I'm 3 weeks post-op and wondering when I will be out of danger for a leak? How far out has a leak been reported?

I've been wondering the answer to that question myself. I'm so scared to have the surgery just because I'm so scared of getting a leak or a stricture. Experience sleevers... reply!

I've been wondering the answer to that question myself. I'm so scared to have the surgery just because I'm so scared of getting a leak or a stricture.

I asked that of my doctor and was told that it can happen as far out from surgery as 6 - 8 months. Think that is why they give you such a strict diet to follow. At least my surgeon did but I know many surgeons that do not. I know I am not taking any chances.

See, that's why it's so hard - so many different opinions My doctor said if there is a leak from the surgery, it will most likely happen in the first one to two days (and you'll know!). Then, if you damage your staple line, up to six to eight weeks later (which is why our diet is so strict). I specifically asked him about months down the line (as some have had leaks months later) and he said it's pretty impossible to get a leak after two-three months....those that have are most likely tiny, undetectable leaks the patient had from the beginning but didn't get found till later due to the stomach acid and contents slowly eroding the leak point, and/or build up and abcess down the line.

That was my biggest fear, too....

I was told that I wouldn't even get a leak until 3 weeks out...that's what my docs told me this morning

I was just sleeved on Monday 4/2/12 and my doctor stated that after 6 weeks out, you should be pretty safe as far as developing a leak.

Hope this helps!

I was sleeved Monday too! How are you doing?

6 - 8 weeks seems to be the "literature" timeframe.

I have heard of leaks up to 3 months out, "friend of a friend" thing. I guess it's possible she had the leak longer and it just went undetected, but it'd be pretty rare for a body to sustain a leak that long with no symptoms, I suspect.

I heard some horror story from a bariatric surgeon I know about a lady who was 1.5 years out and ruptured her stomach en route back from vacation on the plane. She was hospitalized in the ICU here for quite a while. I am not entirely sure of what caused her stomach to rupture, but I suppose the most likely reasons would be eating too much or an ulcer (or combo of both).

I'm wondering to I'm at my six week mark

I heard some horror story from a bariatric surgeon I know about a lady who was 1.5 years out and ruptured her stomach en route back from vacation on the plane. She was hospitalized in the ICU here for quite a while. I am not entirely sure of what caused her stomach to rupture, but I suppose the most likely reasons would be eating too much or an ulcer (or combo of both).

Man! That's scary!!!

Thanks everyone. I have been wondering. I pray we all remain leak free.

I was sleeved Monday too! How are you doing?

I am doing much better. I hit a rough patch the day of surgery but it has been getting increasingly better everyday. I almost don't have the desire to eat at all and it is hard to distinguish between hunger pain or sleeve pain. I know I will be able to figure it out one day.

I hope your surgery went well also?

I'm wondering to I'm at my six week mark

You're at six weeks already?!?!? Man, that went FAST!

You're at six weeks already?!?!? Man' date=' that went FAST![/quote']

Yes I'm at my 6 week mark time does past fast

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