“I’m able to eat a lot more than I think I should!”
“Is my pouch Too Big?” -or-
“Have I stretched My Pouch?”
Very Common concern and question from those with an RNY.
(saw a quite a few “Pouch Stretching” questions, and thought I’d “Re-Post.”)
As always- skip if you’ve seen it…….
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Best Wishes-
Dx

Laura, I’m just over 4 ½ years post-op. I originally dropped to 179lbs Below my Goal of 185lbs, and then bounced back up to 184. Over the last 3 years I have “bobbed” up to 186 and down to 180 without any change in my exercise or eating. One thought…. Are you keeping warm? When you subject yourself to lower temperatures Your body burns more calories to keep the body core temp higher. One of the Guys from the Men’s Forum is in Antarctica And has been given Doctor’s orders to keep his caloric intake above 3200 calories a day to keep from wasting away. Obviously that’s an extreme example, But even little differences make a difference for us further out and maintaining. I correspond with a large number of 4+year out post-ops Over on the QuixoticWLS-MessageBoard  

Several there have lost “bounce-back weight” over the years. Perhaps they would have more insight. What is “Typical” for Men seems to vary greatly from ‘Norms’ for Women. Hope it’s just a Bonus of the Winter season! I’d think it would be “Fixable” by adding a tiny bit more Healthy Fats To your typical intake. Best Wishes- Dx

I also  just wanted to drop by an Invitation. It’s great to see other men out here. We make up such a small percentage (12% to 19%) Of the people having Weight Loss Surgery, But tend to reach our goal weights quicker and with less Or at least Different hassles than the Gals Due to Male physiology. Drop by the Men’s Message Board And check out what other men like you are going through. It’s a diverse make up of Dads, Singles, Older, younger, etc… Pre-Ops, Post-Ops new and some Old (at Goal) Post-Ops. Lap-Banders, RNY’ers DS, etc… Great bunch of guys with the mutual understanding That WLS for Men can be a totally different Journey. Stop by to add your questions, advice, opinions, and info at- http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/

It’s Great to know we’re not so alone, And that there are others pulling for you. Hope to see you ‘Round the Boards! Best Wishes- Dx

The typical "Sip, sip, sip" is a description of Keeping fluid going in without taxing your freshly chopped on guts. Don’t rely completely on your feeling coming from your stomach just yet Because for many, it is numb from the surgical trauma still for a while. Don’t do anything that might bring on even a touch of pain or gagging, But do keep getting in your liquid. Water is a great one. Same with ice-chips. SF popsicles are a good way to keep hydration going While fighting off “head hunger.” Hey, it feels like you’re eating SOMETHING. Hang in there! These first weeks are terrible for most everyone. I also wanted to drop by an Invitation. It’s great to see other men out here. We make up such a small percentage (12%) Of the people having Weight Loss Surgery, But tend to reach our goal weights quicker and with less Or at least Different hassles than the Gals Due to Male physiology. Drop by the Men’s Message Board And check out what other men like you are going through. It’s a diverse make up of Dads, Singles, Older, younger, etc… Pre-Ops, Post-Ops new and some Old (at Goal) Post-Ops. Lap-Banders, RNY’ers DS, etc… Great bunch of guys with the mutual understanding That WLS for Men can be a totally different Journey. Stop by to add your questions, advice, opinions, and info at- http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/

It’s Great to know we’re not so alone, And that there are others pulling for you. Hope you’re up and hitting on all cylinders soon! Best Wishes- Dx