Concerns with stretching my stomach again.

I'm three years out and I find my self eating a lot more before getting full. I feel that I can fit more in my stomach than I used to and am concerned that I'm going to have to eat more to feel full. I think what is stretching my stomach isn't food so much as drinking water. I try to get my 8 -12 glasses of water in between meals (not supposed to drink with meals) so I have to drink more and I always feel over full after drinking my water. I know that competitive eaters drink gallons of water to stretch their stomachs and I'm concerned about stretching mine. I've also started to put a little bit of weight back on. 5-10 lbs so far. 

Any of the more experience DS'rs have any experience with this or suggestions if its possible to shrink the stomach again?

I am four years out and drink 2 gallons of water a day and still have to watch my portions.  It is really important to get your fluids in if you feel you are able to fit more in your stomach I would suggest weighing and measuring EVERYTHING you eat to gauge exactly what you are able to eat and slowly making those portions smaller.  We have to work harder being a few years out and it is still our job to help the DS along.  When I was in the hospital I was on liquids only for 2 days and that helped shrink my stomach a bit because I wasn't able to fit in NEARLY what I was able to before.

Also, try to eat bulkier foods that will take up more space in your stomach, fiberous veggies like broccoli, chicken, steak, spinach, cauliflower, turkey, salmon...things that will take up space in your stomach.

GOOD LUCK!

Your stomach will stretch over time a little but never like it would have pre-surgery. They remove the portion of the stomach that has the most elasticity to it. It should never stretch to the point that you can eat like you could pre-surgery. 

I understand what you are saying here.  I have noticed my stomach has really stretched out.  I can eat a lot more than I used to.  I've just started to reign it in.

I do not eat all day long any more.  I have 3 small meals, then eat steamed veggies or fruit if really hungry.  My stomach has shrunk a little, and I did lose 5 lbs last week.

So the DS keeps working.  We just need to keep our portions in control and stop the hand to mouth motion from taking over.  It's not that hard.

I have less experience than you so thes are just some thoughts to consider.

I understand what you are saying. I would suggest that the issue you need to work on is eating and drinking until you feel "full".  Think back to the portion sizes you were at for the end of year one and year two. See if you can cut back to those sizes. I think if you are worried about stretching than the last thing you should do is to make the "full" sensation your guide.

You shouldn't be concerned about your stomach stretching - you should be expecting it to.  I promise you it will never get to the pre-op size, but yeah, think of it as a means to get in protein without having to drink the awful shakes.  You can also drink with meals...that is an RNY rule, just make sure you don't drink too much at once so you cannot eat, is all.  My stomach started at the size of 100cc's (about 2.5 oz), and today, nearly 9 years later, I eat around 5-6oz of meat with a little veggies with no problem.  It's okay to eat more - just make it meaningful.