Leaks-- do you know enough? Please read!

Ok, where to start... I last week was an acting angel to a lady on the Light-weight forums cpl60 (Colleen), she had her surgery last Monday, I talked to her Tuesday and Thursday night she died. I found out tonight from her 20 yr old daughter whom is an only child, she had a leak and after trying to repair it she went down hill from there and passed 3 days later. I know some people might find this startling but i just feel it is my duty to ask this question to all those pending surgery. How much research have you done on leaks? From what I am reading leaks mostly occur within the first 10 days and need immediate attention. Symptoms : Symptoms included tachycardia, fever, abdominal pain, purulent drain output, oliguria, nausea or vomiting, hypotension, or shoulder pain. Ask your surgeon exactly what she/he does to test for leaks during surgery. If he doesn't ask why he doesn't!  You need to know. And ask him how one would be detected and repaired. Ask  him/her how many leaks has he/she experienced doing this surgery. Please do all your research on this! As Colleen's angel i feel i owe it to her to make this known. Brenda

OMGosh honey, how horrible!!! I will keep her daughter and family in my prayers as they go through this very difficult time!! I know with our group of surgeons, they check for leaks before they close us up, or at least while we are still out. I have heard that some check for leaks before they leave the hospital. I'm sure it is a normal procedure but it sounds like they can happen after the fact. It is good that you post this so newbies can be aware. It is better to know all the bad and the good!  This is the hard part of being an angel, so ((((((((((((Brenda))))))))))))))!! May God bless you and Colleen's family!!  Becky

Well i like to think Colleen and i met for a reason and i became her angel because some how she knew i would make sure all her friends would get the info regardless. It has not been easy nor was it to call her daughter to find out more on what happened.  An angel does what an angel needs to do right? hugs Becky Brenda

What my surgeon said concerning leaks.  The reason RNY patients have so much gas after surgery is because they blow compressed air in and around the pouch to check for leaks.  Many many years ago the patient would have to get an upper GI a few days after the operation and before they left the hospital to check for leaks.  Usually most doctors want to do a one week follow up and a two week follow up to make sure things are ok.  Even though all WLS procedures have been greatly improved over the years, there are still real risks.  We need to know about these going in.  And "No...WLS is not the easy way out".  Praying you have wisdon to help her family.  Brian

Very sad....and somethings are out of the surgeon' control no matter what. I think all surgeon's check for leaks, I know mine did while I was open hence all the blue stains I found on my face. (I know don't ask!)

Anyway prayers go out to the family and thanks for posting symptoms. I know it was hard for you to call her daughter....I am sure she appreciated hearing from you.

Can't ever hurt to make some one question their Dr or the process right? Brenda

How awful for her family and you to have to experience this. Thank you for posting.  I have my RNY July 9 and I've put the symptoms in my calendar so I check for signs of leaks.  We'll be staying at a motel near the hospital for several days because we live so far away.  This is another good reason to do that. Many thanks, ---jan---

Brenda,  Oh my goodness! What terrible news but I am so glad you posted this since we should all be aware of this and be fully aware of all the risks of this major surgery.  Bless her and her family... I feel terrible for them. My thoughts go out to them.    xoxox Jaime