Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Has anyone else heard u can't stretch ur sleeve to more than 8oz?



Recommended Posts

I'm pretty sure that's what my nurse said in the nutrition class the day before surgery. That they take out the stretchy part of ur stomach so while u CAN stretch it a little, it can never be stretched to more than 8oz. I'm hoping this is true.

I'm 5 mths post op. When I started eating solids at 8 weeks, I could eat maybe 5-6 bites of any given meal. It's grown monthly to now - I can eat 10-12 bites of any given meal. I've been maintaining for 2 mths ( lost 22 lbs the 1st 3 mths. I knew it would come off slower since I started at 174 - I was a band revision). I still have 22 lbs to go to my goal but I decided before Thankgiving that I would maintain until after the holidays then on Jan 2nd, I would go full force to get the last 22 lbs off. Then I think it should be fairly easy to maintain. Unless of course, I can eat 20 bites in the next 5 mths. Seemed to double. Hope it doesn't continue to double.

I'm actually a little surprised that I've doubled my intake and haven't gained any weight... Yeah.

Has anyone else heard this?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for posting this, I too am very interested in the answer.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Marfar :)

Here is something I posted about stomach stretching back on November 4th. I hope this helps.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/286386-will-my-stomach-stretch-interesting-information/

Bonnie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well I don't know if that is just an "estimate"...I'm sure it is. Everyone is different and you can stretch any pouch (band, sleeve, bypass, etc.) by constantly overeating and overfilling it.

What you are describing seems about normal to me. The sleeve does relax over time, because when you are first sleeved, a major organ has been severed, stapled, likely oversewn, and there is definitely swelling that naturally relaxes over time. I get that you are using "bites" as a measurement but bites sure can be different sizes. I still weigh/and or measure my food on a fairly consistent basis so I know what I'm eating.

I'm 3+ years post-op. I max out at 4oz of dense Protein....steak, chicken, fish, etc. I usually measure out 100grams of whatever "meat" is on the menu (which translates to just about 3.5oz) of Protein, add in an ounce or two of other (which is usually veggie or fruit or carb) and that is my meal. So basically a meal for me would top out at around 5-6oz of food total.

Now if I were to sit and eat popcorn or chips or something like that I'm sure I could eat a lot more of that kind of stuff because sliders are designed to do just that...slide right through.

As far as your goal...seems like your BMI is at the healthy stage, I wouldn't worry too much if you don't shed the last 22. Just my 2 cents.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Marfar :)

Here is something I posted about stomach stretching back on November 4th. I hope this helps.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/286386-will-my-stomach-stretch-interesting-information/

Bonnie

Thanx. Interesting read. Makes perfect sense. So occasionally overeating will not cause my stomach to permanently stretch it but continually overeating will.

Ok, 1 more ?: I was a lapbander for almost 4 yrs. They use the 5 Day Pouch Test to "reset" ur band's tightness (never worked for me, however). Will that work to reset our stomach or once it;s stretched, will it ever go back if I cut back on my intake?

Now I'm worried. Hubby tells me everynite (while I'm doing my routine nighttime snacking) "You're gunna stretch out ur sleeve, then you'll be screwed". I argue with him that it's not gunna stretch. Now I'm panicked. I never did lose my hunger hormone (ur lucky if you have!) so I'm hungry often. I often feel like a pig when I mention to my husband that I'm hungry again. While I can eat very little, I'm hungry again within 2 hrs. I'm trying really hard not to graze, so I force myself to eat a couple more bites at mealtimes so I'm not hungry again in 2 hrs. That might not be a great idea, I take it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am not familiar with the pouch test. Sorry. But I can relate to feeling hungry all the time. Some days it is worse than others. This week seems to be especially bad. I have always been a night time grazer/snacker/munchies. I have been working hard to overcome that bad habit. I try to eat dinner between 6 and 7 and make sure it is a dense Protein. Then I only allow myself to drink flavor infused Water until I go to sleep. I also track everything I eat on MFP. It is the only way I can be held accountable because I have a tendenancy to graze and would lose track of calories very easily.

I am sorry I can't be more help, but I am sure someone else will chime in with some pearls of wisdom.

Bonnie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Bonnie, I'm a grazer too and unfortunately the sleeve doesn't really help with that. Dense Protein DOES stay in there for a good long time, but it's something I have to be constantly aware of or I could easily fit more unnecessary food/calories in my day!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was curious about the possiblilty of stretching my sleeve too. I did some Googling and ran across a medical site that said IF you worked hard enough at overeating you could stretch your sleeve, but occasionally overeating would not permanently stretch it. But I'm not going to push my luck. :-)

I've paid too much cash and gone through too much pain to waste this life changing opportunity.

I did freak out a little when I realized I could eat more than 1/2 cup per meal. At about 6 months, I started being able to eat around 1 full cup - depending on the density of the food. I could eat more of vegetables and fruits (stuff that can be mashed down) than dense Protein like chicken, steak and pork, chicken being the most filling.

Now at 12 months, I can eat 1 to 1 1/2 cups of food per meal, but I can still maintain my weight or loose more depending on how much I let myself eat and exercise.

If it helps, I have found that drinking warm fluids, like coffee and chicken broth keep my head hunger at bay pretty well.

As well, I try to get plenty of rest. I've noticed that I stay hungry all the time when I'm sleep deprived. I guess my body knows it will get a little boost of energy if I eat something and it's trying to get out of the slump.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm pretty sure that's what my nurse said in the nutrition class the day before surgery. That they take out the stretchy part of ur stomach so while u CAN stretch it a little, it can never be stretched to more than 8oz. I'm hoping this is true.

I'm 5 mths post op. When I started eating solids at 8 weeks, I could eat maybe 5-6 bites of any given meal. It's grown monthly to now - I can eat 10-12 bites of any given meal. I've been maintaining for 2 mths ( lost 22 lbs the 1st 3 mths. I knew it would come off slower since I started at 174 - I was a band revision). I still have 22 lbs to go to my goal but I decided before Thankgiving that I would maintain until after the holidays then on Jan 2nd, I would go full force to get the last 22 lbs off. Then I think it should be fairly easy to maintain. Unless of course, I can eat 20 bites in the next 5 mths. Seemed to double. Hope it doesn't continue to double.

I'm actually a little surprised that I've doubled my intake and haven't gained any weight... Yeah.

Has anyone else heard this?

I've never heard this, I was told by my doctor that he doesn't want his patients to EVER eat more than a cup of food at one sitting. At 3.5 years, I still cannot eat a cup of food at one sitting!!! I track everything, every day. I also weigh daily and weigh and/or measure my food when I'm at home. Our stomach relaxes and I think mine was at full capacity and hasn't changed since about one year out. I hope it never does. I was at a support group meeting last night and this PhD doctor that speaks to us monthly said that we CAN stretch our sleeve but it isn't easy to do. I've never heard a 'limit' as far as how big it can stretch to. I have met people at meetings that have gained a large portion of their weight back, but they had started or rather stopped doing things we need to continue for ever. Be careful over the holidays, enjoy, but track your calories. A year ago I gained about 6 pounds over a 2 month period, I was still within two pounds of my doctor's goal, but six pounds over MY goal. I knew I was up, I was still doing everything I should as far as tracking my food and all that, but my calories went up eating slider foods.....easy on, not as easy coming off. About double the time getting rid of it. NOT FUN, but possible. I am not doing a repeat this year!!! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I love to watch the Endobariatric videos on YouTube because the surgeon answers a lot of questions in a very easily understood way. I don't think you should ever take his word over your own doctor but he makes it easy to understand and this one video in particular is specifically about stretching the sleeve. Check it out!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv8X6H_jLgY

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×