Catastrophic fix with leaks

So sorry about that... Misinformation, lack of experience, lack of knowledge....the VSG is less complicated and has less potential complications than any other bariatric surgery available today. Your surgeon just doesn't know. I think even in Ontario you can appeal to have a more experienced sleeve surgeon. There are a few. I have never heard of anyone getting a complete gastrectomy for a leak. Sure leaks are a pain in the neck to fix and over the years on OH I have seen people get leaks occasionally but no one has had to get a full gastrectomy as a fix. Hope it all goes well for you.

What my surgeon told me is that leaks are rare (He had not had one yet.)  When they occur, they cannot go in and patch it with surgery because the tissue is inflamed.  So they  have to let the stomach heal and they feed you with a tube for weeks.  So its a lot of time in the hospital and not fun.  But no talk about removing the stomach!. 

best wishes,

Carol

I think your surgeon is inexperienced with the sleeve and is afraid of how to handle a leak if one should occur. Sleeves that have leaks are usually treated with stints until it is healed. It can take weeks or months to recover from a leak. Gastric bypass ALSO has a leak as a potential complication so it's not like that's not a complication with RNY too. Use the OH search tool and look up RNY leak or staple line disruption and you will see for yourself. Leaks are serious, to be sure, but your surgeon would likely need to consult with experienced colleagues if one should occur because he has never dealt with one. Obviously, he prefers to perform the RNY due to this. Leaks are rare with the sleeve. I understand you need to go to this surgeon due to your healthcare program but I have to wonder if you have the ability to get a more experienced surgeon somehow, some way.  Perhaps you could look into that through your healthcare plan?There were a lot of Canadians going to Mexico to get VSG also if this surgeon is scaring you.

I am from your area and I choose to go to Buffalo- great experience , great surgeon not one complication- one night in hospital loosing consistently - was considered a risk here as I have Crohn's disease 

I love Dr. Posner :)  I'm getting my surgery with Dr. Hoffman, who is in the same office!  Great surgery team here in Buffalo.

RUN! Please seek another doctor. This is not accurate and untrue. Please find someone who is well versed in both surgeries and even more than just RNY and the sleeve. Sounds like this surgeon is uncomfortable doing anything else except RNY. Run, don't walk.

Thank you so much everyone for all of your replies. I am currently trying to see if I can get transferred to another centre here in toronto. I called on Thursday but the receptionist was not sure of the process and said I need to talk to the office manager. She said I would likely have to start to process from the beginning again as they have different processes....I don't mind the wait as long as I am safe and in good hands. I have 2 small children to consider in all this as well. I will keep you all posted as I truly appreciate the feedback and guidance ;)

Sassy,

call the bariatric registry, they would be the ones who would transfer your file to another center. Don't tell them it's because of the surgeon, as that is not a reason to have your file transferred, you gave to think of another reason. I live in Ontario and yes you do have to have a good reason for the sleeve vs the RNY, as the RNY is the preferred surgery according to OHIP. But I got the sleeve in August, a friend of mine had the sleeve in March, use reasons like your celiacs, say you NEED NSAIDS because of arthritis, things line that. Going in stating its a preference may not be your best route as the surgeon is the one who has to submit the reasons to OHIP.  You can get the sleeve, it is possible, and as many on here has stated there are risks of complication with any surgery, and to be honest there is less cutting with the sleeve then RYN... Good luck! 

Mochalocks12, 

thanks for the information. Where did you have your sleeve done? I know I need the sleeve and told my surgeon that at the beginning. Would the registry not let me change as I am not comfortable with the amount of exposure my surgeon has with the sleeve?