Hi everyone, I am new to this so I am not sure if I am posting in the correct spot. I have back and knee pain, and no threatening conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol. I started telling my family and some of them support me, some don't. Those that don't support me think I will die from the surgery because I have severe allergies to 5 antibiotics (bactrim, penicillin, augmentin, cleocin, and cefzil). If I were to get an infection or something there are less options of how to treat me for it. My brother literally told me to write my will before I get the surgery. I've already emailed my surgeon asking him for reasons he would think I would survive it. I know there is a high survival rate for sleeve. But for those who have had it, how common is it to have a leak or infection? How treatable is it? At what time post op are there no more risks for leaks? I just I really don't want to die before I've experienced more life. A side note- when I was at the orientation info session with my surgeon and other surgery candidates, one woman said her friend died from getting the sleeve because she had a leak and didn't report it. This made the possibility of death seem much more real. Any advice, stories, or reassurance would be great, thank you.

Edited July 16, 20179 yr by itsachipmunk

I'm preop and scared too, although I dont have any allergy to antibiotics, except Septra, I am concerned about a leak because it can be life threatning. I'm sure if you were at risk your Dr would Not risk the surgery on you. The risk is minimal and it is imperative that you follow the instructions before and after to a T. My doctor has done 300 a year for the last 10 years with zero leaks and zero deaths. I hope you find comfort in that. You might want to talk to your surgeon and ask what if questions. Nothing is completely safe when it comes to surgery, or even riding in a car. Good luck

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I'm preop and scared too, although I dont have any allergy to antibiotics, except Septra, I am concerned about a leak because it can be life threatning. I'm sure if you were at risk your Dr would Not risk the surgery on you. The risk is minimal and it is imperative that you follow the instructions before and after to a T. My doctor has done 300 a year for the last 10 years with zero leaks and zero deaths. I hope you find comfort in that. You might want to talk to your surgeon and ask what if questions. Nothing is completely safe when it comes to surgery, or even riding in a car. Good luck

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Thank you! I already feel better reading that. I'll call my surgeon tomorrow if he hasn't responded to my email by then. I'll also try to figure out how many surgeries he's done and ask about his record because that would be comforting as well. I know he did his training in bariatrics when he was med school or like specialized in it.

How far along are you in pre op? I will probably have my surgery between Christmas and New Years.

I'm getting really close. August will be the month. Wed I have my doctor appointment for clearance and my mental health check. I'm cash paying so I dont have to wait on insurance approval. I'm glad I could offer some relief. It will be OK, were all in this together. Doctors have other options for infections so I wouldn't stress too much. Just trust your Surgeon and listen to your body. Early findings are very treatable even in the rarest of complications.

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Thank you so much! Also whoa you are close! Congrats!! I'm having my mental health check Wednesday, and start the 3 month dieting on August 1st. I'll still have to wait for insurance approval though.