Do your organs age like your skin

[4anewme 1]

I have been thinking about the surgery for about 6mths now & I'm really scared. What happens 30 years down the track, I know there is very little long term research. I guess I'm afraid that 30 years down the track when I'm in my 60's my stomach will be old & will the staples still hold. Does your stomach age/wear-out/thin-out

as you get old? This is probably a silly question but that freaks me out the most.

[Richard Foor 655]

While it is true there is not much long term research regarding the VSG it was based on a surgery that was used for at least 60 years for ulcers. My grandfather had that surgery when he was young and he lived to be over 80 years old, and never had any problems. Also the stomach scar tissue grows together and seals so the staples are not what primarily holds the stomach together after the healing process.

[Webchickadee 716]

Actually there is alot of research that is more than 30 years old! A gastrectomy (full or parital stomach removal) is NOT new. Patients with stomach tumors or cancer have been having gastrectomy surgery for decades!

The particular technique of the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) is a new surgical approach, but the results are essentially the same as any other gastrectomy.

Do some research on the outcomes of regular gastrecomy patients and I think you will find the results are very positive and calming to your nerves. They live a LONG time and if the underlying reason for their surgery (ie. cancer) is resolved, they are healthy after surgery!

As to the staples still holding, the staples will LONG be overgrown with new healthy stomach tissue. You really only need the staples in the beginning until your body produces sufficient cells to overgrow the cut area and form a complete closure all on its own. The surgeon most likely also "oversewed" your staples, to increase the surface contact of the cells (encouraging growth and connection) and reduce the chance of a leak.

If you think about it this way..........anyone who has had stitches for a deep cut usually either gets absorbable stitches that the body breaks down within 90 days (or less) or the stitches are removed after a few weeks. That is because the body repairs itself where the cut was. Usually all that is left is a scar, but there is no opening or weakness. In fact, scar tissue is usually more tough and thick than the original tissue. Having a scar reopen is very rare indeed.

So don't worry about the staples, or thinning of the stomach wall (it's also in a constant state of renewal, just like every cell in our bodies (except neurons)). But if you're still in doubt, some reading about gastrectomy patients in general should help put your mind at ease....

[4anewme 1]

Thank you both very much for spending time to reply to me. I feel alot better about the surgery now & I will research some more as suggested. Thanks again