Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Had VSG surgery... didn't go so well...



Recommended Posts

Has anyone here had a leak that was 2 - 3cm long? How long was your recovery?

My surgeon warned me I would have a higher chance of a leak than most because I previously had a lap band and a TON of scar tissue around my esophegus and stomach. I developed a leak instantly (had surgery June 2nd) and went in for a repair surgery June 3rd. The repair wouldnt hold because my stomach was so chewed up. They did a 3rd surgery on June 4th to put in an extra drain and a feeding tube. I have to be on a feeding tube for at LEAST another month (nothing but small amounts of Water by mouth) and that's if things heal up quickly. I am very discouraged by this and I really hope a couple months from now I'll be back to normal and glad I had this surgery. :tea: I was self-pay and right now I'm rather regretful of it all.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey there, I think I replied over on OH as well. My leak "hole" was the diameter of a nickel.

I had a similar experience, but I only had my band for 8 months before I revised to VSG. I had surgery on June 3rd, the leak was found during my third leak test on June 5th. Rushed to surgery to repair the leak, my lungs would not cooperate and I landed in critical condition/icu for 4 days. I was in the hospital a total of 9 days, and came home with a TPN bag, and a central line in my arm. I never had the feeding tube, so I can't say that I understand how you feel on that part.

I still have no regrets for having this surgery. Being fat, and dying of heart disease or developing diabetes in my opinion is so much worse in the long run. I haven't had anything to eat or drink, not even ice chips since June 2nd, and I have 4 more days of the TPN bag. The chance for a leak triples with revision, and due to the complications I had with my band, I was not completely surprised that I ended up with a leak. Honestly, I wish everything would of gone smoothly, but at this point, all I can do is move forward and try to recover 100%.

Even with all the complications, I would do it again to get the band out of my body and finally start living.

I go back to the surgeon on Monday and hopefully will start the clear liquid stage. I'll be on the TPN bag of nutrient replacement for a couple more weeks because they have to wean me off of it. I won't lie, I truly believe that a positive attitude is the only thing that has helped me stay focused. My husband is deployed, my son is in Texas with my family, and I am here in Florida alone day in and day out. I only have 3 friends, and they all have family of their own to tend to, so it's been difficult this last week, but I've got to do this 1 day at a time. I can't worry about the next month, getting through today, and tomorrow are big milestones for me. I go back for another leak test, and I can only hope my appointment brings good news.

Believe me, I know it's difficult. I've cried, and been upset, but I can honestly say that I'm not going to let these little speed bumps become roadblocks on my path to success. I'll keep you in my thoughts, and prayers, if you ever want to talk or chat, you can message me here. . .

Tiff

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Has anyone here had a leak that was 2 - 3cm long? How long was your recovery?

My surgeon warned me I would have a higher chance of a leak than most because I previously had a lap band and a TON of scar tissue around my esophegus and stomach. I developed a leak instantly (had surgery June 2nd) and went in for a repair surgery June 3rd. The repair wouldnt hold because my stomach was so chewed up. They did a 3rd surgery on June 4th to put in an extra drain and a feeding tube. I have to be on a feeding tube for at LEAST another month (nothing but small amounts of Water by mouth) and that's if things heal up quickly. I am very discouraged by this and I really hope a couple months from now I'll be back to normal and glad I had this surgery. :tea: I was self-pay and right now I'm rather regretful of it all.

Ohhhh no! I think I know you from OH. I'm so sorry!

There is a higher chance of leaks with revisions. I'm trying to remember, didn't you have a band, then a slip, then surgery to correct the slip and then the sleeve?

I'm so very sorry you have to go through this. :ohmy:(

Who was your surgeon? I think I know what state you are in so I'm afraid to ask. :o/

Just hang out here with us, we'll get you through this!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Like the others, I am bery sorry that you're dealing with complications and I can understand your disappointment. Keep posting here and letting us know how you're doing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm sorry to hear of what a rough time you're having. In the long run it will be worth it. It's a good thing you had the band out.

I wish you an easy recovery and hang in there. We will all support you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had some scar tissue also from a previous partial gastrectomy and my staple line was ashered to my liver so I guess my choice to get the sleeve saved some other complications down the road. I am sorry you had complications and keep in touch with us..We are here to hold your hand in a cyberspace sort of way.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

First off, I'm sorry that either of you have had problems.... When I read this- It scared me ;-( I currently have the band and I'm 4 years out........... Reading your posts, has totally opned my eyes- I hope both of you girls regain your health and your strength quickly and Yes a positive attitude can carry you the distance- Stay focused on the prize of weight loss, and take it day by day. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Thinking of each of you! and Hugzzzz to you both

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, thanks for all the support. I did post over on OH about this (I had to change my username because I was being harassed, sorry if I confused anyone)... I guess I keep thinking if I post it maybe it'll go away. :thumbup: I am feeling better, I think I'm just getting used to sitting around all day. I have lost a dramatic amount of weight so that is starting to make me feel better. The good news is that insurance picked up the tab so at least I don't have that looming over my head.

My anti-nausea meds (I dont know if I actually need them or not, but I'm kind of afraid NOT to take them) make me really spacey so I am not posting too much.

My doctor has been exceptional in taking care of me and is in touch with me daily. He tried twice to get the leak to close but my stomach was so chewed up he was afriad to try a third time and cause more problems so that's why we're doing it the hard way.

I apologize if I'm not making sense... these meds really make me "out there" if you know what I mean. Its hard to type so I'm keeping this short. I appreciate your support and feel a lot better knowing I'm nt going though this alone. I am not so depressed anymore and feel there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you again.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think you are making sense...

leaks are scary and sometimes all you can do is give them time. My aunt had a partial gastrectomy for stomach cancer and, when it came back, they operated again and she got a leak and, in the end, all that worked was to take it easy.

Sorry you had to go through that...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It is so scary, and I'm sorry you are having to go through all of this. . . I hope the rest of your recovery goes well, and will definitely keep you in my thoughts.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×