I am scheduled for surgery November 6th. My biggest fear is complications......I have had spine surgery and a hysterectomy so I am no stranger to PAIN....the thought of a complication just freaks me out. I found this on an obesity surgical center's website in the patient info section. I brought me comfort....

Possible Complications

Gastric Sleeve (gastrectomy) complications are relatively rare and when they occur most likely it is during or very shortly after the procedure. These are generally not life threatening and can be managed safely either surgically or non-surgically.

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(....anxiously awaiting iggychic's response....)

LMAO He's awaiting my response because I'd tell you the same thing as tex. Don't let a simple line make you feel you are impervious to complications. I was a low BMI with no comorbidities. I did EVERYTHING the way the doc told me to and had multiple horrible, life threatening (more than once) complications. Our medical bills from these are now pushing half a million dollars.

PLAN for the worst and then hope for the best. Have a support system in place if you have children who must be cared for or another human dependent on you for any reason. I was bedridden for 46 days...how much time can you take off of work if things don't go smooth sailing? a 3 to 5% complication rate is not a low rate...it's a fact of life and one you have to weigh when you chose this route, but do not go blindly into it planning on the best as I did because I was told I had so little chance of anything going wrong. Sometimes things just go wrong

I'm not saying worry your little brain out but go into this with the healthy level of concern that you would have if you were chopping off any other large portion of your body. You will have pain, will suffer for some time after the surgery as you struggle to get in enough water and protein, and must be aware of what to watch for if you do have any signs of complications. Do this and when you sail through you'll feel great about having been so prepared. Don't do it, and you risk being bankrupted or worse by a complication you might have no control of. They aren't that rare. They aren't that common. But they are a real fact of life when you make this choice so face them head on And be strong! I wish ya'll smooth sailing!

I did EVERYTHING the way the doc told me to and had multiple horrible, life threatening (more than once) complications.

Do you have any idea of the root cause(s) of your complications?

I read an article over the weekend about this TED talk, where the speaker, a doctor, speaks about mistakes he has made and calls upon others to do the same. In today's litigious society, I get why this is not a popular way to go. Here's the link:

http://www.ted.com/talks/brian_goldman_doctors_make_mistakes_can_we_talk_about_that.html

Possible Complications

Gastric Sleeve (gastrectomy) complications are relatively rare and when they occur most likely it is during or very shortly after the procedure. These are generally not life threatening and can be managed safely either surgically or non-surgically.

When I spoke to my surgeon about VGS, he indicated that the one issue that he had was as described above. It was very minor that was caught during the surgery and easily corrected, but still "recordable."

The root cause...well at this time it's best not to speak of specifics, but in general, I had internal bleeding during the surgery. The volume of blood was significant and required two blood transfusions. I came out of surgery having full body spasms which lasted over 24 hours. Horribly uncontrollable and painful...I couldn't speak or communicate. It was awful. Then went home to severe weakness and pain which continued for days only to find after multiple hospital and doctor visits that I had a leak that was damaging my esophagus causing fluid to go into the sacks around my lung, which was crushing my lung, leaving me difficulty breathing. Blood clots from PIC lines, a JG tube...it wasn't a fun time And not uncommon. I've read similar stories here more than once. I now have to see if I will have another surgery, and watch for permanent damage to my lungs (you can only put so many needles in them and they tend to protest later).

So as I mentioned, multiple life threatening complications in someone who knew she was going to breeze through this surgery. Healthy fear is not a bad thing. It aids in planning for the worst, so that if it does happen to you, you are prepared so others don't suffer.

Dang, I feel really lucky. So sorry anyone had to go through all that!

It's terrible however I am willing to take the risk at this time in my life.

Getting ready to leave for the hospital, very nervous and excited at the same time. Please pray for me. I have had other surgery's w/o complications, hoping this one will be just as easy as a recovery. Only god knows.

I will see you all on the other side.......................

Getting ready to leave for the hospital' date=' very nervous and excited at the same time. Please pray for me. I have had other surgery's w/o complications, hoping this one will be just as easy as a recovery. Only god knows.

I will see you all on the other side.......................[/quote']

Well i am on post op day four......i def had more pain then i tbougbt. But everyday is getting better. Still taking narcs to controlcthe pain. Start full liquids today cant wait to have a choc pudding and some yog......so far all is well thank the good lord. And my talented surgeon dr arthur carlin ojt of henry for detroit. Top notch ....

Glad to hear from you. I was wondering how you were doing. I think your experience is more typical. How did you do with the clear protein? I couldn't swallow the artificially sweetened stuff after surgery.

Glad to hear from you. I was wondering how you were doing. I think your experience is more typical. How did you do with the clear Protein? I couldn't swallow the artificially sweetened stuff after surgery.

The protein in the hosp was discusting.....I am liking Isopure Water and my chocolate pudding mixed with choc unjury.... up to 70 grams of pro and cojld always drink more water. Off narcs and walking and out shopping like a fool. Hope everytjing stays on track.