Stretched Stomach??

I have regained 37 pounds and getting back on track today with the help of my dietician and this website.

I have noticed I have gained several inches a lot of weight around my waist. Is it possible that I have

stretched my stomach? I had went back to old eating habits. If I have stretched my stomach, is it

possible to get it back to its original size? Please be honest. :)

highly unlikely you stretched your stomach (permanently)...the stomach does stretch a little to accommodate food and shrinks down once it is gone. this is not significant. the full feeling comes from these stretch nerves in the stomach and intestines. if you had permanently stretched your stomach...no it wont shrink back...just like your skin. luckily you haven't stretched your stomach.

the vast majority of the time when they've looked at so called stretched stomachs they are normal. it is normal to be able to eat more over time which is why what you eat is so important.

Also important to know that food only stays in the stomach 30 seconds to a few minutes. so unless you are binging huge quantities of food in literal minutes...permanently stretching out your stomach is hard.

the regained inches on your waist are the 37lbs you gained.

Great Question! Isn't the stretched stomach the fear of everyone post-surgery? Well, regain and stretching.

I don't know how I'd be able to tell you if I have stretched my stomach. I do have a tire around my size four tummy when I have gastro issues and have carbs. I track my pounds/weight, but I find my accuracy with my inches. I use CM because I hate fractions. I track my neck, bust, waist, thigh, calf, ankle, wrists. Cankles are an indication of water weight for me. Waist means watch my carbs and get regular. My point is know your numbers, journal your feelings, track your food and water intake. Half the battle on getting back on track is knowing why and when you are off the track, isn't it? If you want anecdotal, I was told by our WLS dietician that your tummy will remember the surgery and shrink when you go back to the rules. Stop drinking before eating, wait for protein to hit before drinking again. Have only 3 meals (no snacking) and low carbs. Good Luck!

I have read about taking a cottage cheese test. You can google it if you are interested. I am 8 year post op and I still worry about over eating and not wanting to stretch things out (which I think is just basically staying in the present while eating, which is a good thing).