Question:
How would I find out if I have a leak and need a revision?

I am 8 months out and stopped losing weight a little over a month ago. I'm doing everything right. Keeping my caloric intake down, I drink my protien and my water, and I exercise. I know that I'm not trading fat for muscle because I swim, I don't do weight lifting. I am really upset and concerned about this. Any thoughs on this are greatly appreciated! Thanx!    — Janet C. (posted on July 8, 2002)

July 7, 2002
Hi Janet, Ask your doctor for a prescription to get an Upper GI. That will tell you right away. I had a suspicion that I may have had a breakdown but wasn't sure. At 6 mos I was down 80 lbs but over the next 5 mos it was like pulling teeth. I noticed I would get hungry again about 1/2 hr later or so, I started eating a little more even though I still eat less than pre-surgery. I had an upper GI and it showed the staple line disruption immediately. I'm having a revision on 7-26. Let me know how you make out. Take care.
   — Sheila R.

July 7, 2002
How much have you lost? Everyone hits plateaus... You checking your measurements while on this one? They are likely getting smaller! You could write down EVERY SINGLE THING YOU EAT FOR A WEEK and see your nutronist for advice. There might be some hidden calories somewhere.
   — bob-haller

July 8, 2002
You may be on a long plateau, I would wait to see if it breaks. I am 4 months post op and have had 3 plateaus, one lasting 3 weeks. The food diary suggestion is a good one. Track religiously everything that goes into your mouth, and cut back on your carbs. Of course, having said that last comment, I realize better than anyone that sometimes it doesn't matter if you eat mostly protein, sometimes your body takes a break from losing and balances itself out. I was never a big eater pre-op, so I think my body wants to hang on to every ounce of fat, which is why I average 3 lbs a week. Getting it to let go of it is hard, but I drink my shakes, stay away from carbs and drink my water. My biggest issue is not doing consistent exercise. During plateaus, pay more attention to how your clothes fit, your measurements, etc. That is the only way to truly tell you are getting smaller even if the scale says you aren't. Besides, you may wake up one day and boom, 4 lbs down. Good luck.
   — Diana M.

July 8, 2002
I know that everyone who has ever had a weight problem hates the thought of exercise. I did too. I had problems with plateaus until I started weight training. I don't try body building, just light weights 4 times a week and some cardio on a treadmill. The muscles you have lost took with them a lot of your calorie burning power. By developing some muscles, you give yourself the ability to burn fat more efficiently and you will benefit energy wise in ways I can describe. I'm definitely hooked on some form o weight training. Now that you have lost some and have a tool to aid in losing all you need to, take advantage of the benefits of increasing your workout to include weights but not replace swimming. As for food, I concentrate on protein, but I only eat mine, I don't drink protein shakes or anything like that. I do eat 6 small meals per day. Around 200-250 calories each. Also, don't neglect your water intake. Avoid artificial sweetners, and don't drink with meals. Wait the full 30 minutes after eating anything before you drink. Avoid caffeine. Never drink carbonation. I hope this helps, these are the rules and guidelines my surgeon gave me and I've followed them for all of my 14 months since surgery. I think these rules have helped me lose 132 lbs. Give'em a try and let me know if it helps. My personal email address is [email protected]
   — Teri D.

July 8, 2002
You may still be gaining muscle by swimming. It is good exercise! Make sure you are eating ENOUGH--at 8 mos out I was eating about 1000 calories a day, enough to keep the starvation mode from sneaking up on me. Be sure and take your measurements because you may be losing inches instead of pounds. You could find out approximately how much your pouch holds by doing the cottage cheese test (stiff oatmeal works if you can't stomach the cottage cheese). I was really worried because I had a dramatic increase in appetite and the amount I could eat. I took the cottage cheese test and found that I could eat just under a cup--right on the money for a year out.
   — ctyst