Post surgery complications

Hi all, My surgery date is fast approaching and my husband and daughters are very concerned about post surgery complications.  My question to the group is, how many of you have had complications and what were they? Thank you, Susan

The only complication I had was infection to a few of my surgery sites.  The biggest one was where they put the stapler in but my surgeon said that if any of them were to get infected it would be that one.  He drained the site and I was on anti-biotics and had to clean and treat the site for 2 weeks and I was fine.  Nothing to terrible at all.   Stacey B

Hi Susan, I'm only 2 weeks out, but so far I have had no complications.  Good luck with everything. Mary

Before I run down my list, I want you to keep in mind that what happened to me does not happen to everyone.  Anything can happen after you have surgery, but to some gastric bypass patients nothing happens.  With that said here is what happened to me.   1.  Hospitalized very early out of surgery due to severe dehydration (could not keep food or liquid down) 2. I have had 4 surgeries to remove adhesions and correct twisted intestine. 3. I had a partial small bowel resection because of the repeated twisting of my intestine Now I have also had other complications that didn't need to become complications.  They are complications because I didn't listen to my surgeon.  I developed osteoporosis at around two years post-op because I never took my vitamins/calcium.  To tell you the truth I didn't really start taking my vitamins on a regular basis until around 4 years post-op.  Vitamins/calcium make a major difference.  Also, for the first 4 years I never drank a drop of water.  I lived on pop and juice.  I have completely cut pop out of my diet and I limit my juice intake.  Most importantly, I drink water.   People ask me all the time would I have the surgery all over again.  My answer will always remain, in a heart beat. 

I am three weeks out and have not had any complications.  I was a bit lactose intolerant the first couple of weeks, but that has subsided.    I actually feel better in the last couple of weeks, than I have in the last couple of years. Best of luck Pam

From about 3 hours after getting out of surgery, I was up and about and nothing has been in my way since.  Am I the norm, not really but I didn't let a bit of pain stop me because I knew the more I moved, the faster it would go away and it did.  The only "complications" is that I'm lactose intolerant but now they have some stuff you can take beforehand or I do the lactose free milk.  I am also very sugar sensitive.  If I have more than about 7 grams of sugar in something I dump.  This is a very good thing for me because it keeps me honest and I don't want to "try" something that used to cause the problems.  If I need something chocolate, I east 1 Russell Stover candy not a whole bag like before.  I love the new me and I don't want to jeopardize that.  Would I do it again?  Yes, in a heartbeat.

Susan, I'm also two weeks out rny open surgery I have had no problems I think it do too do what your Dr. tell you drinks and sip water and your shakes, and walk and walk and if you have time walk more. Good luck

I am four weeks out, and I have not had any complications. My docter said I was a cookie cutter patient. As in Nothing unusual about me. So My guess is that nothing unusual will happen with you either. Tell your family and yourself to not worry about complications before they happen. Just make sure to follow the docs directions. :D

Hugs

Jenny

Just  wanta wish you the best of luck with you upcoming surgery.

Here are my complications

Staph infection a week after surgery with 3 more surgeries to try to get it to heal.  Was on a wound vac for most of 2 years to try to get the incision to heal Couldn't hardly eat or drink for the first 4 months  because of the heavy antibiotics.

Multiple strictures. Hernia I am not the norm but just wanted you to know.

Susan, I had more issues when I got my tonsils out than with WLS!!!  I've had no problems.  The only thing I would do different is that I would recommend waiting longer than a year post-op before having a tummy tuck....I had a hard time healing from that and ended up re-hospitalized.  Doc said it was just too much to do to my body in only a years time.  Otherwise, like the others are saying, follow your docs intructions and you'll do well!! Good Luck! Kathy