Question:
Is there any one out there that has had a failed RNY with in the 1st year?

This sounds crazy and maybe in need help, BUT I have hit another plateau which isn't a problem, I understand them completely. and I even expect them! But for the past week I have been able to eat a large amount of food, which scares the poop out of me! I realize some of you may say well dont eat so much but how do you say that to someone who is capable of eating? Don't get me wrong, I'm not pigging out or anything! But for example on easter I put a variety of diffent foods on my plate knowing I would never eat more than a bite of each. but I did and wasn't in any pain ofcourse I didn't eat it all not even close but it was definately more than I ever could before I stopped when full and thats my point I never pushed it and I took ing alot, for me anyway! and since then It has been the same. I don't measure or weigh my food I try to go by sight and fullness to deturmine when I stop. I am affraid I my have hurt my stapple line or something and I'm not losing weight at all for the past 2 weeks! I know there have been days when I have been able to eat more than usual then the next day I'm back to normal. Hope this hasn't confused anyone! I am 4 & 1/2 months post op RNY open 81 lbs down. has this happen to any one else and if yes was there something wrong with your stapple line please tell all for I am deeply worried. thanks    — Ann F. (posted on April 27, 2000)

April 27, 2000
Dear Ann Don't get despondent. This is the first of many plateaus. It is quite normal. You might want to monitor when your period is. I find that about a week before my period I start to going about 5 to 8 pounds. Then as soon as my period starts I lost about 3 of the gained pounds. By the end of my period I lost the other 4 or 5 pounds, and then about 1 week after my period I lost about 5 more pounds in one big drop. Then in the next ten days I lost another 5 pounds and then the period cycle starts up again. I am 3 months post op and this cycle scared the hell out of me, butknow I am used to it I know what to expect. Other friends of mine have plateaud for about a months at the 4 to 5 month mark and it is not unusual. i also find that about 3 days before my period I am able to eat about twice as much food as normal. It is only for about 5 days and then it's almost as if my stomach shrinks back. Interestingly, I read a message about calcium intake. UC San Diego did a study on obese mice which monitored the amount of calcium intake on a low calorie diet. They found that 3 times the daily dose of calcium made obese mice lose about 20% of their body wieght. I am experimenting with this right now. It can't hurt. I take 4000mg calcium a day. Most inportantly, when you feel a plateau, start eating only protein. Fish & Chicken mainly. Fill up on that and drink as much water as possible. i find that if I only eat prtein for about 2 to 3 days, it kinda kick starts new weight loss. Remember, I am no expert. I am just going by my own experience. Everyone is different and you have to play around
   — Shanna H.

April 27, 2000
Ann, unfortunately, this is not a crazy question. I had an open RNY of 8/11/99, I've lost about 90 lbs. so far, and I have a staple line disruption. First of all, I'd like to say that no matter what some surgeons may tell you, 99.9% of the people this happens to have NOT brought it on themselves by sabotaging the surgery. It's not my fault, and it's not my surgeon's fault. I've spoken to at least 5 surgeons about this, and they really don't know why this happens, except that sometimes the stomach tissue just rejects the staples. I don't want to scare you or anyone else, this is rare, but it can and does happen occasionally. I have no pain or discomfort, but I think it started back in December when I had a 7-week plateau. That eventually broke, and I lost a few more pounds, then my weight started fluctuating, my appetite greatly increased, and I stopped losing altogether. My surgeon suggested I go for an Upper GI, and there it was. The solution is another surgery to transect (divide) the stomach. I just had a consultation with Dr. Gagner in NYC yesterday to see about having it done laparoscopically because I'm self-employed and just can't take that much time off again. I love my surgeon, but he only does open. The problem is my BMI is now 34, I have a new insurance co., and approval is iffy, at best, but I'm definitely gonna try anyway. But, back to your problem. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, but my suggestion is to wait a few more weeks, get back to basics (protein and water) to try to jump-start the loss, and if you still don't lose, then go for an upper GI. That will give you your answer. BUT realistically, a 2-week plateau is annoying, but really no big deal and, as you said, they happen and sometimes happen often. And, being able to eat a lot more also happens at about 4 1/2-5 months out, and it scares everyone, so what you are experiencing sounds very normal. I know it's easy for me to say, but the chances of a blown staple line are small, so try not to worry until it's really time to worry. Love, Leslie
   — Leslie F.