Stretched my pouch :(

How can I get back on track? I had RNY in March 09 and have plateaued. I'm not eating very good, not getting in the protein or water, but can honestly say I'm taking my vites and calcium religiously (though not chewable.)  I was just diagnosed with bipolar disorder and have been going through an emotionally tough time and I'm afraid have put my health on the backburner. Missed my followup visit appointment with the nut and nurse already (but have rescheduled.)  I need to re-shrink this thing! It's definitely holding a LOT more food than it really should.  I can even eat bread and carbs like crazy.  Bad, bad, bad. :(

are you drinking while you eat or soon after? that lets more food get in

also what kind of food are you eating? mushy carby stuff can take up less room than good old dense protein

back to the basics kiddo, it may not be stretched. protein first (meat if you can tolerate it). wait at least 30 minutes before you drink

consider a protein shake instead of a snack. I *hear* it fills you up. I have the mix but have not done this one yet myself

If you look for puggydawn on the RNY board her profile has all kinds of info about bipolar meds and malabsorption. shoot her a pm and good luck!

Please do not assume that you have stretched your pouch.  It is normal for our pouches to be larger and hold more food nine months out. You have already pointed out where you need to improve by getting in more prtein and water.  If you are like many of us, you may need to cut down on simple carbs.  When you she your nut they should be able to tell you what you should be eating at this stage.  It's great that you are taking your supplements.  you have had a good weight loss so far.  You can continue to lose weight.  good luck, Loris

 You probably have not really stretched your pouch -- carbs just snake their way through a whole lot easier than solid protein does.  Try going back to the way you ate post-surgery for a few days.  Take your time to get some protein drinks in, eat yogurt, maybe some soft fish, etc.  I think you'll find that when you try to eat a nice piece of chicken, some steak, etc., that your pouch is plenty small.  You've just figured out the way to cram a whole lot more in there than you should be doing.  Go back to the way you're supposed to eat and you'll be doing just fine.

Linda

Don't feel bad I had been in the same boat... I am trying to retrain my brain....