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Warning-sign checks

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, sudden severe abdominal pain, or a painful swollen leg.

    These can be signs of bleeding, a blood clot, or another serious complication.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, increasing wound redness, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, reduced urination, persistent fast heartbeat, worsening reflux, or difficulty swallowing.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine questions about diet stages, supplements, wound care, work, or planned medicine changes can usually wait for normal clinic hours.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Vertical sleeve gastrectomy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.