When can I know that I'm not gunna have a leak?

[marfar7 1,528]

It's my #1 concern. It's why I've decided not to cheat on my 4 wk liquid diet (as I did during the 3rd week with my lapband. Thought i might starve so I added mashed potatoes ad oatmeal). But I'm wondering if my stomach will be healed by 4 weeks when I do start adding real food in. I'm scheduled fr a revision on July 16th and it's the only thing I'm worried about.

When can I start relaxing about getting a leak? Can it happen anytime forever? Or just the first 4-12 weeks?

Can't imagine going longer than 4 wks on liquids, but if there's a chance of leaking after that, I'm probly gunna be too paranoid to start eating again!

[JoiaRox 430]

That long on liquids?! Yikes! I was on "clear liquids" for the first three days post-op, then on "full liquids" until Day 14 - and even that included yogurt. Day 15 brought the transition to purees - so, essentially, I can eat anything that doesn't require chewing. I'll be in this stage until Day 29 (beginning of 5th week post-op).

I've been advised that as I move through the stages, continue to go slow when introducing new foods and consistencies to see how your stomach handles them. Honestly, my doctor said any surgery complications were gone within the first 48 hours, so it's unlikely I'll "bust a gut" at this point (3 weeks post-op today). However, taking it slow and introducing foods slowly (and one at a time - in case any problem develops with digestion, I know what caused it) is the key to recovery.

My doctor *did* say that weeks 2-3 were the most critical for recovery. I guess I'm past that now! My recovery has been textbook and my doc has been quite pleased at the two follow-up appointments I've had so far, so I must be doing something right!

[Molly Sleeved 36]

Usually, it's caught early, but I've heard accounts of small leaks going unknown for 6 months. By the way, I was on Clear Liquids for 2 weeks and full liquids for 10 days before puree. My surgeon goes slow - and I'm thankful I gave my sleeve that time to heal.

[JoiaRox 430]

P.S. Just like the LapBand? You'll know when it's time to stop...or slow down...the restriction post-op is amaaaaazing compared with the "restriction" I had with my band

[Molly3 495]

P.S. Just like the LapBand? You'll know when it's time to stop...or slow down...the restriction post-op is amaaaaazing compared with the "restriction" I had with my band

What sign do you get?

[JoiaRox 430]

What sign do you get?

My signs are usually hiccups or general fullness in my chest - very similar to LapBand restriction, but much more pronounced! When you eat sloooooowly, these signs (or something like them) make themselves available to you!

[dork 114]

You will start to feel it in your chest. I have a 4 oz dish I use. Sometimes can't make it to 3 oz. When you start to feel it...stop. Don't force anything.

[Molly3 495]

Hmmm, I think I sigh?