I've been wondering about the process of healing along the staple line of the sleeve. I know on my surgeons website, there is a description of the stapling and then sewing up the outer edge of the staple line. Does the stomach itself actually start to grow together, sealing things up, or is the leak factor entirely dependent upon the staples and sewing?

Very helpful. I don't hink my doctor puts anything down my throat though... is that Dr. Alverez's technique? Or do I just have an incomplete understanding of the procedure?

Yes, they do put this down your thoat. But, you're sound asleep and it isn't down there that long. They all do it. That is how they ensure the size and getting a good sutre line.

ok, i was surprized that my doc did not do a leak test before discharge. There reason is what you said, not likely to detect until swelling goes down.

In emergency medicine we sometimes need to use a bougie (much smaller usually a 16f) to assist with emergency intubation to help obtain an advanced airway. A bougie is basically a "guide". Our bougie's are solid and not quite as flexible - so I was very interested to see the video posted! Very helpful! My mind is MADE UP..I am going for the sleeve!!!

As far as a Bougie, it turns out my doc (Dr. Kim) will use the endoscope to visualize the inside of the incision, and at the same time use it as a sizing device, which will be roughly a 34. Very interesting! I'm hoping for great loss with the smaller size! And praying for NO complications.

I was wondering about whether our stomaches close together or if we are dependent on the staple line sealing the stomach. Thanks for bringing this up.

Do the staples dissolve? If they are metal I would assume not.

The staples are titanium based and do not disolve. They are in there forever. They will not trigger any metal detector and are safe around microwaves. I asked my surgeon.

Here's a more technical question. How is it that the inside surfaces of the stomach accross the staple line fuse without being ablated to expose blood vessels and raw tissue? I would thing that just the 2 surfaces of the stomach would not bond together and seal / scar over without be roughed up first. Like any other tissue the surfaces won't normally bond together - or else we'd be a sticky mess with adhesions all over the place.

If you watch those videos, the instrument they use is kind of like a surger. I'm guessing it takes care of that.

Thats why I am going to Mexico. When mexicans are born they automatically get a jack of all trades card. They believe in Duct tape and super glue.

I would like to know the answer myself. I can see the stomach liners bonding up to 1/4" max only due to the scar tissue from the staple holes.

I am asking for JBWeld

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Here's a more technical question. How is it that the inside surfaces of the stomach accross the staple line fuse without being ablated to expose blood vessels and raw tissue? I would thing that just the 2 surfaces of the stomach would not bond together and seal / scar over without be roughed up first. Like any other tissue the surfaces won't normally bond together - or else we'd be a sticky mess with adhesions all over the place.

I want to ask this question to my doctor. Is there an easier way to break down this question? From how I picture it. What keeps the staples from scraping anything neighboring? Hmmm.. I like technical questions. Thanks for bringing this up.

Well, NOW what I'm wondering is about the INSIDE of the stomach. Will small things get stuck in the crack? Like..seeds, and fibrous foods and such? Do you know what I mean?

Hey Dooter! I'm now 7 months post op and I can eat anything and everything. I eat almonds, peanuts, and cashews almost on a daily basis and have never had anything get stuck. Sometimes it feels like it gets stuck going down my esophagus but that's just air bubbles and that always works itself out.

Also, my ticker has not been updated in a while so it does not reflect my true weight. I've now lost 94 lbs. and have 56 to go.

Dooter, I was told to avoid strawberries and things like that just for that reason for 3 months.

Dooter, I was told to avoid strawberries and things like that just for that reason for 3 months.

Got it. (scribbling notes...) THanks!