeon we decided the stent was the best choice for my situation. Uncomfortable? Yes. Unbearable? Nah. Biggest pain is my TPN is home infusion, so I have to hook myself up every day and whatnot and it'll be rather annoying when I want to go out with this fugly huge backpack lol

[Texarkolina 201]

Wow--you guys are freaking me out. What can you do to cause a leak? I have a toddler and am worried that I may pick her up out of habit after the surgery. Can that cause a leak?

[RawrrAshleex3 137]

Your surgeon should go over all that with you. You will have restrictions weight/exorcise wise until your dr clears you. DO NOT PUSH YOURSELF!!!!! Your mind and body will adjust, don't worry (: only problem most people have is the challenge of mental hunger, food IS an addiction, and we are going into recovery!

Think of it this way: there were 4? people on this thread that had leaks. Leaks are a 1% risk. So you're going to be one of the other 396 people who do fine

[Finding Myself 146]

Rawr, what caused the staple to come out?

[weight_no_longer 64]

my doctor has never had a leak!! he staples and then stiches also to prevent them happening. After reading these stories Im feeling a little scared though ...

[RawrrAshleex3 137]

Don't know exactly, think it may have been a coughing fit I had (I doubled over in quite a bit of pain after). I wasn't there a few weeks ago during my ct scan, and I was feeling ok with food until about the 2nd to last week in June (surgery was may 16)

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you including those that help care for you. I hope your ordeal gets better everyday and you start your new healthy journey!

[Candice1222 1]

Wow, I hope I did not scare people too much with my leak posts. I am still very, very limited in what I eat 7 months out but I have no regrets. I had the surgery to repair the leak and was on TPN for 20 weeks.

[tonibugg 64]

Is there just crazy pain associated with a leak? I mean how do you know if you have one?? I'm behaving and not picking up stuff or my grandson (which he is not happy about lol) and I don't have any pain or anything, I'm just curious.. If overeat or pick up something or cough gosh! so much to be careful with!!!

[RawrrAshleex3 137]

They only pain I had was heartburn, major acid reflux that my ppi wasn't helping a bit!