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!!!

Oh but the 1/2 cup size your stomach is now is right on track where it should be. When we first have surgery we have to try to get 1/4 cup in but the goal at your stage post op is 1/2 cups. I can easily do 1/2 cup and I am just 2 months post op.

I asked my doctor yesterday too if the pouch could be stretched and she said no. What happens is we eat foods that easily slip down and don't stay in the pouch to give us the full sensation. I can eat donuts, chips, sip on sodas and no dumping happens. I started to get afraid as I'm 4 mos post op. I had 60 pounds to loose and I'm down 45. I'm starting to plan my meal times instead of grazing when I think I'm hungry and measure.

Oh but the 1/2 cup size your stomach is now is right on track where it should be. When we first have surgery we have to try to get 1/4 cup in but the goal at your stage post op is 1/2 cups. I can easily do 1/2 cup and I am just 2 months post op.

That makes me feel so much better! Weight lifted off my shoulders for sure! Thanks for your input.

I asked my doctor yesterday too if the pouch could be stretched and she said no. What happens is we eat foods that easily slip down and don't stay in the pouch to give us the full sensation. I can eat donuts, chips, sip on sodas and no dumping happens. I started to get afraid as I'm 4 mos post op. I had 60 pounds to loose and I'm down 45. I'm starting to plan my meal times instead of grazing when I think I'm hungry and measure.

Really?? I'm starting to wonder about my surgeon now. I don't know if it matters, but Nebraska isn't necessarily on top of things. I might get a 2nd opinion about everything from a different hospital.

My surgeon said water load an hour before meals. Drink as much as you can. Wait 15 minutes, then eat, then no water for an hour and a half after! Seems forever but maybe that'll help you feel full

The pouch can definitely be stretched if you over eat. My surgeon says no liquids 30 minutes before or 45 minutes after a meal. If you make your meals moist enough, you shouldn't need a drink. If you really do, just a sip or two, no more.

Oh and form what my NUT and PA say people find a way to eat even with a 1/2 cup. One guy was pureeing Big Macs, one was drinking flat MT Dew all day and another was eating Hershey kisses one by one all day.

I'm also about two months out and can do 1/2 cup. I measure since I know I'm a "quantity" eater. I know I'll push the envelope if I don't.

Oh and form what my NUT and PA say people find a way to eat even with a 1/2 cup. One guy was pureeing Big Macs' date=' one was drinking flat MT Dew all day and another was eating Hershey kisses one by one all day.

I'm also about two months out and can do 1/2 cup. I measure since I know I'm a "quantity" eater. I know I'll push the envelope if I don't.[/quote']

I thought I had a stricture at 3weeks out but it turned out to be a swollen pouch. The surgeon told me hevavoids egds unless theres no other option because if you are that early out and you are swollen and get dialated it can widen the opening of the pouch too far allowing you to eat faster and a little more like the old dats causing surgeries to not be as successful. Maybe that happened to you.

Worm I love your updated profile pic!! You look amazing!!

Worm I love your updated profile pic!! You look amazing!!

Awe thank you!!