Question:
Am I driving myself crazy for nothing?

I have been almost obsessed recently thinking I have a staple line disruption. I can eat up to 8oz and I tend to eat it quickly (about 15 mins or so)I don't feel any pain, but I don't get the uncomfortable "full" feeling like I use to, I just tell myself to stop eating. I haven't experienced any pain and I'm still losing pretty quickly (95 lbs in 5 months) Could anyone who has had a staple line disruption tell me what their symptoms were? Did you have a high fever or any pain? Or was it just because you gained weight that you knew? I would like to find out before I start to gain any weight back! Thank you so much for your help!    — DolcezzaVT (posted on July 16, 2001)

July 16, 2001
Nicole, What is the type of food of which you can eat 8 ounces? Remember, pouch capacity is a volume measurement of chewed up solid food. If it's really soft food or liquid, it's moving right through you pouch. So, if it's a cup of soup you're eating, relax. If it's two or three cups of salad, relax.. it chews down to very very small volume. Ditto lots of type of high water content fruits. Give us more info if you're still really worried.
   — BethVBG

July 16, 2001
Hi, I am almost six months out, and can eat quite a bit of food also. Prior to surgery I researched and didn't find out that I'd be able to eat more after a few months, everything I read said "you have a honemoon period of one year to eighteeen months." Well, for myself and many others I know in my support group, we're finding that isn't true, unfortunately. We still don't eat as much as we used to, but being obese types, our bodies can fight the weight loss so well that less food has slowed down and even stopped weight loss. It appears to be the dirty little secret most people don't talk about. Good luck, and it doesn't sound like staple line disruption. Take care!
   — Tina C.

July 24, 2001
I am only 3 weeks post op and have not had any probs with the staple line but my Dr. assures me that if there were a staple line disruption you would know! His nurse had the surgery and had a problem with the staple line and she said it was very painful. I hope that helps to reassure you a little but remember this is new to a lot of us and your Dr. expects you to have questions and they are the best resource when it comes to reassurance that are tool is in the proper shape and functioning the way it should be.
   — [Anonymous]

July 24, 2001
The return of acid into the pouch was my clue. Burning, aching, kicked in the gut sensation, as well as the resulting nausea from the gastritis as the acid burned the pouch lining. That actually helped prevent the wt gain for a few months. And as I realized I needed another surgery, I began beefing up with my protein supps, which helped form a barrier between the acid 'n lining. Ultimately, while waiting for ins games, I did gain 12#, but I think (?) it was a blessing to be so miserable for a few months. It took huge doses of Prilosec and carrafate to calm it down enough for me to eat much food. I never did eat substantially more food.
   — vitalady