Hi, my name is Joy. I am the 1% with major complications. I was found to have a leak 2 weeks out. I will be 6 months out on June 16th and have now lost 52 lbs. Beginning weight 190 now 139. Here is my story...

I began having back pain and trouble breathing just before my 2 week check-up. I came in and saw the nurse and she said if I was not feeling better the next day to come back in and I would speak with the surgeon. Sure enough...my 1st real meal (a 2 oz. omlette w/cheese). I felt horrible. I headed in to see the surgeon at 9 am. I had an Upper GI, CAT Scan, and another Upper GI to verify the leak. I was rushed into surgery and then spent 10 days in the ICU. Many complications followed; 2 abcess, infections, lung collapse. 4 days on the ward, 2 weeks of high fevers another admission for 12 days. IV antibotics at home for 2 weeks and I was on the feeding tube for 3 months and 1800 calories a day. So, it took me longer to loose the weight.

Now... I am up going to Curves, walking, and doing Water aerobics. I have lost 10 dress sizes (started size 20 now an 8 -10). 23 lbs from goal weight! Happy and healthier. I have a wound that still has not healed and and a rather large hernia. They want to wait to fix the hernia...so the can fix the tummy at the same time.

If anyone wants to talk about complications...I will be glad to talk.

What works for me is adequate protein, carbs from veggies and fruits, and very low fat. I'm 2.5 months post-op and have noticed over the past few weeks the true degree of the restriction with the VSG. I stick to the 3 meals a day and that seems to work best for me.

What works for me is adequate Protein, carbs from veggies and fruits, and very low fat. I'm 2.5 months post-op and have noticed over the past few weeks the true degree of the restriction with the VSG. I stick to the 3 meals a day and that seems to work best for me.

I checked that book out - I don't like it - not going to order it. I love fruits and veggies and I think between my knowledge and this site, I'll figure out what works best for me and go with it. Thanks!

I remember Elizabeth and Susan advancing early and I called the office and they told me not to do it. The paperwork does say that, but it wasn't what Dr. Aceves told me, so I called.

I wonder if it helps prevent this if clear liquids are continued a bit longer? I am planning for my surgery and want to be as careful as possible to avoid a leak. Another 4-5 days on clear would be worth it to ensure safety. Any thoughts on this?

Not sure...probably wouldn't hurt. What I ate was mushy...and I was already having the symptoms prior to eating. I do not feel that I did something wrong. I do continue to weigh my food at 7 1/2 months. I think it is great that you are researching. At this point I would do it again. I wouldn't have said that while experiencing my leak.

I'm sure you did nothing wrong. A small percentage of patients are bound to have a leak no matter what they do.

As a nurse, I am just gathering all the info that I can to help me have the best possible outcome, so I am learning from this wonderful forum about other's experiences, what to do, what not to do, etc. But I know that in the end, what will be will be!

Congratulations on getting your sleeve, and I hope you reach your goal sooner than you expect!

I wonder if it helps prevent this if clear liquids are continued a bit longer? I am planning for my surgery and want to be as careful as possible to avoid a leak. Another 4-5 days on clear would be worth it to ensure safety. Any thoughts on this?

Trust me, after 10 days on clear liquids, and 10 days on full liquids, you won't want to be staying on them any longer than you have to.

I'm sure you are right about that! I have not even started pre surg diet yet since I dont have surg scheduled yet...but I'm sure the liquids will not be fun!

Tomorrow is day 30 for me, and I must admit, I started solids a few days ago. Other than not knowing when to stop and getting uncomfortably full, and nauseated, I had no problems. Today I had no side effects but I ate tiny amounts at a time. My biggest problem is not drinking while eating.

Tomorrow is day 30 for me, and I must admit, I started solids a few days ago. Other than not knowing when to stop and getting uncomfortably full, and nauseated, I had no problems. Today I had no side effects but I ate tiny amounts at a time. My biggest problem is not drinking while eating.

Oh so glad to hear you're doing better ... I have a difficult time, too, not drinking and eating ... especially if we're out because the drink is right there in front of me; at home it's easier because I don't have my drink in the same room.

Wow that is a great idea V angel, I will start to leave my drink in another room too.