Fatdiva14

I am so excited! I have been waiting patiently and just received the phone call this morning from the insurance coordinator at my Doctor's office that UnitedHealthcare approved me! So excited right now, I can't contain myself! Now I am waiting for the insurance coordinator to call me back so we can set a date!

Plus, I'm pretty d@mn hot to look at. That's a VERY important point you forgot to mention.

Hi everyone, I am new to the post-op board. I spent a lot of time on the pre-op even after my surgery. I was sleeved Jan. 21st, and am excited that I am on my 3 month sleeve-versary! I am getting about 90-100 grams of Protein per day. A Protein shake in the morning sometimes with Peanut Butter, and Isopure Protein Water (40grams) in the afternoon. I barely get food in, because I'm focused on my protein, I might have a small salad, or 1/4 of a half of sandwich at lunch time, but by 3:30pm I start sipping on the Isopure and it normally takes me until about 8:00pm or 9:00pm to get it all day. I have yet mastered the art of sipping slowly because I'm always thirsty, but I take large sips...not gulps. And chewing...am I the only one that hasn't mastered the art of chewing slow and taking 45 minutes to eat? Am I the only one that doesn't take 30-45 minutes eating?
I often have nightmares that my stomach is stretching. I am steadily loosing, and have lost about 32lbs since surgery.
I've been told by post op patients, and others that your stomach will stretch eventually, but my fear is will is stretch this soon.
Does anyone else have the same concern? How would you know if it is stretching? Would it stretch this soon? Would I feel it? These are the questions that haunt me!

the only things that i count on the daily are my Water intake and my Protein intake - becasue they are both so very impotant - if you don't drink enough water you will not lose very well and if you don't get your protein in you will have more problems than just being hungry - you will have Hair loss and memory issues and trouble regulating body heat and your skin will be really dry and itchy all the time and the list goes on and on and on...when your protein level is low it gets serious. I don't count calories or carbs or any of that mess but i do get 64 oz+ a day of water and i get 80-100 of protein a day or as close as i can each day. The restriction is your tummy telling you that it is full - i measure my portions and usually i can get most of my 1/4 cup portion in before i hit my full point - not always - but for the most part. Good luck to you on your new life!

well i am going to jump in on this one....my surgeon told me that i could stretch mine back out -- buuuuttttt.....(that is a biig but there - almost as big as mine) that it would take me longer than i have years left to live to do it. He said that i could eat around it and get fat again...but that in order for me to get fat again from stretching it back out that it would take a verry long time and as long as i follow my plan i should be good. (i am 43 by the way) so...that being said...i feel pretty good about my little monster...(what i call my tum since it makes some of the most horrible noises ever nowadays - and at some of the most embarassing moments)

Hi everyone, I am new to the post-op board. I spent a lot of time on the pre-op even after my surgery. I was sleeved Jan. 21st, and am excited that I am on my 3 month sleeve-versary! I am getting about 90-100 grams of Protein per day. A Protein shake in the morning sometimes with Peanut Butter, and Isopure Protein Water (40grams) in the afternoon. I barely get food in, because I'm focused on my protein, I might have a small salad, or 1/4 of a half of sandwich at lunch time, but by 3:30pm I start sipping on the Isopure and it normally takes me until about 8:00pm or 9:00pm to get it all day. I have yet mastered the art of sipping slowly because I'm always thirsty, but I take large sips...not gulps. And chewing...am I the only one that hasn't mastered the art of chewing slow and taking 45 minutes to eat? Am I the only one that doesn't take 30-45 minutes eating?
I often have nightmares that my stomach is stretching. I am steadily loosing, and have lost about 32lbs since surgery.
I've been told by post op patients, and others that your stomach will stretch eventually, but my fear is will is stretch this soon.
Does anyone else have the same concern? How would you know if it is stretching? Would it stretch this soon? Would I feel it? These are the questions that haunt me!

Thank you everyone for your responses. I really feel better now and will put my mind at ease. I think the fear of failing is the root of the nightmare of a stretched sleeve. I am happy that I am not alone in this...especially when reading about the feeding days vs non feeding days. I am starting to think that I feel the urge to feed a little more during my cycle...but again it is barely a cup of vegetables, or chicken, or salad. The Protein keeps me full throughout the morning and the Protein Water keeps me full through the evening.
I am also happy that I am not alone with not drinking very slow or chewing too slow. I realize perfection is a desire that we all strive for, so as long as I pay attention to when I'm full I will take your advice and relax.
Thanks so much. I feel much better!

Hi everyone, I am new to the post-op board. I spent a lot of time on the pre-op even after my surgery. I was sleeved Jan. 21st, and am excited that I am on my 3 month sleeve-versary! I am getting about 90-100 grams of Protein per day. A Protein shake in the morning sometimes with Peanut Butter, and Isopure Protein Water (40grams) in the afternoon. I barely get food in, because I'm focused on my protein, I might have a small salad, or 1/4 of a half of sandwich at lunch time, but by 3:30pm I start sipping on the Isopure and it normally takes me until about 8:00pm or 9:00pm to get it all day. I have yet mastered the art of sipping slowly because I'm always thirsty, but I take large sips...not gulps. And chewing...am I the only one that hasn't mastered the art of chewing slow and taking 45 minutes to eat? Am I the only one that doesn't take 30-45 minutes eating?
I often have nightmares that my stomach is stretching. I am steadily loosing, and have lost about 32lbs since surgery.
I've been told by post op patients, and others that your stomach will stretch eventually, but my fear is will is stretch this soon.
Does anyone else have the same concern? How would you know if it is stretching? Would it stretch this soon? Would I feel it? These are the questions that haunt me!

Band07 i think you should sure your surgeon, in a decent gastric sleeve the fundus ( i.e.) the stretchable part of the stomach is removed, now you will stretch a little because of the loosening of the sutures and tissue placement but it cant get anywhere near normal, your pics actually dont mean anything because there is no size guide on the pics. i can tell the second pic is much more close up and zoomed in, i had my sister who is a nurse practitioner and has her doctorate in nursing and is a ex rad tech verify that fact so to know how close up the second pic is vs the first, they are obviously not the same angle or distance by far. Heres some doctors who are widely respected in the field has to say on the subject.
The ideal gastric sleeve should be fairly tight at the beginning (usually a 34 fr bougie), should begin about 1 inch from the pylorus (the end of stomach), and go directly to the angle of his right next to the esophagus. Experience shows that the sleeve will not stretch more than about 5% if kept tight from the beginning. .
Source: HealthTap, https://www.healthtap.com/user_questions/43678
Pouch stretch is a common concern of patients after bariatric surgery. They may worry that their pouches will stretch and they will be able to eat large portions of food again. The good news is that your smaller stomach after gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, will generally not stretch up to the size of a normal stomach. Whenever we perform a CT scan, contrast swallowing x-ray test, or endoscopy of the stomach pouch, we typically find that the pouch is the same size years after bariatric sugery.

How then can people eat slightly larger portions years after weight loss surgery? Part of the answer lies in the "compliance" of the pouch. Compliance describes how easy it is to distend something. Imagine a balloon fresh out of its package. When you first try to blow it up, it will be difficult. But after blowing it up and deflating it 100 times, it will be easier to blow it up the next time. You will not have to blow as hard. The balloon has not really "stretched" per se. When you deflate it, it is still the same exact size as it was when you first took it out of the package. The volume of the balloon is no larger.

The same is true of your stomach pouch. Even though it will still be small years later, it will be easier to fit more food in it if you try. I always tell my patients that just because you can eat something, it doesn't mean you should. Even with increased compliance, I have found that 5-7 years after bariatric surgery people still can't eat as they could prior to surgery. Portion sizes remain limited so you pouches are always there for you, ready to help keep your weight under control.

Carl Lowe, Jr. MD
taken from Carolina Surgical Center

you can search threads here for more answers and links to doctors who will show you the real truth.

Here is a good video explaining sleeve stretching. He does say it depends on sleeve size and bougie etc....but he also says it may stretch a little but will never stretch too much and never to the original stomach size. Actually pretty informative!
https://youtu.be/Nv8X6H_jLgY

Fatdiva I too have fears of not loosing enough weight. I walk, jog, spin, and treadmill everyday, sometimes 3 times a day. I always burn more calories than I take in which has never been more than 350 calories. I had my surgery Feb 20, 2015. From day one I have struggled to get my Protein in. I absolutely cannot stand the taste and I've tried many different types and in may different ways, (in food, as a shake, with crystal lite, yada yada yada). I just hate it. I pretty much hate most sweets now. The taste of sugar makes me spit all day, yuk. I see my doctor tomorrow because I'm at a lost as to what to eat or do. I eat so slow that Breakfast always runs into lunch. One, I've never been a Breakfast person; so, it is difficult to eat breakfast because I'm never hungry in the morning, for 49 years I've skipped breakfast. I pretty much can't stand another cup of yogurt. Now I'll have 1 Sargento Pepper Jack cheese stick and Water. I've always loved ice cold Water, wish I could drink it like I use to, but my stomach says no way, can't drink fast. Any suggestions from you guys would be greatly appreciated. I feel so confused right now and at a lost. Scared to death that I'm not even going to loose anymore weight. Further, how many calories should I be eating per day anyway. I can never get a straight answer out of the nutritionist.

I don't take that long to eat but I do chew my food very carefully. Occasionally if I am distracted I might forget. But it only takes one swallow to realize my mistake! My capacity is still around 3-4 ounces of solid food (actually it's more like 3-3.5 depending on consistency). There are times when I feel full on less though. This is about where I was when I started back on solid foods and began measuring the weight of what I was eating. I am only 4 months out as of a few days ago though. The process of eating very slowly is still something I truly struggle with. I am not sure how important this is in the long term, but I constantly remind myself I need to do it. Putting it into practice is much more difficult.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I really feel better now and will put my mind at ease. I think the fear of failing is the root of the nightmare of a stretched sleeve. I am happy that I am not alone in this...especially when reading about the feeding days vs non feeding days. I am starting to think that I feel the urge to feed a little more during my cycle...but again it is barely a cup of vegetables, or chicken, or salad. The Protein keeps me full throughout the morning and the Protein Water keeps me full through the evening.
I am also happy that I am not alone with not drinking very slow or chewing too slow. I realize perfection is a desire that we all strive for, so as long as I pay attention to when I'm full I will take your advice and relax.
Thanks so much. I feel much better!

Thank you everyone for your responses. I really feel better now and will put my mind at ease. I think the fear of failing is the root of the nightmare of a stretched sleeve. I am happy that I am not alone in this...especially when reading about the feeding days vs non feeding days. I am starting to think that I feel the urge to feed a little more during my cycle...but again it is barely a cup of vegetables, or chicken, or salad. The Protein keeps me full throughout the morning and the Protein Water keeps me full through the evening.
I am also happy that I am not alone with not drinking very slow or chewing too slow. I realize perfection is a desire that we all strive for, so as long as I pay attention to when I'm full I will take your advice and relax.
Thanks so much. I feel much better!

@@Fatdiva14 It has gone fast!!! I'm doing well. Walking at lunch and got a Fitbit one to track it. (Forgot it today though!). I'm having an issue w/my heal so I took yesterday and today off. I do weights though on the walking and non-walking days.
Special K has 2 Protein cereals. Both are good and one you could eat w/out the milk. I wonder if that's what the gurgle is about!! The liquid/solid combo. I just thought I was intolerant of the milk and when I measure what's left in the bowl, I've only consumed 1/4 cup! I don't want to have it everyday, just the option for something different.
It's funny, I knew I loved Carbs before the surgery, but I also loved chocolate, too. After the surgery I have zero craving for chocolate, but at Easter the doughy rolls were calling my name, but I said NO and had none of it. So, I guess I WAS more of a Carb addict than Chocolate!
I bought Protein Bars to try - I did not care for the Premier Protein Bar even though I drink their chocolate shake every day. I have a Nature Valley box that I bought, but didn't realize it had peanuts and I was told to wait 3 months for nuts so the box is waiting till after Tuesday!
Keep up the great work!!

Thank you everyone for your responses. I really feel better now and will put my mind at ease. I think the fear of failing is the root of the nightmare of a stretched sleeve. I am happy that I am not alone in this...especially when reading about the feeding days vs non feeding days. I am starting to think that I feel the urge to feed a little more during my cycle...but again it is barely a cup of vegetables, or chicken, or salad. The Protein keeps me full throughout the morning and the Protein Water keeps me full through the evening.
I am also happy that I am not alone with not drinking very slow or chewing too slow. I realize perfection is a desire that we all strive for, so as long as I pay attention to when I'm full I will take your advice and relax.
Thanks so much. I feel much better!

@@Fatdiva14 I was wondering how you were doing!! I can't believe we're celebrating 3 months from our mutual surgery date on Tuesday!!!
I worry too about stretching, but I am learning to stop eating when I'm content and immediately push the plate away. My old habit would be to finish, heck, my old ways food never filled me! I was always hungry so the feeling of being full is still such a shock to me, but a good one!! I just keep thinking, I've never had this feeling. That was one of the major things I was worried about before the surgery - that I'd still be hungry.
I have had a Protein Cereal that my nutrionist recommended and I think I'm a bit lactose intolerant. I'm hoping it goes away eventually. I don't eat the Cereal a lot, but just wanted an option to occassionally have in stead of Egg Beaters every day and being a bit (not too bad - just gurgling, bit crampy stomach) is a bit of a bummer.
I know that I sometimes have hunger pangs, but have realized that it could be due to not having all of my liquids. I am hitting my Protein with the help of a shake that has 30 grams and so far, but need to be a bit better w/the liquids.< /span>
I still weigh, measure and write everything down.
Good Luck & Happy Sleeveversary!

(Disclaimer: I’m not a sleeve patient). I understand your fear, but like the others have said, you just have to stick to your diet. If you eat right, you’ll lose weight. Maybe the sleeve will feel like it stretches as it calms down after surgery, and maybe it’ll stretch a little over time, but you can lose weight if you stick to the diet.
There may be some times when you’re hungry and it’s not time to eat yet. You just have to wait a little (or eat a little bit of your next meal now and save the rest for later). That’s normal, even if your sleeve hasn’t stretched.
You can definitely “outeat” your sleeve if you try. Maybe it’s because you stretch it, or maybe it’s because you eat around it. If you eat too often, choose high-calorie foods, drink drinks with calories, drink when you eat…break the rules of your diet, you’ll out-eat your sleeve. Maybe it’s because you’ve eaten around it, or maybe it’s because you’ve stretched it. Whatever it is, it’s because of going off the diet.
As for eating slowly…it takes practice. Think of it as a challenge, and as an opportunity. Taste your food. Feel free to play games with it. Good luck!

Thank you everyone for your responses. I really feel better now and will put my mind at ease. I think the fear of failing is the root of the nightmare of a stretched sleeve. I am happy that I am not alone in this...especially when reading about the feeding days vs non feeding days. I am starting to think that I feel the urge to feed a little more during my cycle...but again it is barely a cup of vegetables, or chicken, or salad. The Protein keeps me full throughout the morning and the Protein Water keeps me full through the evening.
I am also happy that I am not alone with not drinking very slow or chewing too slow. I realize perfection is a desire that we all strive for, so as long as I pay attention to when I'm full I will take your advice and relax.
Thanks so much. I feel much better!

Thank you everyone for your responses. I really feel better now and will put my mind at ease. I think the fear of failing is the root of the nightmare of a stretched sleeve. I am happy that I am not alone in this...especially when reading about the feeding days vs non feeding days. I am starting to think that I feel the urge to feed a little more during my cycle...but again it is barely a cup of vegetables, or chicken, or salad. The Protein keeps me full throughout the morning and the Protein Water keeps me full through the evening.
I am also happy that I am not alone with not drinking very slow or chewing too slow. I realize perfection is a desire that we all strive for, so as long as I pay attention to when I'm full I will take your advice and relax.
Thanks so much. I feel much better!

Thank you everyone for your responses. I really feel better now and will put my mind at ease. I think the fear of failing is the root of the nightmare of a stretched sleeve. I am happy that I am not alone in this...especially when reading about the feeding days vs non feeding days. I am starting to think that I feel the urge to feed a little more during my cycle...but again it is barely a cup of vegetables, or chicken, or salad. The Protein keeps me full throughout the morning and the Protein Water keeps me full through the evening.
I am also happy that I am not alone with not drinking very slow or chewing too slow. I realize perfection is a desire that we all strive for, so as long as I pay attention to when I'm full I will take your advice and relax.
Thanks so much. I feel much better!

I have. I think they are pretty good, as long as you drink them cold. I drink one per day, mostly in the evening, and have a regular Protein Shake in the morning. So far I have tried the grape, coconut, and mango.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I really feel better now and will put my mind at ease. I think the fear of failing is the root of the nightmare of a stretched sleeve. I am happy that I am not alone in this...especially when reading about the feeding days vs non feeding days. I am starting to think that I feel the urge to feed a little more during my cycle...but again it is barely a cup of vegetables, or chicken, or salad. The Protein keeps me full throughout the morning and the Protein Water keeps me full through the evening.
I am also happy that I am not alone with not drinking very slow or chewing too slow. I realize perfection is a desire that we all strive for, so as long as I pay attention to when I'm full I will take your advice and relax.
Thanks so much. I feel much better!

I had the same fear. It was all I could think about for the last week or so because I did start eating "real" food. Reading these responses really did easy my worries. There are so many questions that come up all the time and I am glad I found this website because it does answer A LOT of the questions I have.