Can somebody answer a couple questions?

[LKuhns]

I am seriously considering gastric sleeve surgery. I have a couple questions though. First, I understand they remove about 80% of your stomach and staple your sleeve. Do they actually remove that portion of your stomach or do they just leave it in there to float around? Sounds stupid but I just don't know how they remove it through those scopes..
Second question, I understand they staple your sleeve shut. Are these sharp metal staples? How strong are they? How likely are they to rip through the stomach and cause leaking? I often get bronchitis and develop a deep cough. Would extreme coughing cause the staples to rip out? How often does leaking happen? I know its very serious if it happens and that is one of my main concerns.
I appreciate any comments anyone can give me.

[Luna354]

They remove the portion of your stomach.You are left with a stomach like a banana. They take the part they cut off out through one of the laparoscopic openings. Leak is a risk of surgery but is very uncommon. If you scroll down on this page you can see an animated video that explains the procedure.
http://www.njbariatriccenter.com/wei...astric-sleeve/

[ghost_ryder]

I have chronic bronchitis and had one episode since surgery. knock on wood, nothing has happened to me. I did however use a pillow to hold my stomach.

My biggest concern was what meds I could take post surgery and not mess with my new stomach or hydration levels. To be safe, if you get it at the same time each year like I do, just choose dates not normally affected by your bronchitis tendencies.

[jerzeygirl]

I think you should do more research on the surgery before going through the process. There are videos of the surgery on YouTube if you so feel inclined to watch them. Remember this is elective surgery and you owe it to yourself to know everything you can about the good, bad, and ugly of the surgery and the journey it involves. This is not something to take lightly and "knowledge is power." Good luck!

[Christie13]

This site explains potential complications. All surgeries has their risks. http://www.obesitycoverage.com/uncom...complications/

[sraebaer]

Yep, they actually remove a big part of your stomach and take it out. It's not floating around, it's in the medical trash. No going back. I'm not sure about the staples but I assume the last your lifetime!

[Gvn71]

Yes, they remove the 80% of the stomach and it goes out one of the holes in your abdomen. Its gone forever!

My understanding is that the staples hold your stomach together until you heal (approx. 6 weeks) and then your new smaller stomach grows together and it will be just as strong as your old stomach. My doctor told me that if you don't leak in the first 2 weeks, you are never going to leak.

Good Luck! No regrets here!

[LKuhns]

Thank you so much, that was helpful. I have just started researching this procedure and I will be attending my first seminar in a couple days. I want to learn as much as I can. I am glad to hear the stomach grows together and is as strong as before.