Question:
I know that water will not stretch your pouch, but what about the

protein drinks? Some of them are pretty thick. I'm sure this has been asked before, but I looked and couldn't find it, so.....sorry for repeating the same questions here. THanks in advance for your input. :)    — Myrna E. (posted on January 30, 2004)

January 30, 2004
I am not a believer in this scary pouch stretching people keep talking about on here. I think it is kind of like an old wives tale, as my pouch is a different size every day. Your pouch naturally stretches over time. Liquids (with the exception of carbonated ones) will not stretch your pouch because they go through pretty fast. I think the only way to stretch your pouch in the scary way people describe on this site is to habitually overeat, stretching it to the point you are in pain every time you eat. Then it will stretch to acoomodate you.
   — mrsmyranow

January 30, 2004
Pouches do stretch--- it is not a wives' tale. And it is patently absurd, and grossly irresponsible, for anyone to suggest otherwise. Although they will eventually stretch slightly over time as a gastric bypass patient eats more, controlling the amount one eats in the early months post-operatively minimizes the risk of extensive stretching of the pouch (becuase it is most succeptible to stretching in the first few months). For the most part, liquids will tend to flow through an empty pouch (once it is fully functioning and not merely dependent upon gravity to empty it). However, you do need to be cautious if drinking too soon after eating (especially if you are drinking a thick protein shake) as the liquid can swell the food that is in the pouch. Also, if food is in your pouch when you drink, the liquid might not be able to easily pass through the food and out the stoma. For these reasons, you do need to be cautious when drinking.
   — SteveColarossi

January 31, 2004
You may already know this but your pouch will stretch over time from the initial few ounces right out of surgery to 6-10 oz average when you are a year or longer out. That is normal. Liquids will not stretch the pouch unless, like Steve said, your pouring liquids on top of food. That includes the protein shakes. The other poster is correct too, though our pouches do stretch naturally, some can abnormally stretch their pouches to beyond the average by constant overeating.
   — Cindy R.

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