hi, i read all these scary things about the risks of leaks after surgery, but I'm wondering how long is it a risk factor? i mean, is it something to just be concerned about the first week or so after surgery or would one always be worried for years to come?

Truthfully? Most of us don't have to worry about a leak after between 3-6 months, depending on how fast you heal. If you get one, it's a huge deal, but the percentage is very low... and, almost everyone I've seen who has had a leak says they would do the surgery again.

My leak was discovered about 9 weeks, I believe it was probably there for several weeks before it was found, The blood work that led to its' discovery was done 4 weeks before. My doctor was in shock that it was so far out (again, I think it was there for several weeks but I didn't get sick sick with it until after they found it). When it healed (at 6 months) I asked what are the chances of this happening to me again? He said it's unheard of - unless you smoke - then all bets are off because it really inhibits the healing process. So I would say by 6 months you are good, probably by 3 months even.

Um..... I had a leak and asked this question in one of my last office visits. It can happen for longer than you think, I am not sure when you are "out of the woods." Mine happened right after my surgery as my tummy didn't like the staples and had necrosis away from the suture line, making an opening. I found it as it was extremely painful in my left arm and left flank/side and I was spiking a temp.

For a while, I said I was stupid for doing this surgery. I paid out of pocket for it all and I'm worried to say the least on the bills for my pneumonia stay in the hospital after surgery and for the leak/abscess.

However, it's like 1% that this happens to. Please know it's rare to have complications from all that I've read. It DOES happen, but it's rare.

Would I do it again? Yes. Yes. Yes...... I've struggled for almost all of my lifetime with my weight (it started young) and I've always been larger than average, but not huge. I just want to be normal, to go into any store and buy something off of the rack to wear and feel ok about what it is and how it looks, to be in pictures with my family again....but more than anything, more than any money in the world, I want to be healthy so I can live as long as possible for my son. So would I do it again? YES, YES, YES.

Feel free to write me/inbox if you have any questions or want any input from me. I wish you the best of luck - to all of you!

My leak was discovered about 9 weeks, I believe it was probably there for several weeks before it was found, The blood work that led to its' discovery was done 4 weeks before. My doctor was in shock that it was so far out (again, I think it was there for several weeks but I didn't get sick sick with it until after they found it). When it healed (at 6 months) I asked what are the chances of this happening to me again? He said it's unheard of - unless you smoke - then all bets are off because it really inhibits the healing process. So I would say by 6 months you are good, probably by 3 months even.

How did they fix the leak?

they let it heal on it's own I was NPO and on a feeding tube