Anyone have/had a fistula???

I would love to hear from anyone who has had a fistula (leak between new pouch and old stomach). I have one, and am concerned even though my surgeon is dismissive about it. If so, did it resolve on its own? Did it interfere with your weight loss? Did it leave you hungry? How did you know you had it? Did you have to undergo surgery to repair it? Please let me know. Thanks. Warmth, Michele

Hi Michele, I had a fistula and a stomach leak but my fistula was from my new stomach pouch and to my abdominal cavity. I had a penrose drain already in place since I had a abscess and had emergency surgery due to the abscess. My stomach pouch healed on it's own....took 4 weeks and being on a feeding tube for a month with nothing allowed by mouth for that month! I know that some people do have to surgery to repair the pouch and fistula. It did interfere with my weight loss because on the feeding tube the formula that they have you on is to promote healing and actually you consume high calorie amounts....usually between 1500 to 2000 cals. a day. I gained 10 lbs in that month but lost those 10 pds in one week after I came off the feeding tube and was progressed to liquids and then on to soft foods in that week. I have been off the feeding tube now a month and have managed to lose 20 pds in that month. I I wasnt hungry on the feeding tube but battled head hunger like crazy! I craved every thing.....and being home bound and watching tv and commercials didn't help! If you have any questions please feel free to email or if you want some details on my journey this summer please read my profile! Hugs....hope you feel better soon! Dawn

Hello Michele, Yes I had a fistula after I had my surgery. I had an open surgery and it was a revison of an old stomach stapling; about 3-4 weeks after my surgery my wound opened up. I was blessed because the bacteria came to the outside and not inward. I was back in the hospital for seven days and placed on a vac. I could not have anything by mouth for about 2 weeks. I was on a feeding tube for more than a month. It was a terrible time. I am better now but I am losing weight very slowly. I pray you are doing well. Healing of this thing is very slow. I wish you well. Pretty Lady