Freaking out about leaks - question...

OK, so I probably did the worst thing possible 3 days out from surgery...I've been reading about complications.  I did this before but for some reason in the last year I'm seeing more posts about them...especially after going to verticalsleevetalk.com.  I'm scared to death of a leak, and I'm wondering if it will help to ask my surgeon to reinforce the stapleline with sutures.  Has anyone else had this done? I can't put my family through the time and emotional expense of that type of complication.  Though I know it's not a guarantee, it may make me feel better.

Rather than give your doc directions, ask him how he closes the line.  When I read my surgical report, I discovered that my doc staples and then puts some sort of adhesive along the staple line.  Your doc probably does something similar, if he doesn't oversew.

I think it's time you took a break from the internet until after your surgery! 

LOL...you're probably right!! 
I called his nurse and she said she thinks he does use some type of adhesive, but doesn't know what exactly. 

 I have no idea about the sutures, but couldn't hurt to talk to your surgeon about your concerns!  The next morning after surgery they took me down to x-ray to do a leak test!   I seen my tummy lookin like a banana!    That drink was horrible & the first thing I took in orally other than ice!  Not all surgeons do this test though, so I would ask for it!!    Wishing you the best & try not to stress yourself out!  

I agree with emelar. Ask your surgeon about his technique. What specific thing does he do to ensure there is not leak. What is his leak percentage - i.e. how many of his patients have had leaks.

My doctor staples, sows and glues. His leak percentage is less than 1% and the national average is 4%. I believe he said that he has had 3 leaks total and he's performed into the thousands of sleeves, but don't quote me on that number because I'm going off memory.

It's been so long since he had a leak that he doesn't do an endoscopy after the surgery. He feels that if he's done his job right it is an unnecessary proceedure to have right after major surgery. It freaked me out at first, but I'm okay with it now.

IMO, good stats for the surgeon and technique are important to having a good surgery.

I also agree that you might want to lay off the reading for awhile. It'll make you crazy.

Stay positive!

It is good to know hat you are getting into,  but nothing is promised. You can not have surgery and have some freakish accident.  Thats how life is.  Stay optimistic. Have a speedy recovery!

Fay

Calm down, stop reading about the "what if's" and clean your house, go shopping, take a walk....I know it's hard to do, but the % of folks with leaks or problems is very very small. Just make a committment to do whatever the doc and his program tell you to do, and once you are out of the woods -- home and sipping clear liquids; don't advance your diet to the next stage early. You will be fine !!!

Thank you all...I had almost talked myself out of it by this morning.  But I always back out of things because I'm scared!  I just keep thinking I deserve something good to happen for me!!  I need to do this to start enjoying life more!!

Most surgeons oversew the staple line. I don't know what your sugeon does but I would ask. Leaks are rare and mostly checked prior to leaving the OR. The surgeon doesn't want to have to re-open their patient for that reason. Don't read those websites and just focus on a speedy recovery you'l be fine!