Food Capacity

I'm 4 1/2 months post op. When did you reach your 'max' capacity of food after surgery?

I put the max in quotations as I do realize over time capacity seems to increase a bit throught out the years after having surgery. My surgeon says 2 to 3 years after surgery studies have shown the sleeve stretches some.

My question is really regarding the first six to 12 months after surgery. I was told generally six months is when you 'max' out on your capacity.

My food capacity really hasn't really changed in the last two months or so. I can eat about 2-3 oz if its mixed food (not 100 percent protein), or 1 1/2 oz of dense protein only.

I somewhat expected a gradual increase to food over this period and I realize I still have a month and a half to go til I hit 6 months, but I guess I'm getting a bit concern if my capacity doesn't increase a bit how difficult it will be on going.

I struggled to get my minimum of 60g of protein in. I do, but if it wasn't for protein shakes I wouldn't. I'm pretty much limited to chicken and turkey as protein as I can't have red meat til six months, and I can't stand most kinds of fish (thanks tastebuds lol). I eat a lot of cheese and milk to get my protein in.

I know its still possible by six months that my capacity may increase, but I also worry what if doesn't. Even with all food limitations coming off in six months, I also know I'm expected to start eating a more balanced meal adding more food groups in as I was told in my three month follow up. I guess I just expected to be able to eat a bit more by now and be a bit easier to get my protein in.

I'm not saying I want to be able to eat a big amount, but is 2 or 3 oz of dense protein this far out unrealistic? Maybe I am being unrealistic.

I'm on the Ontario Forum most, and most of the people I've gotten to know on there are RNY patients. Even some people who had surgery around the time that I did, are eating way more than I...and I was told VSG patients hold a bit more than an RNY pouch. Maybe there are exceptions...

I'm curious about people's experience after surgery and how your capacity increased over the first six month to 12 months. Maybe I'm worrying for nothing.

Please don't get me wrong, I don't want my normal size stomach back, and this isn't about being able to clean my plate. I just wish I could eat an oz or so more when it comes to just protein to make life easier getting my protein up. Maybe then my hair would stop falling out as much lol

I appreciate any insight.

Thanks.

A lot is going to depend on what size bougie your surgeon used to create your new stomach; every surgeon is unique. Some make smaller stomachs, some make larger ones. What did your surgeon tell you would be the "max" your new stomach would hold?

Edited To Add: Personally, mine said that my new stomach would eventually hold 8oz. At 4.5 months out I was at about 4oz food total. I'm at 9 months out, and I can comfortably eat 4oz dense protein, and a total of 6oz mixed foods depending on what it is. I'm most comfortable at about 5-5.oz, more can make me feel too full.

Oh, also, I was allowed beef and pork at 3 months.

I've been told I should be able to eat a cup of food, which is 8 oz, by six months if not earlier. He said it does vary on capacity a bit. That's all I was told.

Ya, the red meat rule is annoying lol My hospital is the only one in the province with this rule of no red meat until six months. Everyone else seems to be able to eat it in their puree stage, and solid forms six to eight weeks. Its been tough, I love red meat!

Thanks for the reply.

Just remember, though, that 1 cup and 8oz by weight are not the same thing, because it depends on what you're eating. That's why I clarified with my surgeon whether it was volume or weight.

When I was at that stage, I was eating about what you are eating for dense protein. I think it was more like a year before I could eat 3 oz of dense protein.

Thanks for sharing!

My stomach capacity was originally 2.5 oz. That was 12 years ago and today I believe my capacity is 8-12 oz. I consider this a blessing so I can eat protein with real food and not need protein shakes (as a DSer, I get 100+g of protein daily).

Thanks for the reply.

You're probably worrying for nothing. I had an increase in capacity just before 6 months, where I went from 2 to 2.5 or 3oz of dense protein. I can do 2.5oz of pork/chicken/beef/turkey or 3oz of lighter fish and 1oz of veggie now. When I saw my NUT for a follow up between 3 and 4 months I was also at only 1.5oz and I had nothing in my diet but proteins.

At 6 1/2 months out I'm eating protein plus very small portions of fruits and veggies (still no grains, and I stay low carb and I don't plan to change that). I'm still drinking one protein shake per day, but don't need it to get my 60g. I just like having my protein up around 90-100g with the work outs that I'm doing.

My bougie size is 34F, which is pretty small (and that makes sense, given I was a "light weight" at my surgery), but I've heard a lot that it doesn't really matter and it's more about how weighing and measuring your portions.

I probably am worrying for nothing....I am the Queen of the worry warts lol

My size is a 34F too, although my surgeon said he didn't use a bougie, some other kind of device that I can't remember the name. I am of the understanding its the same sizing as a bougie.

Thanks for sharing your experience since your only 2 months a head of me it gives me an idea, even though I realize our journey and how much we can eat will not neccessarily be the same.

Thanks again.