Let's talk about "Weight Loss Surgery Complications Forum"

Okay, so let me start off by saying my surgery date is June 2, 2014- so I have really gotten in the habit of researching food/drink/exercise/ and HERE WE GO Complications!

Most of the Forum appears to be issues from RNY or Reversals, but I did run across some "Leak" posts from VSGers. Can someone who has had the Sleeve for a few years give me some comfort, in that theres much more positive to come out of this than a few "horror stories" I guess I need to know that this happens to maybe 1 in 100 people or something. I understand every surgery has complications- I just don't want the bad to outweigh the good. 

With my surgery date approaching- any advice/comments/suggestions are welcome! 

Thanks!

Several people are having this same conversation a few threads below this one. 

In the end, the important factor is that you have a talented surgeon who knows what s/he is doing. Ask them what their mortality rate is. They should be willing to be forthcoming. If they aren't or if their answer makes you uncomfortable, find another surgeon. As far as post op complications, many (NOT ALL) post op complications are due to non-compliance on the part of the patient. As long as you follow your surgeon's plan and timetable, you should be golden.

Best of luck!

Thanks Chrissy. I do trust my surgeon...I live in Raleigh NC and Picked Duke Hospital system because of their reputation. I plan on doing my part- I just got alittle nervous after reading those- as I should I guess

I've had teeth cleanings with more complications than my VSG.  Maybe i was lucky, but I had ZERO pain, no gas, recovered without incident, made my goal weight in 6 months with NO stalls along the way.

Your experience may vary - but many of us have had very minimal problems - we don't post because we don't have complaints to air or experiences to relate or comfort to seek.  You see more problems because those folks are searching for answers.  People like me are not appearing so much.  So you will naturally see more problems - that's the nature of a forum like this where people are seeking support.

Tom

Thanks Tom! I hope to have a speedy/easy recovery as well~

put leaks in the search function and read about all the posters who had them, then equate it with the no leak people. Knowing the possibilities of complications is important and there is enough time before your surgery to get comfortable with it.  Don't be afraid of the facts.  We were all afraid of a leak but it's kinda like everything else, you have to weigh it against the good.  Like every time you get into your car you could be in a huge crash.  Or every time you cross the street you could be run over by a city bus.  

The numbers exist but they are small. I remember being more afraid of reflux than leaks just because of the numbers but everything carries risks.  The posters who had leaks on this board all survived, their recovery was just longer.

Good luck

I agree with Tom 100%. I am at my 3 month post op date and have had "ZERO" issues ... no complications whatsoever and now weigh 50 lbs less.

Ironically we both had the same surgeon. I'm very pleased.

I was up and walking within a few hours and went to a state fair on the second day after surgery.  I know many people who also had very easy recoveries but I also know some who had issues.  The most common issue seems to be dehydration so stay on top of your liquids.  Leaks do happen, but they are exceedingly rare.  You can ask your surgeon for their stats on complications, but even with a leak, most people recover and live through it.  Death is really, really rare; much less than the 1% you mentioned. 

Elina, Thanks for your post! I just noticed that your surgeon was Dr Cirangle. He is my boyfriends cousin, and if we werent in NC, I so would have wanted him! I am going to Duke Hospital but I have only heard great things about Paul (Dr Cirangle) from my BFs family. Hope your surgery went well!