For those of you who have had leaks and even those who have not, do you know if your surgeon reinforced the staple line with sutures or some other kind of bonding? I am preop and I am nervous as hell about my surgery.

Stronger1,

I did not have a leak (thank you God) but I developed an abscess where they put the drain tube which ended me back in ER for second surgery. My doc used the new, what he called "black staples" and puts steri strip over the staples. He said nothing has been proven if it reduces or eliminates the risk of leaks. The best surgeon he said uses nothing. He went on to draw me a picture of the most common area for leaks, which is just at the top at the narrowing near the esophagus and near the pylorus as they are the most narrow and fragile areas and not much to use for the staple area. Mememee on here, Libbe had a leak which was discovered by accident, luckily. Not sure exactly where it was.

Talk to your doctor and see what he/she uses or not. The other thing is he explained RNY has about the same number of staples just in different spots.

Good luck.

Sandy

I have a leak at the very top as sandyd describes. I do not know what my Dr does, if he over-sews or anything.

Thanks for responding ladies... I am 2 days out from surgery and freaking out!!!

Libbe, how are you doing? Have you been in the hospital for long?

I was in this time for 19 days. How are you doing since surgery?

I haven't had a leak, I'm 4 days post op, and hope hope hope I do not get one.

My doc, Dr Lavin of NOLA uses staples and then overlays sutures.

I am 2 week out and doing pretty well. Definitely watching for signs like you guys discussed, but right now feeling pretty good. How are you feeling? Do you think you will have to go back in? I really hope and pray that you are on the road to recovery!!