Question:
Is it possible that my pouch could be stretched?

I can eat to much I think!! Today at 10:am I had my protein shake(with water), at 12noon I had a medium salad with 2oz turkey meat and some spoonfuls of baked beans on it. Right after the salad I had about 10 animal crackers. At 2:30pm I had a whole protein bar(low-carb, low sugar)At 4:30pm I had a peanut butter cup(homeade-YUM)I don't usually have anything that sweet. I also drink water inbetween all this. Anyway, everytime I eat I feel like my stomach burns. Is this stretching pains? Do you think I have been gradually stretching my pouch, I have not lost any weight in more than 3 weeks, and I am really scared that I am done losing. I am also scared that I will lose control of my eating like I was before surgery If I don't control it now. I need some help, If I am eating to much please tell me so I can stop. I am going to try and not eat anything else the rest of the night except for another protein shake. I am even afraid to have that now. I am only 6 months post-op and have gone from 250lbs to 161lbs and I am stuck here big time!! HELP!!!!!!    — Lauren P. (posted on March 27, 2001)

March 27, 2001
Hi Lauren, From what you described in your note, that sure does sound like a lot to intake. I could not imagine having that amount of food so close together. I am almost 1 year post-op and still eat pretty small portions. I am not forunate to be able to eat salad, it just doesn't like me. Keep an eye on the amount of something you eat and make sure not to drink 30 min prior or 30 min after eating. I'm not sure if the burning feeling you're getting is the pouch stretching, but cut back on portions and see if it doesn't go away. Hope I was some help.
   — Cindy L.

March 27, 2001
None of the foods you list are very dense, so they wouldn't take up all that much pouch room if well-chewed and eaten slowly. More important to consider, though, is WHY you are eating every two hours. Are you hungry? Do you stop when you (1) feel satisfied, or (2) when you feel full, or (3) when your plate's clean. The best answer is #1. If you're not hungry, don't eat. Also, a burning feeling is not normal. Consult your doctor about that.
   — Linda B.

March 28, 2001
My surgeon told me the only way I could stretch my pouch is if I overate so much to the point I threw up- and I would have to do this every day! He said snacking does not stretch the pouch- it just slows down the weight loss!
   — Lisa L.

June 22, 2004
Yeah, that seams like way too much food! I was having burning in my stomach and also horrible pains. (Like labor pains) It was bad. I was to my Dr. and He said I was eating to much to often.He said my stomach was having spazums. He was right. I don't stuff myself any more and I only eat 3 meals a day. You are eating too much food. I am 6 wks post-op. Sometimes I am still full at dinner, so I skip! My advise, don't "push it". Sometimes we THINK we are hungry but we're not. Also , make sure you're NOT drinking with your meals!!! This pushes food through faster... Hope this helps!
   — stephanie J.

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