Hi I am 1.5 years post op gastric sleeve and lost 120 lbs but over the holidays I gained 8 lbs ( do you poor eating habits ) I am worried that I may have stretched my sleeve because I noticed that it seems I can tolerate more food now . How do I know for sure if I stretched my sleeve? And if so his do I fix it and start loosing again ?

I definitely stretched mine - I lost 100 lbs but gained back over 50 lbs through poor eating habits. You have to be vigilant - just because your stomach can handle more food, doesn't mean it should. Go back to eating smaller portions and watch how many calories you are eating. Another reason why I failed is that I stopped tracking as diligently as I had before. So even though I've tried to "re-set" my sleeve, nothing has worked, and I'll be going for a revision to gastric bypass in about a month's time.

Stop eating so much. The small pouch is a short term tool to learn new habits.

Thanks for your comments I have been back on track with eating but I’m still wondering if I stretched my sleeve or not

how do you know ?

It really doesn't matter if you have stretched your sleeve or not. The size of your sleeve doesn't make you gain or lose weight. What and how much you eat is the only thing you have to think about.

just eat the same amount you did a year ago. It's that simple. Honestly the "Stretched Sleeve" idea is just an excuse for reverting to old bad eating habits. Which of course many people do.

you can do this, you've proven it. Don't fail now because of some technicality.

Thanks ?

And whatever you do, stay away from the poutine.

9 hours ago, Fatboyslim1 said:

It really doesn't matter if you have stretched your sleeve or not. The size of your sleeve doesn't make you gain or lose weight. What and how much you eat is the only thing you have to think about.

just eat the same amount you did a year ago. It's that simple. Honestly the "Stretched Sleeve" idea is just an excuse for reverting to old bad eating habits. Which of course many people do.

you can do this, you've proven it. Don't fail now because of some technicality.

100% agree. When i had my band i never went in for "unfills"... i just adjusted my portion sizes... I learned valuable lessons in all those years and i truly believe it's why even after my band removal and being without i gained only 30lbs..... That being said, it still was 30lbs and on someone 5'2".. it's not a good look. I went from 143 to 173.5 in 2.5 years..... Did i look terrible...No, Did i feel terrible... YES... I felt like a failure even though i didn't have any tool I thought i should have been able to control my eating better. I quickly was reminded what "hunger" felt like again. With the band, i was never hungry.

I didn't have to have the sleeve done and in any other situation, i would not have even qualified for it. But because i had had the band my dr did it as a revision (2.5 years later). And because i was lucky enough to have 14k in my bank account.

I worry about the pouch stretching.... this is why i portion everything... and If i'm still hungry.. too bad, i just go hungry. As of today i at 135.... SX 8/28/19 Feeling like my old self again.... all my clothes that were too tight now either fit or are to big.... whoop whoop.

it's supposedly pretty hard to stretch it unless you're chronically overeating - but pouches and sleeves naturally do hold more after the first few months (when swelling goes down). I think what might be happening is you just got used to eating more food, so now you want it. You'll eventually get used to eating less food again - but you have to white knuckle it for awhile (I'm in the same boat - I did too much eating over the holidays, so it's hard to get used to 1500-ish calories again (my maintenance level).

The only way to know for sure is to have an upper-GI endoscopy. The doctor can visualize the sleeve and determine if you've stretched it.

It's natural for the sleeve to tolerate larger portions over time. I'm 20+ months out and sometimes I can eat a cup or so of food. It really depends on the food. I've even noticed that the time of day can make a difference. For instance, my breakfast is always a smaller meal than an evening meal.

If you aren't already, measure and track your food.

10 hours ago, Fancy Face 2018 said:

how do you know ?

It's not very likely that you "stretched" your sleeve. You got used to bigger portions by "training" so to say. Once you start eating smaller amounts again your body gets used to the smaller portions again.

You might want to check out Dr. Weiner's video on growing portion sizes with time and that sleeves usually don't stretch. Or at least not that easy.

More than likely you didn't stretch your pouch with 8 lb gain, but as you already know you have to be vigilant going forward to continue the program and stay on track to avoid any regain and overeating. Stick with 1/2 cup servings and you'll be fine.

i would look into more of WHAT you are eating than how much. Are you tracking your food? If no is your answer.... Start now. It really make a diff..... I know during the 2.5 years after band removal i was eating "bad" foods and i was drinking a lot... Wine, margaritas, cocktails with meals. I was also drinking with my meal instead of waiting till after i was done. Are you portioning out your meal? If not, start now.... i use an 1/8 cup. I do 1/8 protein, 1/8 veggie, 1/8 of other. Never eat more than that even if i'm still hungry.

Pouches naturally stretch out over time.. but i think that old habits and being "comfortable" are more to blame? Im at the same stage and have had a 4lb regain (whilst being trapped at home with a broken wrist) so i have been calorie counting and weighing myself daily to keep accountable! Your stomach hasnt regrown, we still cant make ghrelin AND you have no where near as far to come! Dont let it sneak up!