I have seen a bunch of different surgeons opinions on sleeve stretching since being in the forum. What has your surgeon told you?

It seems normal that people have different capacities or tolerances even if they are at the same stage post-op. The idea of permanently reversing some of the benefits of restriction is just so scary, I don't know what the truth of the matter is.

I was told it could be stretched but never to it's original size.

I have been told that there isn't enough studies to show if it can be stretched or not..im sure it can just like are stomachs before surgery..we stretched them to this fat size. Its all about staying on track and changing your eating habits...after all it's only a tool

My surgeon did address this. He says it can be stretched, but it would require chronic over-eating over a long period of time. That said, I am not sure they really have enough evidence to know for sure. I am erring on the side of caution.

You remember the story about the Emperor's new clothes??? Well that's me and my sleeve.

Regardless of what any surgeons or research or any others might say about stretching.......I'm perfectly satisfied sticking to the belief that my sleeve will burst if I overeat. That's why I got it and that is my motivation for the duration.

There is no downside in this regard. I stay within my limits and I lose the weight and keep it off and don't explode my sleeve.

You remember the story about the Emperor's new clothes??? Well that's me and my sleeve. Regardless of what any surgeons or research or any others might say about stretching.......I'm perfectly satisfied sticking to the belief that my sleeve will burst if I overeat. That's why I got it and that is my motivation for the duration. There is no downside in this regard. I stay within my limits and I lose the weight and keep it off and don't explode my sleeve.

That's not a bad mindset. for me personally education helps me calm anxiety and irrational fears which is part of what leads me to overeat haha. I'm not mentally trying to "get away with something" but rather understanding the mechanics things helps me. For example I don't feel full after two bites like some others at my stage and my crazy mind starts to spiral into that I've somehow ruined something and will ultimately fail lol. Glad I'm also in therapy lol.

My surgeon told me my sleeve is like a leather wallet. When you first get it and stuff it full of cards and money, it is tight, but over time, it relaxes and you are able to fit more in, but it is not going to stretch back anywhere near its original size.

I am almost 3 years out and I have found this to be true. I have been at the same level of restriction for the past 2 years.

I have to agree with all of these responses. I too like to be informed and subscribe to the idea that I am not going to fool with possibly stretching my sleeve. If you are filling it too much then you are overeating and isn't that what we were supposed to stop doing? I did speak to my surgeon before my sleeve was done and he to said that you can stretch it but it would require as stated above chronic overeating. When your stomach is reduced in size they remove most of the part that stretches so it is never going to get to the previous size. I am almost one year post op and still can't go beyond 6 ounces maybe 8 on an extremely rare day.

I have been told that there isn't enough studies to show if it can be stretched or not..im sure it can just like are stomachs before surgery..we stretched them to this fat size. Its all about staying on track and changing your eating habits...after all it's only a tool

Nope. I respectfully disagree. The stretchy part of our stomachs was cut out, leaving the muscle. Your stomach can stretch a bit with chronic overeating, but that would take some serious over eating dedication and it will NEVER EVER be what it once was.

Most people regain NOT from large quantities of food in one sitting after sleeve, but from grazing on poor choices all day long. It's doubtful many people will be able to consume an entire pizza in one sitting post op, but over the course of the day, absolutely. With wings. And cheese sticks. And breadsticks.

Just had this discussion with my surgeon today at my one year post op visit.

Edited May 6, 201412 yr by LipstickLady

I knew there was a good post with images to hopefully settle everything down related to the whole sleeve stretching epidemic:

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/202400-sleeve-size-after-surgery-and-4-years-later/

i have been very curious about this myself. I guess my question has been answered. I was just wondering why so many people have to be re-sleeved? I'm guessing it's because they are grazing all day long. I don't think I have as much restriction as some, but hopefully enough to get where I need/want to be. I just never want to abuse this precious tool.

Are there that many people that are resleeved?

I've never heard or anyone being resleeved? Is that even possible ??

:

Edited May 7, 201412 yr by Darianna75