pouch size???

hi there... who determines how small your pouch gets to be and how much is bypassed?? and can you ask for the smallest possible? thanks Kandy

Normally your surgeon will have a standard procedure based on his expertise and experience.  Sometimes he'll bypass the same amount for every patient, sometimes he'll bypass a different amount based on how much you have to lose.  From what my surgeon told me, the standard bypass amount is anywhere from 100 to 150 cm.  I personally am bypassed 150cm because that's what my surgeon feels is the right amount for most of his patients and it's what he does with everyone. My surgeon told me that pouch size is actually determined after they get inside and see the natural shape of your stomach -- or actually the shape of the part of your stomach that will be made into the new pouch.  He always tries for a 1.5 to 2 ounce pouch, but it varies based on the original shape and structure.  He always said that all pouches aren't shaped the same after surgery - some are round, some pear-shaped, some more oblong.  (Thought that was interesting.) Have a discussion with your surgeon to find out what his standard practice is.  I did and I'm glad we were already in agreement beforehand.  I wanted a pouch that was no more than 2 ounces, but not less than 1 ounce ... and I wanted to be bypassed 150cm.   There are studies that show that the actual pouch size doesn't matter all that much as long as it's around 2 ounces.  The teeny tiny micro pouches don't allow enough food to be consumed and you often end up with malnutrition issues and the bigger pouches lets you eat too much and you end up with losing too slowly.   Your pouch actually grows after surgery and healing.  Yes, there might be some stretching if you abuse it, but more likely it'll actually GROW.  (It's a living organ afterall.) Mature pouches end up being around 6 to 8 ounces after about 2 years. HTH Pam