I am 9 months post-op now and am having concerns about my tiny tummy. My surgeon informed me quite a while ago--probably about 4 or 5 months ago--that it has already stretched to about 1/2 cup in size instead of the 1/4 cup he made it to be. I'm not even sure how that happened considering I spent about 3 months not able to hold anything down--not even water--due to the nausea and pain related to kidney stones and an ulcer and another month or two afterwards with no appetite and eating practically nothing. The last time I saw him I told him how I get upset that I can't gulp down Water. I get thirsty easy and want to be able to chug water. I told him I can only drink about 5 swallows of water and then I'm full and don't feel satisfied. He scoffed at me saying that most people can't even do that so I should be happy. Recently I've found that I can drink pop now. And I can drink a good 3 swallows with no problem. I can also eat some things I couldn't before like tortillas in a tortilla wrap and fine Pasta like angel hair if eaten in teensy pieces. Sometimes I can eat what seems like more than 1/2 cup of food (but not sure because I quit measuring a long time ago when I couldn't eat) and other times it seems hard to keep about 1/4 cup of food down. The vast majority of the time, however, I'm afraid that I'm able to eat too much and my stomach is forever stretching and my doc said it can't shrink back up. I've gained about 4 lbs in the last month due to being able to eat more, regaining appetite, and the junk foods of the holidays. What size should my stomach be? Is it still at an okay size at 1/2 cup? My surgeon also told me that most people don't have a stretched stomach like me and it makes me feel like a failure already despite my almost 120-lb weight loss in less than 9 months! I'm just terrified of gaining more and I want to keep losing! I realize that I need to start measuring my food again, but I really want to know if I'm on the same track as other people or if my surgeon is right about me?

Also, on a side note, what other health issues have you encountered as a result of the surgery? I've had somewhat of a difficult time with other health problems arising post-op and I'm curious if other people are experiencing some of the same stuff.

THANK YOU in advance for any input!!!

Hi.

Hello!

Well there are a few of us on here that are at the half cup size at about two months out and can eat tortillas. (Ive just picked at them). So I don't think you have stretched anything. I would go back to basics with food high protein first then veggies. You pouch will be able to hold more over time. Hang in there and good luck.

I am 4 years post-op. The key, I think, is to continue to eat the right foods. Concentrate on protein, make sure you're taking your supplements. I have never been able to drink huge amounts of water at one time---it does fill me quickly. If you're concerned about your pouch stretching, check out www.5daypouchtest.com. And maybe find a bypass support group in your area. A nurse leading the group may have answers for you.

I am 4 years post-op. The key' date=' I think, is to continue to eat the right foods. Concentrate on Protein, make sure you're taking your supplements. I have never been able to drink huge amounts of Water at one time---it does fill me quickly. If you're concerned about your pouch stretching, check out www.5daypouchtest.com. And maybe find a bypass support group in your area. A nurse leading the group may have answers for you.[/quote']

How does he know for sure thst your pouch has stretched? Did he go in and measure? I think its not how much your stomach can hold but rather what you are making it hold. Soda? The number one nono. It does nothing good for you. Lay off the crap food and get back to basics.

MY doc talked about this yesterday in a group class I went to. He said some things you feel like you can eat more because there not as heavy. While other things you can only take a few bites and your full.

Remember your body will naturally adjust to your new pouch and everyone is different. Personally if my doc talked to me like that I would be looking for a new one.

Personally if my doc talked to me like that I would be looking for a new one.

Yes, I feel judged by him and it's upsetting me. I was considering seeing a doctor at the other hospital I started the process at, but I didn't know if that would even be allowed.

How does he know for sure thst your pouch has stretched? Did he go in and measure? I think its not how much your stomach can hold but rather what you are making it hold. Soda? The number one nono.

He knows because he's gone in for 6 endoscopies because I had a stricture that wouldn't stay open so he'd go in and stretch that junction. While in there he noticed that it's been stretched already.

You know, the only reason I just found out that I can drink pop is because I bought some because it was ridiculously cheap and I thought I could keep some on hand for when people come to visit and temptation got the best of me--I used to be addicted to it. Then I got worried because I was able to drink it. My dietitian told me that some people will be able to drink and some won't, but my biggest concern is for things like this--where I didn't use to be able to eat/drink certain things that now I can. I don't know if it's because I've stretched it out too much or just because I'm getting father out.

If you're concerned about your pouch stretching, check out www.5daypouchtest.com. And maybe find a bypass support group in your area. A nurse leading the group may have answers for you.

Thank you so much for this info! It sounds really interesting. Can't wait to check it out!

Also, does anyone know, I was told by my doctor that you aren't to drink anything half hour before or after eating because the Fluid could wash the food right through. I have never been able to handle this. I get soooo thirsty eating that I HAVE to at least take a few sips after eating. Depending on how full I am, I'll drink more or less; but can this also stretch the stomach if it's not washing the food right through? My dietitian told me not to worry about fluids stretching the stomach, but I'm thinking she meant just when drinking it alone, without food.

Thank you everyone for your responses! It helps so much!

I'm just terrified of being someone who was presented this wonderful opportunity and screwed it up by gaining a bunch of weight back. Therefore, I don't know if I'm just so concerned because I'm paranoid or because I really am headed in that direction. My surgeon doesn't help matters much, either.

Taking a sip or two is ok according to my doc but that's it. If you are really thirsty maybe see what you are eating as it may be high in sodium which will make you thirsty and will make you hold onto water weight. But do wait 30 minutes to drink. This surgery is a tool and as you get further out you will be able to consume more and be able to tolerate more that is why we have to change our behavior. If not we will just gain all the weight back and end up with a stretched pouch that wont function that well. Try resetting your pouch by going back to clear liquids for a week and then progress just as if you just had surgery

This surgery is a tool and as you get further out you will be able to consume more and be able to tolerate more that is why we have to change our behavior.

So it is true that whether it's being stretched out or not, we'll be able to eat more in quantity the farther post-op we get?

Try resetting your pouch by going back to Clear liquids for a week and then progress just as if you just had surgery

My doc told me that it can't be reset. Have you been told otherwise? I've been hoping he's wrong.

Yes using the 5 day pouch test. And eventually you can eat 1 cup if food per meal later on. Right now you should only be eating 1/2 cup. But it depends in what you eat too. As yogurt and stuff like that goes right through you and doesn't stay in your stomach. But try eating 3-4 meals a day measure out 3 ounces of protein and 1 ounce of veggies. Wait 30 minutes after and drink and also go back to drinking protein shakes. Just get your 70-80 grams of protein in and 64 or more ounces of water and you will see you wont be hungry.

My doc said that there is no way that I can stretch my pouch because of the way he does the surgery. I would get a second opinion from another WLS doc.

Yes using the 5 day pouch test. And eventually you can eat 1 cup if food per meal later on. Right now you should only be eating 1/2 cup. But it depends in what you eat too. As yogurt and stuff like that goes right through you and doesn't stay in your stomach. But try eating 3-4 meals a day measure out 3 ounces of protein and 1 ounce of veggies. Wait 30 minutes after and drink and also go back to drinking protein shakes. Just get your 70-80 grams of protein in and 64 or more ounces of water and you will see you wont be hungry.

Awesome! Thanks sooooooooooo much!!

My doc said that there is no way that I can stretch my pouch because of the way he does the surgery. I would get a second opinion from another WLS doc.

Really??? Is it possible that he knows a better, newer procedure? Cuz how else could a lot of people pack all their weight back on if it doesn't stretch? I'm curious now...

They put weight back on because after the first 18 months after surgery we malabsorb calories and nutrients. That is our golden window. If you consume 3500 calories you gain a pound. So if you eat junk and high fat foods and drink your calories in sodas or even Starbucks coffees. More or less eating and drinking the same stuff prior to wls you will gain the weight back.