I had the gastric sleeve surgery on 03/05/12. On my pre-admissions form for the VSG, there was a question about anesthesia - whenever I had my son in 2004 I had to have more than the norm as my body didn't 'go to sleep' equally on the left and the right. Based on this response, the anesthesiologists gave me more than usual for the VSG. After the VSG surgery I was passed out, very lethargic, slept alot. I would try to do my IS (breathing exercises) and couldn't barely do them. Then I'd pass out to sleep again. I had a slight temp in the hospital so they kept me an extra day. I was d/c'd 3/7/12.

On 3/9/12, I went back to the hospital. I was spiking a temp and my pulse was rising. Slowly, I couldn't do my I.S. (breathing exercises) as well as I had been doing them. I went back to the ER and they admitted me for aspiration pneumonia. I stayed in the hospital 6 days, on I.V. antibiotics. I was d/c'd 3/14/12, taking levaquin by mouth. I followed my diet, did my breathing exercises, moved as much as I could .... but my temp would spike now and again. I went to the ER that weekend twice, as my temp at home would be 101-102, but once I got to the ER it went to 99 or normal. The ER said that getting out in the 'nite air' sometimes does that (no idea why but ok). Then that Sunday, 3/19/12, about 330 in the morning, I could no longer sleep in the bed. I felt short of breath (very shallow breathing, couldn't inhale deeply) and I had a pain in my left shoulder and mid back. I tried to wait until the dr's office opened at 9 that Monday morning, however by 845 I couldn't take it anymore, the pain was excruciating. They told me to go back to the ER. I did and they did xrays and cat scans, I had a leak in my stomach and an abscess in my diaphragm.

So hospital readmission 3/19 to 3/29. They wanted to rush me to revision surgery that night. I went into a slight shock I think, teeth chattering, scared, wishing I had never done this..... but the electricity kept kicking in and out all day at the hospital (first someone hit a pole and caused the electricity issues that day, but that night severe storms developed and the lights flickered quite a few times). My dr. said let's not take any further chances, we'll do your revision first thing in the morning. I had revision surgery 3/20, early. The dr. found the leak and saw where part of my stomach line was necroting so he cleaned that all out, restitched and reglued the line and cleaned out as much as he could. Then they did XRays to see how it looked, more barium swallows and then a cat scan .... they wanted to see the abscess and if I had any other leaks, which I do, now in a different part of my tummy. The radiologist placed what is called a piggyback drain (it looks like a long bag with an "accordian" at the top) into my left flank (right under your bra line/where the diaphragm is located). I have a JP drain in my stomach (it's right above my spleen per the dr.) .

I got worried about the cost of my stay and spoke with my dr. on this as he was thinking that I could go home on home TPN (total proper nutrition - it's a bag of nutrition that they mix up especially for each patient, based on the blood draw, which tells them what you are missing in your system. It's high in amino acids, which encourages quicker healing of leaks). I didn't have this coverage in my stinky insurance plan (I work as a contractor, which means great pay/lousy insurance.... well according to the option I chose). Dr. did an endoscopy on 3/27 to see where any leaks were and how big .... there's still one about the size of a pencil eraser. Social work/case mgmt became involved, trying then to put me in a nursing home (hello, i'm 38 years young) or on home iv antibiotics/tpn. That's where things got really bad - social work consulted me mid walking activity and told me of the nursing home option. Next time I saw them as I was doing laps in the hall, she told me maybe my dr. could do a feeding tube and send me home. Either way, I thought that was inappropriate and it brought me to tears.

My dr. came in and said we can do a dobhoff tube (in your nose) and you can do Protein shakes at home through that OR we can not put a tube in and see how you progress. I have been IV'd so much (each time they gave me vancomyocin, I would swell up and hurt at the IV site and they'd have to move it), they put in a PICC line (iv that goes into your arterial vein/a more 'direct' route). Tired of being a pin cushion and hooked up to so much, I opted for the no tube. But I am worried. The dr. said this will deplete some of your muscle mass, but I was very active in the gym before and used to weight lift so I have more muscle mass than most. But I am worried on healing, worried on paying the dr's bills and trying to figure how I'm going to pay the lessor rate that the hospital has generously given to me (payment plan probably for 36 months).

I started out 254 originally in my dr's office. I am 215 right now. Do I regret the surgery? At this time I do... yes, I do. I am worried and scared and I am praying so much that God has to be pestered by me. But I came here to see what experiences or thoughts perhaps anyone can share..... please no negativity... I can't take it. Thanks for your time reading my long diatribe of a story.

Glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery. Keep the updates coming.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you....Praying for your speedy recovery...Yes, you have had one of the worst nightmares....I'm an RN, so I know exactly what you are talking about....I'm concerned why some have leaks and others don't...Obviously, yours is from an infection at the staple site which has spread to other areas,,You are on good meds...Please keep us posted..........

Sending healing vibes and prayers to you. I'm si sorry you are struggling. Hoping every day gets better.

As someone who had a leak and spent three weeks in the hospital, I too was scared about the medical bills. My hospital bill alone was $200k not including anything from radiology. I have United healthcare PPO and only ended up paying $470 for the hospital out of pocket. I am glad that you got your PICC line out. I still have mine in for 15 weeks and you have to extra careful and clean the lines vigilantly or you would get an infection.

Don't regret the surgery!! Although you went through a lot, it could have been a lot worse. That's what you got to keep telling yourself.

Please keep posting so we can support you in words and prayer. I'm also sorry for your loss. You've had more than your share. Lord Jesus bless you and heal you. xoxo

Try the Isopure Protein drinks. They're not the best tasting but they were the only protein I could tolerate after surgery. A 20 oz bottle has 40 grams of protein and they count toward your 64 oz of fluids. So 2 bottles a day nets you 80 gms protein & 40 oz Fluid. Vitamin shoppe carries them. Best wishes for a quick recovery.

I have 2 boxes...I thought they were the nastiest things I'd ever spent $87 on....I would buy sample packs before buying an entire case.

I have not tried but hear nectar whey drinks are fairly tollerable.

Good Luck Sleeve Sister good Luck!

Thank you everyone for your posts... I sound like a freak'n cheerleader or something lol... I am always so thankful for all of your posts, truly. You guys make me smile, TY TY TY TY TY and may you all be blessed for your kindnesses.

My apologies... I haven't checked in here as I have been on conf calls, "working from home" but not taking on tasks just yet. Not till this "hunchback of notre dame" aka "botched boob job" of a piggy back drain (I stuff it under my shirt to go "out" in public so those are the two names my family and my dr. have given it lol thought you might have a chuckle at my fortune/misfortune he he) but once this drain comes out, then I will take on work as before.

TODAY was a good day but I wish I had checked back here sooner. Grrr. I was just gonna say 'screw it' (pardon the language) on the Protein. OMG those bullets now, I open one and smell it and immediately my throat contracts and I just have to breathe and keep swallowing not to wretch. I WILL try the Isopure. You know I used to work out a LOT but I never did Whey because I didn't need to gain. I remember seeing IsoPure but never really looked at it. So ty for the tip!

For the lady that is the RN that posted.... bless you for saying what you did. I've had a few ppl in my ears about 'you sure you dr. didn't mess up'. Yes negative nellies, I am sure (pppthhhh). My dr. is wonderful and I would recommend him to anyone and everyone - he's had the surgery himself and he has years and years of experience. He's really been a champion to help my worries on the medical bills and has been ever so patient with my sometimes anxious, overly worried, crazy self. He's truly got my confidence and faith (and I generally don't give that easily).

I have to admit that I've stopped taking my flagile by mouth. Side effects, enough said? (I believe I will be "allergic" to this forever more....or so might be my story... I hate lying but omg the side effects of this stuff, jeesh)

I'm still on clear liquids (since 3/5 essentially) and worry about losing my hair. I'm taking Biotin 5000 mcg a day but.... lord knows it grows hair right where I didn't intend. lol I am also losing still very fast. I don't mean it as a complaint, but it scares me is all. I lose about 5 lbs every two days. I'm almost 5 lbs from going under 200 (jeesh). I never intended to go through it this way, but then again, it's so weird to be this small again (so quick). I just hope I can advance my diet soon and that I can make it work.

I truly appreciate you all.... your input, your support, and for the time you spend in responding. Thank you guys so much. Hope you all are having a ROCKING week!

Thank you everyone for your posts... I sound like a freak'n cheerleader or something lol... I am always so thankful for all of your posts, truly. You guys make me smile, TY TY TY TY TY and may you all be blessed for your kindnesses.

My apologies... I haven't checked in here as I have been on conf calls, "working from home" but not taking on tasks just yet. Not till this "hunchback of notre dame" aka "botched boob job" of a piggy back drain (I stuff it under my shirt to go "out" in public so those are the two names my family and my dr. have given it lol thought you might have a chuckle at my fortune/misfortune he he) but once this drain comes out, then I will take on work as before.

TODAY was a good day but I wish I had checked back here sooner. Grrr. I was just gonna say 'screw it' (pardon the language) on the Protein. OMG those bullets now, I open one and smell it and immediately my throat contracts and I just have to breathe and keep swallowing not to wretch. I WILL try the Isopure. You know I used to work out a LOT but I never did Whey because I didn't need to gain. I remember seeing IsoPure but never really looked at it. So ty for the tip!

For the lady that is the RN that posted.... bless you for saying what you did. I've had a few ppl in my ears about 'you sure you dr. didn't mess up'. Yes negative nellies, I am sure (pppthhhh). My dr. is wonderful and I would recommend him to anyone and everyone - he's had the surgery himself and he has years and years of experience. He's really been a champion to help my worries on the medical bills and has been ever so patient with my sometimes anxious, overly worried, crazy self. He's truly got my confidence and faith (and I generally don't give that easily).

I have to admit that I've stopped taking my flagile by mouth. Side effects, enough said? (I believe I will be "allergic" to this forever more....or so might be my story... I hate lying but omg the side effects of this stuff, jeesh)

I'm still on clear liquids (since 3/5 essentially) and worry about losing my hair. I'm taking Biotin 5000 mcg a day but.... lord knows it grows hair right where I didn't intend. lol I am also losing still very fast. I don't mean it as a complaint, but it scares me is all. I lose about 5 lbs every two days. I'm almost 5 lbs from going under 200 (jeesh). I never intended to go through it this way, but then again, it's so weird to be this small again (so quick). I just hope I can advance my diet soon and that I can make it work.

I truly appreciate you all.... your input, your support, and for the time you spend in responding. Thank you guys so much. Hope you all are having a ROCKING week!

So glad to hear you're feeling better. Make sure to get the bottled Isopure. I know what you mean about the bullets! I was the same way with the protein powders after my surgery. I used the powders before surgery, but couldn't get them passed my nose after. Yeech! I still supplement with Protein drinks daily (I'll be a year out next month - YAY!). I've used Pure Protein cans (available @ Vitamin Shoppe) or the GNC brand, Total Lean, once I passed the clear liquid stage. Not as much protein (35 & 25 grams), but they're cheaper than the Isopure. Keep up the good work.

OMG those bullets now, I open one and smell it and immediately my throat contracts and I just have to breathe and keep swallowing not to wretch

Ugh, Protein bullets can be nasty. I've already tried a bunch of flavors in preparation for the surgery. So far the "clear Niagra grape" and "blue raspberry" from Proasis are the best tasting that I've found. Of course, that's a relative term. They're tiny (2.9 ounces) and have 25 grams of protein (not 50 like the ones you have). I have to ice them completely down, and sometimes I'll add a wee bit of Water to make them more palatable, but I can get them down.

I hope you find something you can stomach very soon.

4ALongerLife, I am sorry you are going thru all of this, I am terrified of going thru what you are going thru but you are right is a risk we all do not want but do know is a possibility going in. I hope you will feel better soon! I live in Fort Worth and am often in Arlington and Dallas, if there is anything at all I can do for you (cannot offer money since I am a medical student with no money LOL but I would be more than happy to visit and bring you a meal (clear liquid) or two) please let me know. God bless you and may you have a speedy recovery!

I am going for the Isopure RTD bottles today. I tried to find my Vitamin Shoppe receipt for the bullets and I can't find it ... grrr. I didn't realize they will take those back. Call me cheap but I'd try to return them if they'll take them. At about 3.50 a pop, yeah I was going to try! Now to balance start of the day, working from home and going for the Isopures. I am encouraged by your posts... thank you so much!

And VST Addict, you are too kind. I'm ok.... my first post ... I admit I was down and feeling sorry for myself. But each day, I get a little bit stronger. And thank God every day for that (even though I'm praying any leaks are healed up, please lord....). But ty so very much for your kindness!

What a road you've been on! Like others, I will be praying for you. Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and while reading your post I had the feeling you will get through this and be stronger for it.

So, after getting admitted for all this crapola - the hospital had electrical problems?!! REALLY - Geez, you must have wondered can this really be happening!

Did you have a leak test the morning after your first surgery? I was wondering if the leak occurred after a negative test? Hugs to you

lol yes ma'am, on 3/19 someone hit a pole near Baylor Carrollton in the mid day and the lights flickered and I think that's when their generator came on. that evening, it was storming and again the lights flickered. i just think i'm apt to murphy's law... go figure.

and yes they did a leak test after my surgery and it wasn't there (or wasn't spotted). i know when i went in for pneumonia they did another leak test upon my er admit and nothing was seen. when i was admitted with excruitiating pain due to the leak/abscess, the radiologist that was there (Dr. Siegler) had me drink the first half cup that they dilute but then he said wait a minute, let's not dilute this barium and can you do another sip for me? i did and voila he saw it.

I am going for the Isopure RTD bottles today. I tried to find my Vitamin Shoppe receipt for the bullets and I can't find it ... grrr. I didn't realize they will take those back. Call me cheap but I'd try to return them if they'll take them. At about 3.50 a pop, yeah I was going to try! Now to balance start of the day, working from home and going for the Isopures. I am encouraged by your posts... thank you so much!

And VST Addict, you are too kind. I'm ok.... my first post ... I admit I was down and feeling sorry for myself. But each day, I get a little bit stronger. And thank God every day for that (even though I'm praying any leaks are healed up, please lord....). But ty so very much for your kindness!

Take them back anyway. The manager at the store I go to knows me by sight and let me return something I didn't have a receipt for. Who knows? They may offer you store credit, but you're already planning to buy more.

I am going for the Isopure RTD bottles today. I tried to find my Vitamin Shoppe receipt for the bullets and I can't find it ... grrr. I didn't realize they will take those back. Call me cheap but I'd try to return them if they'll take them. At about 3.50 a pop, yeah I was going to try! Now to balance start of the day, working from home and going for the Isopures. I am encouraged by your posts... thank you so much!

And VST Addict, you are too kind. I'm ok.... my first post ... I admit I was down and feeling sorry for myself. But each day, I get a little bit stronger. And thank God every day for that (even though I'm praying any leaks are healed up, please lord....). But ty so very much for your kindness!