Preventing a leak

Hi all. I am 5 days post op and now worrying about leaks. I feel ok but I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to prevent them. I have tried googling it and they sound unavoidable, which is scary. My doctor didn't do an xray or anything before I was released from the hospital is that bad? 

Thank you for your help÷ 

Just follow the phases. Don't eat stuff that puts your staple line at risk. Doctors have a little variance in what they say to eat in the phases, but this early out you are likely in full liquids. (Shakes, yogurt...) Don't overeat. Remember you vagus nerve was cut so you won't "feel" full. You need to weigh and measure instead. Try not to worry. If you were going to have problems it likely would have already surfaced by now.

A leak test is usually done while you are still asleep during surgery.  People sometimes cause a leak by eating too much early out.  Follow your food plan and you should be fine.

If you had a leak, you'd have known it by now. The only way ypu can cause a leak is to eat too much, or something you shouldn't. Otherwise, there's nothing you can do, and worrying won't help.

I had the same worry. Agree with everyone. Just follow the eating plan, no deviations, and you should be fine. 

I'm pretty sure your surgeon probably did a leak test before he/she closed you up after surgery. That's what my surgeon did. Its very important that you do exactly what your doctor says. For me it was liquids for 2 weeks, puree for 2 weeks and soft foods the next 2 weeks. Watch Dr. Alvarez's video, he talks about preventing leaks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_zW-Bf7x4A

He was asked a few questions on this video. But listen to his 2nd question very carefully.

Thanks for sharing the video! I have no intention of eating outside of what my doctor tells me to. Surgery sucked,  I am not going to ruin it :) thanks much!

You avoid leaks simply by following your doctor's and dietician's instructions to a T!