Tuesday I was diagnosed with a leak. I am 2 1/2 months out. I am shocked to say the least. The pocket of infection is in between my stomach and spleen so they can't just have it drained. I have to have surgery tomorrow for it. It still sounds like he isn't sure how he is going to approach getting at the infection. I am worried and scared. He says most likely it was or is a pin hole leak. I am hoping it has healed itself and just needs the infection removed from the abdominal cavity. Anyone ever been through something similar?

Candice,

I am so sorry you are "joining" our club. Sending lots of prayers and understanding! I too had lung issues from the leak (pneumnoia, fluid on my lungs, fistula between abdomen and lungs). It can be a very rough road. How are you doing with the TPN? I know the no eating can be very hard, I had a feeding tube but I believe Peacequeen was TPN. Be sure to share your story when you are ready, your symptoms and problems so others know what to watch for, etc.

Thank you ladies for posting all the complication stories. I too have a leak that was discovered a week after my surgery. It has been six weeks after my emergency leak surgery and I am on TPM and nothing but mouth. I spent three weeks in the hospital with lung issues due to the leak. It is good to know that I am not alone and that it does get better.

I finally took the time to write down (in one place) my experience with my leak and abscess.

http://whoneedsdrama.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-vsg-complications-story-leak-abscess.html

Are these types of complications normal for the sleeve? I'm thinking of revision from the lap band, but after reading this thread, I'm having second thoughts.

Are these types of complications normal for the sleeve? I'm thinking of revision from the lap band, but after reading this thread, I'm having second thoughts.

My surgeon had done thousands and I was only the 3rd person that had ever formed a leak. It's not a real common occurance but it can happen..one of the risks.

Thank you for the response...just after reading this thread it alarmed me!

I highly suggest asking around the revision forum - I know the risk can be higher in that case. They say in general 1% have complications. Doesn't sound like much until you are the 1%. But the other 99% don't have them. Really, it is like any surgery - there is risk. But don't let it discorage you - just educate yourself on the possibilities.

Are these types of complications normal for the sleeve? I'm thinking of revision from the lap band, but after reading this thread, I'm having second thoughts.

Who did you're surgery

I personally think that while the leak rate MIGHT be 1%, I think the overall complication rate is higher... I think I saw a study that suggested around 2-3% since leak isn't the only complication.

I was a band to sleeve revision and the surgeon told me that our risks were probably "about double" that of a virgin sleeve. Scared the crud out of me, but I was in a pretty bad way at 308 pounds, 52 BMI so finally decided I was going to die of obesity if i didn't take the risk.

I thank God on a regular basis how well this has gone, no complications so far, and that while I am not at goal I am a normal sized person and my life has changed for the wonderful!

It is so scary to read about the complications, but it makes me so happy to read the "happy endings" when people get over it and get back to the business of losing weight and being healthy!

I highly suggest asking around the revision forum - I know the risk can be higher in that case. They say in general 1% have complications. Doesn't sound like much until you are the 1%. But the other 99% don't have them. Really, it is like any surgery - there is risk. But don't let it discorage you - just educate yourself on the possibilities.

I was planning on a revision from band to sleeve. I have a useless band (5) years this past September and have not lost weight. I am going through the 6 month diet plan again and would be applying to Humana in February 2013 for the sleeve revision. Now I'm just not sure.

I hope you continue to heal. God Bless you all for sharing your side of the story with the sleeve. 1% is 1%, those are precious people- I'm so sorry that you have had so much pain and illness. Again, thank you for sharing with us.

I've always been astounded that even those who had complications all say they would still have gone through with the surgery. That speaks volumes to me about the effectiveness of this surgery. I do hope those who have leaks will heal quickly and enjoy the rest of their journeys to thin!

I wouldn't do it again either. The pain and suffering and facing possibly losing my life...not worth it at all!

I wouldn't do it again either. The pain and suffering and facing possibly losing my life...not worth it at all!

Iggy I won't lie, your story scares the crap out of me but it really made me assess my choice. For the longest time I was far too naive about it. I'm glad you're on here to keep it realistic

If anything Liz, I just like threads and stories like mine to keep people's eyes wide open after surgery. It might just be gas...or it might be a hole in your stomach! I think early in this thread the OP said she didn't listen to her body or her friends. I also was too wimpy at the start and took the word of "experts" over my own feeling that something had to be more wrong than they were saying. I know you're going to do great But if there is an odd twinge...I also know you'll have it throughly checked out (or I'll drive to your house and drag your arse to the hospital to do so LOL)

If anything Liz' date=' I just like threads and stories like mine to keep people's eyes wide open after surgery. It might just be gas...or it might be a hole in your stomach! I think early in this thread the OP said she didn't listen to her body or her friends. I also was too wimpy at the start and took the word of "experts" over my own feeling that something had to be more wrong than they were saying. I know you're going to do great But if there is an odd twinge...I also know you'll have it throughly checked out (or I'll drive to your house and drag your arse to the hospital to do so LOL)[/quote']

I reflect on this now and it makes me smirk lol

Liz, how are you doing?

Liz' date=' how are you doing?[/quote']

I'm having some issues with drain site and a fever so eating is becoming a chore. I don't enjoy it at all right now. And my meds make me sleep a lot so my Fluid intake is low. But I can honestly say I've been worse. I may go to the ER tomorrow for fluids and to have my drain site cultured again. A birthday present to myself haha.