An Article I just read on OH re: VSG and Leaks

[LAN2k 18]

If anxiety was high before, after reading this article it's through the roof! But for the more rational and level headed amongst us I thought this to be an important study. Please give feedback. Thanks.

Treatment of Leaks After Sleeve Gastrectomy | Bariatric Times

[cajun 46]

I find this article very interesting and actually see it as encouraging, not anxiety producing...for me, knowing that successful methods of dealing with leaks are being developed is a great thing in my book.

[Timetofly 0]

as someone who has surgery scheduled in feb. I find it scary! I feel confident until I read something like this.......... I of course know there are risks involved, and things do happen but this scared me.

[cajun 46]

as someone who has surgery scheduled in feb. I find it scary! I feel confident until I read something like this.......... I of course know there are risks involved, and things do happen but this scared me.

It was also comforting to me preoperatively to know that Dr Aceves has performed over 600 VSG surgeries and has never had a leak. There is nothing that compares to having full confidence in your surgeon. I had researched so much and learned so much about his skills that I was SUPER calm when I was when going into surgery. It made all the difference in the world.

Meeting Dr Aceves and the other physicians on his team prior to surgery, seeing how thorough they were in all the pre-operative assessments (even knowing what I know as a nurse for 30 years) made it so easy. All the information that I read on this forum, and in bariatric surgery journals also helped tremendously.

Everyone is different. For me, learning as much as I could and understanding all the possible benefits/risks, how things should progress, and what to expect post-operatively, just helped me feel more and more confident.

[twobluecats 1]

I'm also hoping to have surgery in early 2010, and my radar is up on this article simply because it states that the leak rate is 9 percent; however, every other stat that I've read says .5 to 1 percent. What gives?

[cajun 46]

I'm also hoping to have surgery in early 2010, and my radar is up on this article simply because it states that the leak rate is 9 percent; however, every other stat that I've read says .5 to 1 percent. What gives?

I've read 1% pretty consistently too...I have no idea where they got those statistics but I don't think they are correct.

[Tiffykins 673]

I've read 1% pretty consistently too...I have no idea where they got those statistics but I don't think they are correct.

I took those stats were specifically for that study, and not across the board for all sleeve surgeons.

Maybe I read it wrong?

[Malaika 50]

Well, what sticks out in my mind from the initial read of this article is that this is with regard to surgery in Europe, not North America. Also, even though they say up to 9%, if you take the % from there study, 1123 patients, 29 with complications - that is only .0258%. We all know there is risk associated with major surgery and we all know that the risk is higher in revisions. However, what are the risks if you don't do anything about your weight and continue to gain or develop additional co-morbidities. To me, surgery is a risk I was willing to take and knowing there are solutions to fixing leaks is good to know.

I am also with Cajun in regard to Dr. Aceves' skill and abilities - it is not something that even entered my mind as I trusted him and his skills totally and knew I was in the best hands possible for this surgery.

[cajun 46]

Testing a new color. Font size 3. (too big)

Well, what sticks out in my mind from the initial read of this article is that this is with regard to surgery in Europe, not North America. Also, even though they say up to 9%, if you take the % from there study, 1123 patients, 29 with complications - that is only .0258%. We all know there is risk associated with major surgery and we all know that the risk is higher in revisions. However, what are the risks if you don't do anything about your weight and continue to gain or develop additional co-morbidities. To me, surgery is a risk I was willing to take and knowing there are solutions to fixing leaks is good to know.

I am also with Cajun in regard to Dr. Aceves' skill and abilities - it is not something that even entered my mind as I trusted him and his skills totally and knew I was in the best hands possible for this surgery.

[Oregondaisy 2,020]

What I got out of reading that is that leaks happen mostly immediately after surgery.

Are we safe to assume if we make it past a couple of months, we won't get a leak?

[LAN2k 18]

Thank you all for your input. Forgive me if I have caused anyone undue fear or anxiety. I had this surgery at a time when I had a major change in my living circumstances. I moved out of my life as a full time mother for nearly 14 years and gave back custody of my beautiful grandson to my daughter. I thought I was strong enough to make that shift, and have the surgery nearly simultaneously. I was very wrong. I moved into a new apartment Sept.1. I thought I could cope with living alone, and without a job. I had hope for the new me and the future. I thought I'd be OK recovering. When I returned home from the hospital on Sept. 20th after my VSG, I was no longer that same person. Fear and anxiety has dominated my every waking moment. It was all too much...alone in a strange apartment, no longer the voices of a young boy, his friends, their parents... and no longer able to even sit and enjoy a normal, healthy sized meal. I'm trying very hard to have a healthy and optimistic outlook but physiologically my body floods with waves and waves of anxiety. I'm getting help, counseling and xanax.............I hope in time I too can Celebrate having had this operation. I hope I will be a support and encouragement to others. I did not have a surgeon with the expertise of Dr. Aceves. Does anyone here know about when one can feel they are past the risk threshold for a leak?

[Timetofly 0]

wow that is alot of changes to go through at one time. I am so sorry for all your adjustments and wish you the best as you transition into your new life. Hope your new normal starts feeling ok for you soon!

[LAN2k 18]

wow that is alot of changes to go through at one time. I am so sorry for all your adjustments and wish you the best as you transition into your new life. Hope your new normal starts feeling ok for you soon!

Thank you so much.

[carolyn24seven 11]

You made it through Sept and now October. Congratulations! You can do this. No one promised you easy did they? Stop reading thoes articles. Do all positive stuff. Your new life is just beginning, give yourself a chance. Would you read thoes articles to your grandson and his friends? I think not. Give your new tiny tummy a break. It does not want to hear negative information. Talk to your new tummy. Encouraging words.

Think positive, get out of the doubt.

[LAN2k 18]

You made it through Sept and now October. Congratulations! You can do this. No one promised you easy did they? Stop reading thoes articles. Do all positive stuff. Your new life is just beginning, give yourself a chance. Would you read thoes articles to your grandson and his friends? I think not. Give your new tiny tummy a break. It does not want to hear negative information. Talk to your new tummy. Encouraging words.

Think positive, get out of the doubt.

I'm working on it Carolyn...thank you so much for such words of encouragement, now if only I could tell this anxiety to get lost!:thumbup: