Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Is my Pouch torn or leaking?



Recommended Posts

How would I know if my pouch was torn or leaking? Also, how can I tell how stretched out it might be? My surgery was 11 years ago, I initially lost about 70% of my goal, but after about 2 years began to gain weight and now am wondering if I have done some damage to my pouch.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think if you have a damaged pouch, you might have some symptoms such as pain, cramping, etc. And you probably gained for the same reason many of us do, returning to some old eating habits. (I eat bad things when I'm stressed, for example.) You'd feel better if you find a good bariatric surgeon, and just explain to the appointment clerk that you need a re-evaluation of your 11-year-old surgical pouch. The visit would clear up the question, and they might be able to start you on a new path to success. Good luck - you can do this!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you Energizer Here's the honest truth, back 9 years ago, when I had failed to lose any more than 70% (which was all in the first several months, then lost no more) he had a "heart to heart" with me stating that he had done all he could do. I know he was getting at I hadn't gotten near goal, began to gain some, wasn't demonstrating a continued desire and effort and he released me. Now over the several years I gained up to 225, but have been there with no gain or loss for about 6 years. So I really hate to call him back up and say - "So, Doc - how about checking me out?" hhahaha. Now I do go to my PCP for yearly check ups and 2 years ago I had to have an infusion for low Iron, which I have struggled with all my life. Thank you for listening and for the reply! I just have finally reached a point I think where my weight added to my age are really affecting my abilities and energy and was wondering if it was "likely" that I had done some "damage" and would not know it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No, your pouch is not torn or leaking. You would be extremely sick.

It is possible it is stretched out, or your body has just gotten accustomed to it, allowing you to eat more. Either way, you need to get to a lower caloric intake/more exercise in order to lose the weight. Whether a revisional surgery would help you is something you and your doctor could discuss.



Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Berry78, I know you're right about the caloric intake and between you and energizer I am not worried about damage...so on to the battlefield of the mind! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hang in there Faith. Try to go back to your Bariatric Eating roots...you CAN DO THIS! Find a new bariatric doc if going back to the original doc is what's stopping you. You need to see a doc and refocus your sights. My doc actually sent me to a psychiatrist to see about "what was eating me" that caused me to eat. I can say it was a great help because I gained insight into myself that I had not ever realized before.

I will keep you in my prayers. Believe in yourself. You can do this!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just updating everyone because you have been so supportive and your encouragement really was the catalyst and the sustaining drive behind my success of the last week! I went back to the beginning, just post op and I must admit, the 1st couple of days is where your encouragement worked it's best work :) I WANTED TO EAT! But 2 days liquid diet, high Protein, lots and lots of Water, then the rest of the week concentrating on Protein 1st, Water 2nd and eating at meal time and 1 snack time-NO GRAZING!!! I did it! I CAN do it and I will continue to use you all (with your permission) and keep praying for a deepening commitment to my own well being and health. 8 lbs down as of this morning-YAY TEAM!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×