Leaks

[Seashelles 23]

Hello!!

So when I went to my information seminar with the weight loss clinic I am going through, the surgeon stated that most complications arise during the first 21 days and after that period it is mostly likely something else. Well I have been browsing through here and I am seeing alot of people with leaks and other serious issues months after their surgery. I know leaks are considered rare but when they do occur is it something that is typically weeks after surgery when it is discovered?

[Zoey716 98]

This is a question you should be asking your surgeon.

However, I will speak from my experience. I had what they think was a small leak 4 weeks post op. I ended back in the OR for emergency surgery, where they then couldn't find the leak because my stomach was so inflamed. I was in the hospital for almost a week, on IV antibiotics, fluids, and had a PICC line for nutrients (lipids). I was not allowed to eat anything for 5 days because they weren't sure if I would have to have an additional surgery. After a battery of tests they still couldn't determine if I had a leak or if I had an ulcer that formed on the incision line that had ruptured.

I was a rare case. My surgeon, who is beyond excellent, told me that he has never had anyone with the situation that I had. And most certainly never had anyone with a leak so far out from surgery. He and his team were quite concerned for my well being and have been great with their follow up care.

Now, almost 6 months after I was sleeved, I am healed and healthy and am already surpassing their goals for me at this stage in the game.

Please talk extensively with your surgeon and/or his team about your concerns and questions regarding this surgery.

Best of luck to you!!

[playlikeworldchamps 595]

My surgeon gives a very honest info about leaks in this webcast.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/44477278

Usually a leak would occur in The first few weeks. Especially if you are compliant. It's also why they check for reflux or ulcers prior to sleeve because it could exacerbate those conditions and an ulcerative gastrointestinal tract more likely to get leak. Risks of leak are low and rare to happen later once healed if you comply and use your PPI if you tend to be acidy. Leaks can be tough to manage with the sleeve though.

My surgeon only does leak test during surgery and not after unless here are symptoms. He also likes to use 40fr boogie which is tiny bit bigger than some doctors who use smaller. He thinks it less chance for leaks.

[par1959 470]

My Doc and his team do about 500 of these surgeries a year and has done bariatric surgery for 15 years has had only one leaker. Definatley a question for your doc.

[swimbikerun 1,045]

I would ask not just about leaks but other problems. I had other problems. The surgeon didn't appear to recognize them. Then its all being blamed on me. However, these are bonafide diagnoses and there's nothing that can be done. Trying to block care, send lawyers after me (amazing how I have said I aint interested in suing you so why are you reverting every question to lawyers?), the cops after me (hmmm being in a public place walking or sitting and not screaming profanities, etc. probably has the cops wondering because they've said we're not seeing any sort of behavior like that).

Yes I would be asking a lot more questions and sure wouldn't be as much about that as how much aftercare they'll do and what it encompasses. You want to ask people who have good and bad experiences with them. My eye doctor gave me the lawsuit he got in, and I checked it out. It was a bad problem but nothing he did but just be the one who did it. That's a real doctor - he says this is my worst case and is upfront about it. He didn't lie either.