I'm not going for surgery until October but I'm a little concerned about post-op complications. Specifically, a leak.

I'll be going it completely alone so I really would like to know what to expect. My surgeon says they don't do the swallow test but that they'll know if there's a leak (I think they scan after surgery).

Has anyone had leaks? What were the signs?

I had RNY gastric bypass surgery around 5 years ago and did not experience any leaks. Some people have drainage ports put in after surgery, I did not. I don't believe leakage from your incisions are a common problem.

According to my discharge instructions, the time to contact your surgeon after you are release to go home include:

* Changes to your incision - new pain, swelling, redness, cloudy drainage.

* Cloudy output in or around drains.

The other part to your question is internal leaks. Generally these are detected by the hospital staff while you are in the hospital.

Depending on your program a lot of them have pretty good leak protocols. My program, which does the bypass and sleeve said they hadn't had a leak in over 2 years (close to 1,000 surgeries). They do some tests during the surgery using air (other programs use dye). Post surgery they stopped doing the barium swallow because it wasn't effective. If you have symptoms of a leak they use a CT scan with oral contrast as the first test and then can follow up with others. They give you a list of symptoms to monitor for closely. With a bypass the risk of a leak is very small nationally and your center probably keeps their own statistics. For a sleeve it's higher, but not by a ton.

Your surgeon may be able to talk about specific risk in their program and your situation, so definitely have a conversation about it.

3 hours ago, Doite said:

I'm not going for surgery until October but I'm a little concerned about post-op complications. Specifically, a leak.

I'll be going it completely alone so I really would like to know what to expect. My surgeon says they don't do the swallow test but that they'll know if there's a leak (I think they scan after surgery).

Has anyone had leaks? What were the signs?

I do have compassion for anyone who has experienced complications.

It's normal to be concerned, have doubt and nervous. Complications are possible...Also lack of complications are possible with any surgical procedure.

Look up statistics on complications...Talk to your surgical team.

I'm three years out and no complications.

Why worry about a what if situation?
It's normal to be concerned, have doubt and nervous. Complications are possible...Also lack of complications are possible with any surgical procedure.
Look up statistics on complications...Talk to your surgical team.
I'm three years out and no complications.

Because I like to have plans in place as I find it comforting preparing as thoroughly as possible. I don't like assuming everything will go perfect because that's stupid. Life doesn't come with guarantees.

I've looked into stats and they're low enough not to have thrown me off. Most of the complications I know both how to detect and how to counter. But an internal leak is foreign to me.

Just now, Doite said:

Because I like to have plans in place as I find it comforting preparing as thoroughly as possible. I don't like assuming everything will go perfect because that's stupid. Life doesn't come with guarantees.

I've looked into stats and they're low enough not to have thrown me off. Most of the complications I know both how to detect and how to counter. But an internal leak is foreign to me.

I changed that statement..Realized it was blunt..

It was intended to not overthink this with worry...Worry is normal. None of us can say or know what our outcomes are. I apologize if I offended.

I changed that statement..Realized it was blunt..
It was intended to not overthink this with worry...Worry is normal. None of us can say or know what our outcomes are. I apologize if I offended.

You didn't offend or were blunt. I just have a different way of dealing with things. I like to assume the worst will happen and plan for it.

I'm a planner too. It does comfort me.
I had the sleeve. I had a swallow test the morning after my surgery. No problems so I was allowed to try my first protein shake.
For me I had total faith in my surgeon and her outcomes. So if you have faith in your surgeon then focus on that. So, if your surgeon doesn't find that test necessary, confirm what they do use or look for so that you can help identify any symptoms and communicate with the staff. Ask them for instructions about what you should do if you have concerns...what number to call etc...
Then trust in your preparations.
Good luck!



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