I am scheduled for surgery on Thursday, Dec. 27 and I am scared to death! I did my pre-op work on Friday and alked to the nurses at my hospital who told me that th sleeve is an out patient procedur and I will be sent home (depending on my pain level) about 4 hours after my surgery. Has anyone else done this? From reading on here, I though I would get a leak test the next day and then go home... I'm even more worried now, thinking I'll be on my own so soon.

I only stayed 1 night. My Dr. didn't do a leak test; they can usually see it while they're in there. If they do send you home, just make sure and get your liquids in as much as you can, walk often, and when you're not walking do ankle rolls and stuff to keep the blood flowing. I wouldn't want to be sent home hours after surgery....that is too soon for my taste, but I'm sure you will be fine. Good luck!

Wow! Hours after surgery being sent home is scary to me. I was in for 2.5 days before being sent home. I agree - you need to REALLY focus on fluids and pumping your ankles to ensure good blood flow. Good Luck!

I stayed 1 night but I have heard of this being an outpatient for some. If you are having issues after the procedure don't be quiet about it. They won't kick you out if you aren't able to leave. In fact you should call them up and ask them how they handle things if you need to stay. It's always helpful to know exactly what you are getting into.

I wish mine was outpatient. I'd rather go home than stay in the hospital.

Well that's surgery in the U.S. for you! Best of luck. I had THREE leaks tests before they released me.

That sounds a bit odd. Although I was in for a longer time bc of swelling in my sleeve. I had two leak tests and was in Monday through Thursday night.

I just got home yesterday (December 23rd). Surgery was December 20th, a leak test was done December 21st and I was required to pass gas before they would even consider sending me home.

The hospital stay consisted of walking, walking, and more walking, and when I finally fell asleep, the nurses would come in to take vitals. I rarely had a 2 hour block of rest. There is constant beeping and other distractions that also get in the way of rest. So, finally getting to go home yesterday was nice but I was thankful for the 2.5 days I did spend in the hospital because by the time I was released, I felt very confident that I was ready to be on my own. Sending me home sooner would've ended up in an E.R. visit because I didn't understand my need to manage my pain.

My suggestion: be vocal about your concerns now. No reason to go into a surgery with even more fear than you normally would have. Read up on managing your pain and for the first few days, have a good support system on hand that will remind you to walk regularly and that will make sure you get the right amount of meds, food, etc.

I was supposed to be outpatient but they kept me in recovery overnight at a clinic that didn't have the facilities a hospital has for a patient who lost a lot of blood. I nearly died due to a leak (no leak test) that was missed, which probably happened because I was having seizures for 24 hours after surgery due to loss of blood. It was a hell I can never explain, but the one thing I would say is NEVER have this procedure as an outpatient! Have the surgery at a real hospital and stay at least overnight. It's major surgery and things can go wrong after you get home that need immediate attention. I would talk to the doc and if they won't make it an overnight stay, go to another doctor.

I was supposed to be outpatient but they kept me in recovery overnight at a clinic that didn't have the facilities a hospital has for a patient who lost a lot of blood. I nearly died due to a leak (no leak test) that was missed' date=' which probably happened because I was having seizures for 24 hours after surgery due to loss of blood. It was a hell I can never explain, but the one thing I would say is NEVER have this procedure as an outpatient! Have the surgery at a real hospital and stay at least overnight. It's major surgery and things can go wrong after you get home that need immediate attention. I would talk to the doc and if they won't make it an overnight stay, go to another doctor.[/quote']

I agree with iggy 100%. I would not take this surgery lightly and if you have to postpone it to find a Dr that will at least keep you over night and give you a leak test I would do that.

They typically do a leak test during surgery but some times there is so much swelling that they need to do it again 24hrsayer later.

Just something to think about.

Good luck to you!

I left day 4, which I think is fairly standard in Aus. I had a fairly rough anaethetic recovery, but I was happy to stay the 3 nights. Having been there, there is no way I would want to leave hospital 4 hours after surgery. At least by staying a night they can keep check on temp/bp etc