I recently came across someone on Instagram who had the VSG 4 weeks ago and they were STILL on oxygen. I asked why and what happened but hadn't received a response yet. Has anyone heard of someone or had their own experience of needing to be on oxygen for longer than usual after the surgery?? What was the reason behind it and were there pre-existing breathing/lung issues beforehand?

It wasn't Penny by any chance?

(Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

I don't know what her real name is but her ID is big_girl_you_are_beautiful

I have never heard of this. The person likely had significant underlying health issues first. Technically removing your stomach has nothing to do with your lungs and you are generally only placed on 02 during surgery obviously and for a bit after surgery to make sure your O2 saturation levels stay in the 98-99 range. If for some reason someone is on oxygen for a much longer time after that, there is another problem that very likely has nothing to do with the sleeve.

@@AvaFern, thanks for responding! That's what I figured but I thought I would ask anyway just in case I had missed something.

yes most probably a pre existing condition, they probably found during surgery or just after that she had sleep apnea or very low respirations and o2 saturation, which since you can't get a CPAP machine that quickly they put her on O2 as an adjunct to her low o2 saturation.

Unfortunately, anesthesia, the trauma of the surgery, the pressure on your lungs and age can all be factors. I just had my surgery 4 days ago and am home on oxygen as my stats won't stay up on their own. Hopefully I will get better as my PC has said will happen, but it can be something one has to deal with after any surgery due to the anesthesia and pain meds affecting your lungs.

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Having O2 post op is somewhat common for any major surgery. I work for a national oxygen and respiratory company and I see it several times a month.

Having O2 post op is somewhat common for any major surgery. I work for a national oxygen and respiratory company and I see it several times a month.

That is what my PCP said as well. This was my first major surgery, so I was getting discouraged. That is great news! Thank you!

DS performed 11/28/16. SW/HW 380 lbs.