complications - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

josie · 09-19-2006, 03:47 PM

Does anyone talk about their complications? What type of complications and if it was worth it?

kayem · 09-19-2006, 04:05 PM

Hi there,

As many people that I have talked with have just as many complications. Some severe some just little bumps in the road. My self I had no surgery complications and have had very few problems along the way. Information is your best friend before, during and after your surgery. I read anything I can get my hands on so that I can be informed and stay informed. I'm sure you will do just great!!!

kayem · 09-19-2006, 04:06 PM

oh by the way Yes I it worth it every day!

SDphotogrl99 · 09-19-2006, 04:07 PM

A lot of peeps have problems after WLS. Everyone I have ever talked to said they would do it again in a heartbeat!

LisaBoston · 09-19-2006, 08:24 PM

I had one stricture. It was 2 days travel to the surgeon, one endoscope and all fixed. Other than that....good to go and NO regrets....one stricture for me was no big deal.

Macy · 09-19-2006, 09:27 PM

I had none whatsoever. My only "issue" is my nutrition. I have to really watch my iron intake, or I get very anemic.

Best of luck to you.

brittany · 09-19-2006, 09:49 PM

the only complication I had was when I came out of surgery I was coverd up real good and the nurse couldn't tell that my arm was bent so my IV was not getting any pain med to me. So when I woke from my surgery I woke with nothing! this only lasted a short time. Yes I would do it again, so far I only had it done 12 days ago so there may be more surprises to come. I hope not so far so good! I have kept in touch with another guy that had his surgery on the same day as me but he had the sleeve he has done great!! no complications.

ready4achange · 09-20-2006, 12:18 AM

I came home on a Monday and Wednesday I was back to see the surgeon. My insision was draining and smelled ....bad ! I called the doctor and they said to come in. He started opening me up in the office and realized that I was going to have be opened up all the way so I was admitted to the hospital and taken to the O.R. I had an infection . He said it was extensive so I was given 3 antibiotics three times a day. Since they were so strong I needed a pic line in. I did not have a fever or anything which I think surprised him. I was in a week and during that time I went to the OR to be "cleaned out" about three times. He sent me home with a "wound vac" instead of closing me up. That way I would heal from the inside out. I had a home health care nurse come in three times a week to change the sponge. I think I had it for about six weeks. (don't remember) When I got home a few days later I did have diahreah (sp?) for a couple of days. Doctor said it was because all the antibiotics killed my "good flora" in my intestines so I needed more meds to help straighten me out. I have to thank my hubby for taking care of me so well. I had the g-tube still in for extra protein to heal faster.
He made sure I never wanted for anything. Would I do it again ?
YES , DEFINATELY ! My highest weight was 334 and I am now around 230. I feel so much better than I did a year ago. My only regret was it took me so long to decide to have this surgery.
Hope this helped, Good Luck
Sandy

Blueyz · 09-20-2006, 12:43 AM

From day one, I wasn't right. This has been a very bumpy road for me, but I am winning. I had trouble keeping my levels straight and had to go back and forth for IV's and labs so many times. I was placed on nutritional supplements that saved me. In the meantime, I developed a huge ventral hernia that continued to bother me for almost 2 years. I had so many various surgeries in between time. I signed a contract stating that 20% of open surgeries result in a hernia of some sort and of course that was me. With all of the complications and then some, I would do it all over again tomorrow. It has been worth every struggle, pain, $$losses, etc. I am so happy about my life and how I am living it. I wouldn't change a thing. I was most fortunate having Dr Callery. He is a blessing.

Zenomia · 09-20-2006, 08:17 AM

I too had complications, and if you use the search feature, you can find the older threads that address these concerns. We are NOT shy about talking about things going wrong, it wouldn't be an honest representation if we did. Which is why when I had strictures (5 of them in my first 2 months post op), I wasn't surprised. This board prepared me for everything I was going through before I even was wheeled in for surgery. So complications or not, I was mentally prepared for every eventuality. That is priceless!! Regrets...heck NO! I figure you can't regret what you view as your LAST RESORT. And for me, this surgery was the last resort!!