question for the far-out club

Hi all,

Gail G. said we could ask questions of you, so I'm jumping in right away.

I know the bougie question comes up a lot, but it is almost exclusively answered by people within the first month or so of surgery.

So, I would like to ask those of you who have been post-op for a longer time--do you think bougie/stomach size has made a difference in
a. your weight loss,
b. your hunger/appetite
c. your ability to continue to lose weight after the honeymoon period
d. anything else you can think if

Thanks for all your "far-out" answers!

Pielet,   I have no idea if the bougie size has had any effect on any of the items you mentioned.  I think my surgeon used a 32F  bougie, but I have nothing to compare against to know if it would have been any different if he had used a different size.  I wish I could be more informative, but, unfortunately, there is no way for one individual  to know the answer to your question - at least I don't know. Char10

I'll do my best to tackle this one. I believe I have a stomach just a little bit bigger than most- I can easily eat a cup of food or more if I pu**** however, the sheer discomfort of packing food down there keeps me from going over board, and I made sure to utilize the first few months to revamp my eating habits. It's my honest belief that size doesn't matter. ;) No matter how big the pouch/bougie is or ends up, it's a world of difference with the loss of the ghenilin hormone, and I have yet to really battle hunger. I GET hungry, but pretty much on schedule, and I don't typically eat between my meals or graze (I have my days like anyone else, trust me.). That was something harder in the beginning, when you're still dealing with head hunger and over coming old habits, but you DO learn the difference. Everyone makes mistakes, especially at the start- you go into the toddler period and start testing your limits, eating things you shouldn't. Everyone does it. And everyone has the wake up call. So no, I don't think bougie size matters. Your stomach is going to stretch out a bit after it heals, and over time you'll be able to eat more. It's not worth freaking out over, by the time it happens you'll have totally changed your eating habits and won't really worry about over eating, or being compulsive about it.  You'll pu**** once or twice with that extra bite, and you'll be grabbing your shoulder with the gas pain kicking yourself wondering how you ever thought that extra piece of God Know's What was ever worth it. And then the next day you'll do better. As far as the answers, in my opinion: a. Whatever size your stomach is, you're going to be eating a Hell of a lot less than you used to. Maximize the first three months, stretch the liquid as long as you can (I lost 1/3 of my over all weight during my liquid phase but was also told to stay on liquids for 60 days after surgery by my surgeon. Every doctor is different.). If you follow the rules (make room for life later on, it's easier to be strict in the beginning when cheating still hurts) you're going to make a mental change on the way you eat, absorb, and manage food that will carry on and have a MUCH longer lasting effect than the size of your stomach.  b. The size didn't have anything to do with it, I don't think. When I lost the ghenilin, I lost the compultion, the need to eat constantly. My ability to be hungery 5 months out was nothing in the light of my new ability to feel FULL. Who cared if I was hungry? I'd be full again in two minutes, on next to nothing. c. I lost a huge amount of weight in the first 6 months, steadily for the next three, and sporatically since.  I broke up with my scale a long time ago, and don't care about the numbers anymore. I go by how I look, and more importantly, how I feel. I can touch my toes, run a mile, walk eight, and dance around while I clean my house, all in the same day. I don't care what the scale says, or if I ever lose another pound, honest to God.  d. This is the key: I only needed the restriction long enough to change my eating pattern. I only needed it long enough to LEARN when I was satisfied, and when to stop eating. I don't even know what I could hold in there by now. I stop eating around 6-8 ounces, because I'm satisfied and over it.  Long winded, once more! Hope it was helpful, Abby

Abby, Long winded and beautifully educational and though provoking.  I'm pre-op and probably won't be having surgery anytime soon, so now I'm finding myself working on the feeling of satisfaction.  Continue to be blessed, you are an inspiration!

Whoooo satisfaction. It's great that you're taking the step to work on it now, good for you! That was my biggest problem pre-op, hands down- I could never, ever get full. I never felt satisfied, I never felt anything but compelled to eat. It was the biggest 'wow' for me, and a big one to tackle, so much applause to you! Baby steps! :) Abby

Girl I know what you mean!!  It's been the hardest thing for me, but I'm working on it.  Some days are obviously easier then others, but I'm learning and have no doubt that post-op it'll be very different!  I can't wait until my stomach size matches my new resolve!!

wooohooooo abby, great new picture...looking AWESOME!

Don't make me blush! No, really though, thank you so much!

and as for you, Miss Abby, this teacher gives you am "A".....thanks for your wonderful answer!  Gail

Very helpful Abby. Thank you!