Someone scared the daylights out of me about a leak also.... But it is rare I understand... Don't let the fear of others scare you... I thought the same exact thing... But I had to remind myself that I couldn't do it on my own... I tried that and that is why I had the surgery... Remember, getting in your car is a risk... Falling down a flight of stairs can happen... Life is full of risks and obstacles... But living in fear is no way to live... Have faith in your doctors and their team... They will do their best... Listen to your body... If it doesnt feel well call them... I think people that come close to dying don't listen to their bodies or communicate.... That's what the docs are there for.... Hope this helps... Message me anytime if you want to talk... Let us know how you are doing....

I believe that was my post that you read. I had a more complicated surgery because I had a hernia repair that was done at the same time as by RNY. And the hernia surgery was my second one in a year so I had scar tissue and adhesions from the pervious surgery. Although it was a leak that actually caused the most serious issues. From what I understand leaks are very rare. Please don't let what happened to me scare you. Going through what I did I would still do it again. I personally know about 10 people who have had both RNY and Sleeve and I am the only one that had any issues.

You have to be aware of your body like KathiRay said. Immediately after my surgery I knew something wasn't right. I kept telling the doctors and they finally listened and found my leak and corrected the problem.

At 347 pounds I had more chances of dying from an obesity related illness than the surgery itself. I didn't post my experience to scare anyone but you do need to be aware that complications can arise with this surgery or any surgery. My surgeron has a Bariatric Center of Excellence and has one of the lowest rates of preventable complication in the nation but sometimes to put it kind of crudely "shit happens".

I now have my life back and I am loving it!! Please feel free to private message me if you have any questions about my experience.

My doctor said at the orientation that his mortality rate was zero. My inner response, of course, was "oh great--I'll be the first". I think it's natural because this scary stuff. But I agree with KathiRay. You need to trust your doctor. Mine told me he would treat me like a member of his family. Not sure I believed him, but it sounded good at the time. ;-)

And I agree with KathiRay that in considering this surgery, I had to admit that I could NOT do it on my own and frankly, I didn't want to die from being morbidly obese. My younger sister died at the age of 43 a year and a half ago. She was morbidly obese. Not to be disrespectful, but seeing her squeezed into her coffin was a startling and life-changing experience for me. I did not want that to happen to me. Right now, 10 weeks post-op, people are continually commenting to me how happy I look/seem to be. I attribute that to HOPE. This surgery gave me HOPE for the future in a way that nothing else could have.

Best to you!

Thanks ladies! I knew you all would have great things to say. It's funny cause this whole pre op i've been ok. Feeling confidednt and knowing that this is a tool I really need. I think it's the nerves coming through cuse all my testing is done and there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. Meaning I should be finally meeting with the surgeon soon to set a date. Its liike reality sets in once all the hoops have been jumped. LOL!
@ Kellynaylor- ;) yes it was your post. I appreciate it though...even though it freaked me out. LOL! I know that I need to be aware of all the possibilites...positive and negative. Its just hard with a little one at home! I start to think if I need to sit down and write letters telling my husband where everything is and when bills are do! LOL! But I know that with Faith and prayers and love everything will be alright! I just have to keep reminding myself. And of course all of your words and wisdom help as well. That is the mainr eason I come to this site daily!! To give me strength!!!

Had GNY on 1/3/13
No problems, didn't even hit the pain button
My gall bladder surgery was worse
Back to work in 2 wks, could've gone back earlier if the Doc let me
And I'm living happily ever after;)

Thank you stlucia! What is GNY again? LOL! still trying to learn all the lingo. lol

Hey lady! As you are hearing, you are not alone in your feelings...

As I know others are, I am a firm believer that no one can decide what/when/etc surgery is right for you/me/anyone :) With that said;

I do think it is a bit easier for some of us who have already had other, more complicated, surgeries and are still here to tell the tale. At least I think that is true for me. Surgery does not bother me, for me, its the adjustments that will come after that scare the hell outta me! :) Just saying....

And you are younger than I am by like 22 years! So I think that plays a part too in that I don't have the time left (no, I am not THAT old, but you know what I mean) to mess around anymore... I KNOW I cannot do it on my own. However, I am not sure I knew that at 30, but not too many of these surgeries were being done 22 years ago either, so who knows what I would have thought back then if they were.

I do know dieing is not what any of us want, or even long drawn out complications.... But I also know we are all going to die sometime (not to be dramatic or anything, just stating a fact...) What I don't want to have happen is to die one day having never lived!!

I no longer want to sit on the sidelines and watch life pass me by! I want to be living my life, healthy and actively...

And I know if I don't have this surgery.... I will one day kick the bucket while sitting in a recliner, watching soaps on tv and stuffing my face.... (This is honestly a fear I have, of becoming like my sis-in-law whom I love DEARLY but is slowly dieing...) So I will have the surgery and fight like tooth and nail ending up like her....

My point to all this blabbering is ask yourself why you are here, doing this....? How big is your why... so to speak. Cause for me, mine is big, HUGE, massive! And whatever fears or hurdles I have to overcome to find success.... I will do it! (And so will you! :)

Leaks are not common. Surgeons test for them while you are still on the operating table, so it is unusual for one to get by them. I suggest that you discuss your worries and concerns with your surgeon. Hearing for him/her what their procedure is and how they do things will do a lot to relieve your worries. :)

Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the US. So we are ticking time bombs right now. I made the choice that I would rather die fighting for life than the slow suicide I was committing by knife & fork.

Realistically stats of death and complications are low and similar to most any surgical procedure.

Sending you prayers and good vibes for peace of mind and speedy healing (if that is the way you go)

~Michelle "Shelly"

Its funny that you said that maybe you need to write things down for your husband. This is an issue arose when I was in the hospital and was in a medically induced coma. My husband had no clue about paying the bills. It is something I had always done for our entire marriage. So regardless if you are having surgery or not it is probably a good idea for your husband to be aware of where the bills and check book are!!

LOL! You are so right Kelly! I try to tell him all the time where everything is and what to do with it. Seems to go in one ear and out the other.
@ Becca- I do know that the surgery is the right decision for me and that the Lord will get me through it. I trully believe that He and I have bigger plans for my new life post op! :-) I guess I would only be human to be having a little fears. (BTW....had the weirdest dream last night about surgery. Woke up a little freaked out.) LOL But much better now. Thanks to all of you ladies!
@ Farmgirl- Thanks for that! I really should right a list of questions for my surgeon.