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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!!!

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