A Real-Life Case Study of One WLS Patient's Complications

May 12, 2011

Let me preface this by saying that I am not posting this to dissuade / convince / influence anyone against having WLS. It is funny (and uncanny) but through all of my complications I still believe that my decision to do so was sound. I cannot say that I would do it again but I am just now coming out of the thick of things. My opinion could very well change with time. I have lost 120 lbs this far ... I look and feel great.

This is my story ... it is a cautionary tale for those considering WLS. WLS is serious and potentially dangerous and life-threatening. Take this decision VERY seriously and realize what can happen to you and know that you have absolutely no control over these complications whatsover. I was that 1% that you read about ... recovery is extremely difficult -- both physically and mentally.

The series of events that follow stem from my 12/6/2010 VSG surgery:

 

1.       December 6, 2010 – VSG conducted

2.       December 26, 2010 -- I passed out at home and was rushed to the emergency room. I was diagnosed with “Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism” – blood clots in both lungs. I spent three days in the Intensive Care Unit and another 5 days recuperating in a trauma hospital. I started on blood thinner therapy (Coumadin). I was severely anemic and weak when I was released

3.       February 17, 2011 – I had been vomiting multiple days for three weeks prior to the 17^th. I went to see my surgeon and was immediately sent to the hospital. Doctors ran a CT scan and a barium swallow. They discovered that one of the sutures from the 12/6 surgery had ruptured and contents from my stomach had been steadily leaking into my body cavity. This caused septic infection and had formed a softball sized abscess in my abdomen

4.       February 18, 2011 – I had surgery to place a filter in my veins to protect against any additional blood clots

5.       February 19, 2011 – I had emergency surgery to drain the abscess, identify the specific location of the leak (fistula), and attempt to repair the damaged suture. I remained in the hospital for another 10 days. I had a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) – a form intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time – inserted. I was started on IV nutrition (called TPN) through the PICC on 12-hour cycles at night. Home health care comes to the house once a week to make certain that all is well with the line. They instructed me as to how to prepare the TPN mix for use. To date I have not eaten solid food since 2/17/2011. I have had a JP drain inserted into my abdomen since that time

6.       My physicians have been very aggressive in treating my condition. I have had the following diagnostic and surgical procedures since 2/17/2011

 

a.       2/19/2011 – fistula repair surgery #1

b.      3/21/2011 – fistula repair surgery  #2

c.       3/30/2011 – Upper GI series #1

d.      4/7/2011 – fistula repair surgery with stent placement #3

e.      4/15/2011 – CT Scan

f.        4/20/2011 – fistula repair surgery #4

g.       4/25/2011 – fistula repair surgery with stent removal #5

h.      4/28/2011 – Upper GI Series #2

i.         5/2/2011 – fistula repair surgery #6

j.        5/10/2011 – Upper GI Series #3

k.       5/16/2011 – upcoming fistula repair surgery #7 -- my leak is sealed but for a very tiny 1/4 inch portion of fistula tract that my surgeon wants to fill with fibrin glue. There has been no leakage at all into my JP drain for the past few weeks. My energy is back at 100% and I'm going to be released to go back to work at the end of the month.

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