Hi everyone!

I am terrified of stretching my sleeve. I am only 4 weeks post op but I wanted to know what you do to prevent stretching! Thanks!

Your sleeve is going to relax and accommodate a higher volume of food over time. This is normal and expected, but it seems to shock some people. The days of getting full off a few bites of food don't last.

Bariatric surgeon Dr. Matthew Weiner has a series of YouTube videos on this topic. He essentially states that the typical sleever can eat two-thirds of 1 plate of food by 3 to 5 years out.

To protect your sleeve, do not overeat on a regular basis. Do not over-stuff your pie-hole. Click on the link below on tips to prevent stomach stretching.

https://www.obesitycoverage.com/weight-loss-surgeries/gastric-sleeve/gastric-sleeve-will-my-stomach-stretch

1 hour ago, BeachMommy2Girls said:

Hi everyone!

I am terrified of stretching my sleeve. I am only 4 weeks post op but I wanted to know what you do to prevent stretching! Thanks!

Follow your plan and eat what your Surgeon recommended you eat. I don't think it is that complicated, I have seen people worry they can fit more in after the healing phase,but just do not test your sleeve as I see alot of people doing.

Congrats on 4 weeks. I am 5 weeks out. Keep up what you are doing

Follow your plan and eat what your Surgeon recommended you eat. I don't think it is that complicated, I have seen people worry they can fit more in after the healing phase,but just do not test your sleeve as I see alot of people doing.

Congrats on 4 weeks. I am 5 weeks out. Keep up what you are doing [emoji4]

I didn't say it was complicated. I just wondered what other people were doing, if anything, to prevent it. I didn't go through all of this just to stretch it out and gain weight again.

30 minutes ago, BeachMommy2Girls said:

I didn't say it was complicated. I just wondered what other people were doing, if anything, to prevent it. I didn't go through all of this just to stretch it out and gain weight again.

No no i was not saying you did say it was complicated lol i was saying i did not find it complicated as pre op it seemed like it could easily go wrong from all the post i was seeing about 'stretched sleeves'

And yes obvcourse, hopefully no one does this to end up back at square one.

I just saw an article on this topic written by a surgeon.
It said to avoid liquids before and after you eat- 30 min to an hour after, 30 min before.
It also said if you eat a larger meal make sure the following meal is small- it said the stomach is used to stretching and contracting so you don't want to constantly put more in than you should- one time won't do lasting damage, but continued it will get used to the stretched size.
My surgeon said that after surgery it is the size of a straw or pen but a year out it is the size of a banana.
I agree- don't test the limits. Keep portions small and chew, chew.
That's my plan. I'm only 6.5 weeks out so I'm not an expert. I rely on my professionals.


Mich W
Hw 223, SW 217 CW 194 GW 135

Very helpful information. I'm getting my surgery tomorrow afternoon. I can't wait to start my journey, my new smaller healthier life.

I didn't say it was complicated. I just wondered what other people were doing, if anything, to prevent it. I didn't go through all of this just to stretch it out and gain weight again.

Cosign!

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16 hours ago, BeachMommy2Girls said:

I didn't go through all of this just to stretch it out and gain weight again.

To clear up a common misconception, one's sleeve size doesn't determine the rate of weight loss or chances of weight regain.

It's the neurohormonal changes prompted by the sleeve that initially lead to weight loss during the honeymoon period such as reduced ghrelin secretion, and increased GLP1 and peptide YY secretion.

Likewise, a person's long term habits determine whether weight regain occurs. A reduced size stomach won't stop a compulsive eater with a tiny stomach; they'll simply finish the entire pizza by eating 1 slice every 30 to 45 minutes rather than polishing it off all at once.

Moreover, each sleeve is a different size than the next person's sleeve. Bougie size and surgical technique determine final sleeve size. Bougie sizing ranges from 32F to 40F here in the US.

For example, my bariatric surgeon said he uses only two sizes and techniques when creating peoples' sleeves: either a 'loose' 38F bougie or a 'tight' 40F bougie, dependent on the manner in which the surgery is progressing. My sleeve was created with a 40F bougie, which is a larger size.

I'll also mention that some people blame larger bougie size on their inability to lose that much weight with their sleeves. A woman posted she was unable to lose weight since her sleeve had been shaped with a 38F bougie, but most of us who were sleeved with 40F bougies (read: larger size) reached our goal weights or fell somewhat below goal weight.

In sum, habits are far more important than the size of the sleeve. Those who depend on sleeve restriction alone to help them maintain their weight often experience regain.

36 minutes ago, Introversion said:

A woman posted she was unable to lose weight since her sleeve had been shaped with a 38F bougie, but most of us who were sleeved with 40F bougies (read: larger size) reached our goal weights or fell somewhat below goal weight.

Mine was a 40F as well. I have enough sense to not blame something other than myself for IF I weren't to lose weight...but I am and so that argument isn't even valid.

58 minutes ago, Introversion said:

habits are far more important than the size of the sleeve. Those who depend on sleeve restriction alone to help them maintain their weight often experience regain.

THIS, exactly.

A food scale is your new forever best friend.

THIS, exactly.
A food scale is your new forever best friend.

AGREE!!

I'm no expert, at just about 9 weeks out, but I find my food scale and measuring cups very important. I've also adjusted to the rules about separating drinking from eating, and while it's taken awhile to get used to it, I plan to continue that long term. For now, I still write down my eating and drinking to stay on top of my goals.