Question:
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE OK

I AM ALWAYS WORRIED, THAT EVERYTHING INSIDE IS NOT OK. DO I HAVE A LEAK? HOW WOULD I KNOW IF I DID? DO I STILL NEED TO WORRY ABOUT BLOOD CLOTS GETTING TO MY LUNGS. WHEN CAN I STOP WORRYING ABOUT BEING OK?    — APRIL P. (posted on April 1, 2002)

April 1, 2002
April.. how post-op are you? If you are leaking and get peritonitis which is rare (1-4% occurance) our Dr. told us we would have pain, temp greater than 101 and rapid pulse. Blood clots I have heard after a week post-op you are ok and some say up to 3 months. I would talk to your dr. Our dr. felt that blood clots were unlikely after we were able to get up and around and get the blood flowing! Please don't worry and just focus on enjoying your new life!!
   — Allie A.

April 1, 2002
My doctor told me the first year was critical and that if I was going to have a complication, chances are it would have occurred in the first 12 months post-op. I am now 13 months post-op. YIPPEEE!!! I feel great, and I guess that's a good sign. How do you know if you're okay? There's no way to know for sure. Just keep your chin up and put your faith in God.
   — Terissa R.