If you have had weight loss surgery to remove part of your stomach, also known as a gastric sleeve, you must know the signs and symptoms of a gastric sleeve leak. A leak can cause serious health complications, so knowing what to look for and how to get help if you think you may leak is essential.
Revision surgery involves correcting or repairing the original surgery. This may be done if the first surgery did not work as planned or if there are complications from the first surgery.
Read more: Is It Possible to Get Gastric Sleeve Surgery Twice?
Here, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of a gastric sleeve leak, the treatment options, and the outlook.
What Are the Crucial Signs of a Gastric Sleeve Leak?
1) Unusual Pain Or Discomfort in the Incision Site Or Around the Stomach
This happens when the stomach acid leaks through the surgical incision. The pain can be severe and may radiate to your back or shoulder.
2) Swelling of the Stomach
Swelling could be a sign that the gastric sleeve isn’t healing correctly. It may also be a sign of an infection.
3) Nausea and Vomiting
When the body is trying to heal a gastric sleeve leak, you may experience nausea and vomiting. This is your body’s way of getting rid of the toxins and bacteria that have leaked into your system. However, if you are vomiting more than once a day or if your vomit is bloody, you should seek medical attention immediately.
4) Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another common symptom of a gastric sleeve leak. This is because the bacteria that have leaked into your system can cause inflammation in your intestines, resulting in diarrhea.
4) Fever
When you experience a gastric sleeve leak, your body temperature may increase. This is because the immune system is working overtime to fight the infection. If you have a fever, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away.
Types of Gastrointestinal Leaks
1) Early Leaks
When the surgery is performed correctly, the staples close to the stomach are very strong. However, in some cases, the staples can come loose soon after surgery, causing an early leak. These leaks usually occur within the first week after surgery.
2) Late Leaks
Late leaks happen when the staple line does not heal properly and starts to leak gastric fluid. These leaks happen a few weeks or even months after surgery.
Signs and symptoms of a late gastric sleeve leak include:
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn
- Chills
Tips to Avoid and Treat a Gastric Sleeve Leak
- Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely.
- Make sure to eat bland and soft foods in the early days after surgery.
- Drink more fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least the first few weeks after surgery.
- Take all your prescribed medications as your surgeon or doctor directed.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms or problems, contact your surgeon immediately for advice or treatment.
Hospital BC offers the best weight loss surgery in Mexico. Our doctors are highly experienced in surgery for gastric sleeves in Mexico and board-certified. We will help you achieve weight loss goals and improve your health.