Leaks??

How many of us here are "leak-survivors"? My leak set off my three month hospital stay and I was just wondering how many other's have had a leak and lived to tell about it. I didn't find out until much later that, 40% of those who have a leak do not survive. If you did have a leak, do you know how many other patients of your doctor had leaks? Were you the first? I have spoken with four other patients of the surgeon that I used who also had leaks. Just curious Debbie

I have a leak I am on tpn nutrition. Where did you hear that 40%donot survive? I am so nurvous. My surgery date was July 8 th and I had a 10 day hospital stay. They say I am doing great. How are you doing.

Hi Joy. The stats that I mentioned came from a very, very wonderful doctor in the Atlanta area (not the one who did my surgeries) I'm not 100% sure, but I think the type of leak he was talking about is the type which requires immediate surgical repair, not the type that is left to heal on it's on. My leak was one which had to be repaired via a second surgery. I understand that you are nervous. When things don't go according to plan it can be very scary. Are you comfortable with your doctor? Do you think he/she is doing everything they can to take care of you? Follow your doctor's orders and if anything and I mean anything does not feel right to you.....call your surgeon right away!! I'm doing fine now. My surgery(s) and hospital stay was in 2002, so I have had time to get my life back. I have some scars from various procedures that were done, but nothing I can't live with. I still weigh over 200 pounds, (during the first 3 months, while in the hospital I gained 20 pounds, due to high calorie tube feeding) but I'm healthy and happy and can do almost anything I wish. Good Luck to you Debbie

I have a leak right now, at 7 months. I have spent about 5 out of my last 7 months in the hospital. I guess you could call me a survivor, for right now-don't know what is to come tho. I have my G tube in, I have my PICC in, and they don't know what to do with me anymore, so they sent me home on pain meds...I am scared, I cry, I am tired....I don't know what to do anymore!

Hi! My mother had a leak. She had her surgery 9/4/03 and she was rushed back to the hospital on 9/12/04 and had emergency sugery. She had a leak in her staple line. The doctor said that if she had came in sooner then he probaly could have fixed it right up, but since she waited so long she he could not stick it up. She was on all kinds on antibotics and was in a drug induced coma for 5 weeks. finally after 2 1/2 monthes getting better she was opyt into rehab so she could learn how to walk again and also to get her of teh vent. after a week in rehab she was rushed to another hospital and then she passed 2 days later. I think that it is very important to catch the leak right away it can save our life, if you wait too long it is not a good thing. Her whole bnody was infected buy the fulid that was leaking out of her adopminal area. Rachel http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/health/actionnews-sr-gastricbypass.html

Hi Debbie! I am pre-op and trying to look at the good and the bad about GBP. How did you know you had a leak? Did your insurance cover the emergency surgery and hospital stay? Are you fully recovered or are you still having problems? Other than being overweight, I am very healthy. I am so afraid of trading good health for misery just to be thin. Anything you are willing to share is greatly appreciated. Thanks and take care! Cassandra

Hi Debbie, I had a leak that required emergency surgery. I was four days out when I experienced severe and escalating pain. I went to the ER and after 7 hours of agany, they took me into the OR. I am now doing well but I was in the hospital for 23 days after my second surgery. My surgeon has had one other person with a serious leak and has done over 300 RNY proceedures. Deborah

I'm a leak survivor. Was on TPN for about 60 days. All turned out well and I think my doctor handled it pretty well. tough road but can through it well.