Falling Off The Wagon/Stretching Stomach Question

[Hey Man 21]

Greetings,

So as most people do from time to time - I fell off the wagon for about two weeks while on vacation and in the process of that, I noticed that I was able to eat more without any discomfort. I wasn't gorging on food like I did to gain the weight that I had, but I was able to handle bigger portions or that 3rd slice of pizza.

I screwed up and I know that. I actually feel guilty, especially considering all the weight I have lost. It was just the first time where it was harder to stay focused as I wanted to enjoy my vacation. I know next time I have to plan better.

Now I am aware that the stomach does stretch again, but it is my understanding that it takes years for that to happen per what I have read from doctors - which is why some people who have bariatric surgery tend to gain some or all the weight again years later if they haven't maintained their better eating habits.

I am only 5 months out from the sleeve, so I was just curious why I was able to eat more than usual at this early point. I am back on track now, but just wanted to ensure that this is normal - that the stomach can stretch temporarily in the short term and things should be back to normal now that I am eating smaller portions again/proper foods. That I haven't already stretched out my stomach a bit.

I would appreciate any feedback here.

Thanks,

HM

Edited September 18, 2023 by Hey Man

[Hawtry 5]

I have noticed the same thing. I’m about 6 months out from my sleeve op and can eat about half of what I previously could (which to be fair was a lot!) My weight loss has stalled and I know it’s because of the type and amount of food I eat. I saw my doctor recently and they recommended getting back to basics and focusing on Protein and Water intake to get back on track. They didn’t seem concerned about the pouch stretching. Good luck with your continued weight loss!

[Arabesque 6,493]

As time passes you are able to eat more. Your tummy is a muscle & it can expand & contract like any other muscle. Can it become a lot loser so you can eat a lot more? Sure but yes it takes a lot of effort of eating large portions over a long time. The other thing that happens is that your resistance softens so you don’t feel it as often or as strongly. That’s why it’s important to learn & listen to your signals that you’ve had enough to eat & to keep closely to your appropriate portion sizes. I’m also a believer in an ‘all because you can doesn’t mean you should’ & a ‘do you need the next bite or just want it’ thinking.

We all slip & slide. Little ones & larger ones for all sorts of reasons (holidays always seem to be challenging). You recognised your slip which is half the battle. The other half is letting it go & to start moving forward again. You’re back on track so all you need to do now is let it go. You’ve got this!

[summerseeker 1,857]

Some foods are easier to eat than others. We call them slider foods. If you were eating these then they just slide all through.