Question:
Has anyone ever had their staples come out on their own?

I am an RNY from '91, but new to this website! I lost 115 lbs. and was looking/feeling great. In 1997, however, I was badly injured in a car accident (a guy ran a red light and hit me)and was incapacited for about a year. During this time I could not exercise, and I paid no attention to my diet---it was the furthest thing from my mind! I just went to my surgeon, Dr. John Kellum (a wonderful man and an excellent surgeon), today.... I had not been to see him in over 4 years! Well, I told him about the accident, etc., and that I had done very well until I was injured. It has only been within the last 3-4 months that I have been given the go-ahead by my OTHER doctors (who treated me for the car accident injuries)the go ahead an get back into my exercise routine. Well, I have been exercising diligently ( walking 3 miles almost DAILY---and I walk it in under 45 minutes, so I don't stroll)and I have returned to a much healthier way of eating...but the scale has not moved. It has NOT budged an inch...talk about disheartening! Anyway, my doc ordered up an upper G.I. (oh, goody!!)to be done, so hopefully we will be able to determine if the staples have come undone... I would appreciate any and all info/advice anyone would care to give me! Thanks in advance!    — Carol R. (posted on July 30, 1999)

August 1, 1999
I had a staple line disruption about two years ago and started to gain weight back. I went in to have it fixed and at the same time my doctor did a little revision. He transected my stomach so the pouch and the rest of my stomach are no longer attached to each other. He stappled and over sewed the staples to insure that no disruption would occur in the future. So far so good. Good Luck
   — Kim C.

August 17, 1999
Hi -- well I had my staple line "rip open" as the doctor called it. There are holes all around each staple and one large hole nearby that is allowing all food to go to main stomach. I had VBG in 1982 (after the old jujuneal bypass and gallbladder removal) and I lost 75 lbs. Of course I am now bigger than ever and want to have Gastric Bypass. Doc says it is very risk because the flesh (where the staples where) is not pliable anymore. In fact, he told me to get a second opinion -- he thinks he really doesn't want to do me. I had finally decided a month ago to go through with it, now I gotta find a doctor.
   — Geri G.