This is probably a dumb question, but I am paranoid about doing something wrong that will cause a leak. How long does it normally take your stomach to heal so that you do not have to worry about leaks any longer?

I've heard all kinds of numbers, six weeks, six months and a year. Just follow your doctor's instructions and try to under-eat your pouch. That 's about all YOU can control. The rest is up to God and your surgeon's handiwork. If it helps, leaks are very rare, but they do happen. I wouldn't say that any of the people I've seen with leaks or abcesses did anything to cause their leaks.

I HAD a leak and the last time I went to my dr., I unfortunately asked this question. Honestly, you don't want to truly know... but he said he's heard of ppl with leaks even up to 12 months. That scares me... but ditto Lissa. I didn't do anything to cause my leak, unfortunately I was that 1% freak of nature that it happened to. Don't worry too much on this and FOLLOW YOUR DR'S INSTRUCTIONS. Don't overfill your belly and don't eat what your dr. says you aren't ready to eat (they have their reasons). That's all I can tell you.. oh and lots of prayers and convos with God. Believe me, after my leak, He knows I'm banging on his door rather frequently!

That's not a dumb question cuz I've always wanted to ask it too!

You just need to follow docs orders. Leaks are so rare. There are a lot of possible complications of the surgery, but if you let the worrying get to you it will drive you crazy. Think possitive! That is what got me through.... I am now 8 months out and I have never felt better! good luck to all of you future sleevers....this is the best choice you could make for your health!

I had a leak also, when my leak was healed I also asked - "can this happen again?" My doctor said this - ALL BETS ARE OFF IF YOU SMOKE OR DRINK. (I don't). He said these two things really affect your body and healing and not to do it. Otherwise, he told me I would be fine. This was at 6 months out. That being said, my leaked showed up at 9 weeks. It was most likely hidden and kept closed by the swelling of my sleeve and when the swelling went down, it opened up. Nothing I did to cause it.

I had a leak also' date=' when my leak was healed I also asked - "can this happen again?" My doctor said this - ALL BETS ARE OFF IF YOU SMOKE OR DRINK. (I don't). He said these two things really affect your body and healing and not to do it. Otherwise, he told me I would be fine. This was at 6 months out. That being said, my leaked showed up at 9 weeks. It was most likely hidden and kept closed by the swelling of my sleeve and when the swelling went down, it opened up. Nothing I did to cause it.[/quote']

How did you know you had a leak?