When can we stop being fearful of leaks?

[lwilliams65 102]

I've been reading some posts about leaks and needless to say, the thought scares the heck out of me. I was self pay in Mexico and I don't have health insurance (don't judge) so I've tried o research the best I can on my own. I've heard people say your body is healed at 6 weeks but does that also mean your staple line is healed then? I want to make sure to be very cautious until I'm in the clear. I almost don't want to eat any solid food at all until I know I'm safe cos it scares me. I'm one of those lucky ones that so far can tolerate anything and although I've stuck to my post op diet, it still frightens me because sipping annoys me since I feel like I don't need to sip. Can taking normal drinks instead of sips cause a leak?? I know none of you are doctors but I still like to read all the input I can get. I am able to contact everyone in Mexico that was part of my surgery and I plan to do so but I just wanted to hear from you guys a little too. Thanks

[bandicootc 91]

I've been reading some posts about leaks and needless to say' date=' the thought scares the heck out of me. I was self pay in Mexico and I don't have health insurance (don't judge) so I've tried o research the best I can on my own. I've heard people say your body is healed at 6 weeks but does that also mean your staple line is healed then? I want to make sure to be very cautious until I'm in the clear. I almost don't want to eat any solid food at all until I know I'm safe cos it scares me. I'm one of those lucky ones that so far can tolerate anything and although I've stuck to my post op diet, it still frightens me because sipping annoys me since I feel like I don't need to sip. Can taking normal drinks instead of sips cause a leak?? I know none of you are doctors but I still like to read all the input I can get. I am able to contact everyone in Mexico that was part of my surgery and I plan to do so but I just wanted to hear from you guys a little too. Thanks <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Honestly I stopped sipping about 9 hours after surgery. I wasn't getting enough fluids. You can take normal drinks, just don't gulp, and pause every half cup or so. Just to give the Fluid a chance to pass. I also used and still use a straw.

[mikeross 216]

I have read anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months.but would like to hear other opinions.

[lwilliams65 102]

Honestly I stopped sipping about 9 hours after surgery. I wasn't getting enough fluids. You can take normal drinks' date=' just don't gulp, and pause every half cup or so. Just to give the Fluid a chance to pass. I also used and still use a straw.[/quote']

Oh thank goodness. I'm definitely not getting enough Fluid. Only about 35-40 oz a day. I was scared to use a straw cos the air can give you gas and I got plenty of that lol. So what is the portion size for drinks and food? Everyone says to measure stuff but I don't know how much of stuff I'm supposed to have

[lwilliams65 102]

I have read anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 years.but would like to hear other opinions.

Wow 6 years seems pretty far out. I'm gonna be in fear forever lol. I did just email the dr who assisted my surgery so I will let you know what he says.

[O.T.R. sleever 3,386]

The 6 week number is specifically related to your staple line. It is considered healed at 6 weeks. Full healing, meaning all swelling is gone, etc will take between 6 months & 1 year.

But the probability of springing a new leak after 6 weeks is almost non existent.

[lwilliams65 102]

The 6 week number is specifically related to your staple line. It is considered healed at 6 weeks. Full healing' date=' meaning all swelling is gone, etc will take between 6 months & 1 year.

But the probability of springing a new leak after 6 weeks is almost non existent.[/quote']

Ok so I should just be extra cautious for 6 weeks. Thanks for the reply. Why does swelling take so long o disappear?

[Threetimesacharm 1,400]

Oh thank goodness. I'm definitely not getting enough Fluid. Only about 35-40 oz a day. I was scared to use a straw cos the air can give you gas and I got plenty of that lol. So what is the portion size for drinks and food? Everyone says to measure stuff but I don't know how much of stuff I'm supposed to have

You should have received an extensive food guide/list when you left the hospital from Dr Garcia, maybe you should read it. Many on this site are NOT experts and may give you wrong advice.

[mikeross 216]

Wow 6 years seems pretty far out. I'm gonna be in fear forever lol. I did just email the dr who assisted my surgery so I will let you know what he says.

sorry lol, meant to say 6 months.

[Lissa 2,631]

Follow your doctor's recommendations, of course, but most of us are out of the woods for leaks by six months. Other complications can still happen, but they are definitely uncommon. I've heard of people's stomach twisting, abcesses, etc. But those complications are even more rare than incidents of leaks.

[lwilliams65 102]

You should have received an extensive food guide/list when you left the hospital from Dr Garcia' date=' maybe you should read it. Many on this site are NOT experts and may give you wrong advice.[/quote']

I did read it, it doesn't say anything about leaks. Like I said in my post, I just wanted opinions and planned on contacting one of my drs.

[lwilliams65 102]

Follow your doctor's recommendations' date=' of course, but most of us are out of the woods for leaks by six months. Other complications can still happen, but they are definitely uncommon. I've heard of people's stomach twisting, abcesses, etc. But those complications are even more rare than incidents of leaks.[/quote']

Oh ok, that's interesting. Well thank you for the information

[lwilliams65 102]

sorry lol' date=' meant to say 6 months.[/quote']

No worries

[JeffA70 200]

I asked my doc about leaks at my 6 week appointment and he basically said that he's not concerned about them at this point. Not saying it's impossible, obviously, but that was his reaction.

[lwilliams65 102]

I asked my doc about leaks at my 6 week appointment and he basically said that he's not concerned about them at this point. Not saying it's impossible' date=' obviously, but that was his reaction.[/quote']

Okay thanks. I thinks most people's doctors are saying 6 weeks and complications after that are rare. Thanks for letting me know