How long does it take for my stomach to empty?

Hello Friends~ I have a silly question. I am taking medicine for my thyroid that must be taken on an empty stomach. Before surgery that meant 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating. I am wondering, with my new pouch, how long AFTER I eat is my stomach empty? I am thinking it would be quicker than before? Or maybe because of the new smaller connection that empties my stomach, it might be longer? Michelle Brennan

hi michelle thats a good question actually. i would think that it might be quicker. the reason i think so is the 30 minutes before and after we usually wait to drink something. then again, i would also ask my doctor to be sure. i wait about 45 minutes after i eat to take all my vitamins and stuff, except for my nexium which i take first thing in the AM. good luck with this, hugs, jacki

Hello Jacki and Timmy Ray! Timmy-so good to see you here on the boards again! I wrote to you about a month ago to share the good news of my younger son, Conor (14), taking third in the State of NJ in the state tournament (wrestling for those who don't follow), back in March. I knew you would share in my joy with that accomplishment The e-mail didn't go through for some reason, I guess I had an old address and it bounced back. Jacki-it does make sense that it would take about 30 minutes for a simple, not dense, meal to digest and empty. Because of the reason you had said, we are taught from the beginning to wait 30 minutes between eating and drinking, so you don't wash the food down, so obviously it must be gone after 30 minutes. Like Timmy had said, if it's a simple, mushy meal it will be gone, otherwise it will take longer... I totally understand that. That is good news for me, it makes it easier to take my Levoxyl for my thyroid If you need a ride tomorrow night, let me know. I have written to Kim a few times and offered her a ride too, she is in Manchester, so we might need to get an early start..... but I haven't heard back from her yet. I am hoping she does come though, she really needs the support right now. See you Monday night~ Michelle Brennan

hey michelle, thanks for the offer im ok with going to Kimball. do i know Kim, im not sure where in manchester she is if the weather is ok, ill be there hugs, jacki

Hey Jacki~ You do know Kim, she has been to a few of our past meetings. She was at Kimball maybe 2 months ago and we were talking about depression, she has been depressed since the surgery. I am not sure if you were there at that meeting, I have missed a few there myself, so I lose track of who was where at what time I don't know where in Manchester Kim lives, but I am more than happy to find it if she needs me, I haven't heard from her yet. See you tonight, if the weather gets better... it's snowing now! I will be there either way, but I know you are leary of driving at night, and bad weather makes that worse. Be careful and if you change your mind about needing a ride, let me know Michelle

Hi Michelle Its not a silly question : ) My surgeon told me that about an hour (sometimes shorter, depends on the consistency and content of the food you eat) after eating your pouch is empty. I think a lot times its shorter, and when eating soft food or soup I think it races down the old digestive system. But thats just my theory. Anyway...great to see you posting.....sorry I have been bad about posting. Things are good overall... hope to see you here on the board more. Hugs Timmy Ray