Question:
Staple line disruption question

I am having a Upper GI because I have gained 50 of the 110 pounds I lost. I have these shooting pains at the top of my scar. For those who have had a SLD what type of pain did you have. My surgeon also put me on Protonix. I am so scared of going back to where I was... Thanks - Tracy    — tracyr (posted on September 27, 2004)

September 27, 2004
I had no pain at all with my SLD. Only sign I had one was the re-gain. I've never had acid reflux, but I have heard that the sudden reappearance can signal a SLD and that the pain comes from the acid. Good Luck.
   — Ali M

September 27, 2004
I didn't have pain, as such, but I did have the major gusher of acid. I could eat a bit more, but I was 5 yrs out, so it was normal to be able to eat more. Not unlimited, just a lil more than I had been. The acid was AWFUL.
   — vitalady

September 28, 2004
u dont really have an answer just a question? for those ofyou who answered the question and the person posing it, does it mean you wernt transected? just curious b/c i thought all drs transected now. and im always learning about this surgery to supply others with info. thanks
   — amanda W.

September 28, 2004
Most drs. do transect now, however, that has only been for the last couple of years. The previous posters, particularly Michelle, have been out for longer than that. You need to ask your Dr. if s/he transects or staples. I'm transected so I can't answer the question. Katie W.
   — Le P.

September 28, 2004
To tell you the truth - I am not sure if I am transected. I know that I have staples (Dr. told me so). So if I have staples I am not transected? Tracy
   — tracyr

September 28, 2004
As far as I know, if it was lap, it was transected. Open could be either way. I was open both times, but then, I was done in the dark ages originally (1994). I know there are still docs who do not transect. Why? Beats me, but they do it their way. I looked at your doc and don't know what he does, as a rule, so you'll have to get your op report. WHAT? I think everyone should have their op report at home and a copy when we travel. Example: I'm 10 yrs out this yr, but this summer, I had unspecified abdominal pain while 1500 miles from home. My DH grabbed the file we carry (last labs, op reports, list of meds/ even vites, docs' numbers) and we went to ER. Turned out to be unrelated to the gut, but I was terrified of having some stranger in there wandering around in a foreign land. I called my surgeon and said, "Who in this area do you want messing with your work?" LOL
   — vitalady

October 3, 2004
oh, so transecting has only taken place in the last couple of yrs? i get it now. to the other person, yes im transected and i have staples. that is how my new pouch is fastened together. if they ever disrupted which is very rare after the first few months, all food and junk would pour right into my body cavity and ifnot found soon enough i could die. that is why it is very inportant to check out ur surgeon and get his stats. nine is very competent and after 2 yrs i havent had any problems
   — amanda W.

October 3, 2004
Well I am over 3 years out and transected. EVERYONE gets staples with the RNY. Trasnsected the stomach is stapled into 2 parts, then cut apart and both seams sewn up. I THINK there have been LAPS here that werent transected. not common but can occur. wight gain and acid are indicative of a SLD.
   — bob-haller