questions about my new pouch

ok for all the veterans I have a few questions.... I had my surgery short of 3 weeks ago and when I first came home I would drink my fluids like I was told too and when I was told too, then I was moved to soft or pureed foods and honestly I do eat soft foods and stay away from sooo much but alot of times I puree it in my mouth before i swallow. (the thought of blending up food like baby food didnt work for me) and I have here and there tried this or that.. but it was all soft and good for me, I havent eaten anything the doctor would be upset about. I have noticed more and more when I drink water or my crystal light I can take 2 or 3 sips and feel a lump or a pressure where my pouch is and i guess thats telling me im full and to let the fluids go down before I take another sip so I do... but when i eat food I can nibble on my meal and I dont get that pressure in my pouch I can tell later that I am full but its not like when i drink... I guess I am worried I have stretched my pouch.... I eat 3 very tiny meals and drink my shakes... but does the pouch begin to get bigger ? I am going to my first support meeting at potomac hospital this thursday to ask the dietician these questions also.... i just dont want to hurt myself or hinder my weight loss..... so i was hoping some of you would be able to shed some light on this for me... thank you..Beth

Yes, it does get bigger. But I don't think you need to worry about that right now. I suspect you get the "lump" feeling because of the temperature of the drink. Some have to drink room temp. liquids at the beginning. That still happens to me occasionally. Why only 3 tiny meals? Is that your doctor's recommendation? My surgeon says 5-6. Of course this means you are eatng nd drinking all day long to get everything in. Most everyone fears they have stretched their pouch right away. That only happens gradually. Just keep getting everything in. Lois

that makes sense i eat breakfast lunch and dinner and drink 2 shakes in between those so total of 5 meals i guess.... and i might have a sugar free popsicle or two a day... but thank you for clearing that up for me ; )) Beth

I am amost 11 months out and I too get that "hurt" feeling in my pouch when I drink liquids that are too cold. Before surgery I HAD to have my water and other drinks ice cold or I just could not get them in. But now I find that if I drink my water room temp it helps to get it down the pouch. It is good that you are going to a support group meeting. Good luck! Cathy

The pouch normally does not stretch too much and it is long term post op that this happens . My concern here is if you are experiencing any pain at all . You should not have any pain upon drinking or eating . At the stage you are in now , soft foods will normally need to be taken in slow just as water or CL . Keep a note on when it happens and if there is any pain associated with it or vomiting . If this happens get to your surgeon for examine . Listen to your body .. it is critical at your stage as well as long term . Best wishes to you ! Natalie

hey beth I had my surgery 3 weeks ago today and when I drink water or something cold I feel pressure like in the middle between my rib cage and you are right I do not feel that when I eat. I don't know how you are doing with calcuim but I posted a message about the vitachews for calcuim they are not a calcuim citrate but I was doing the upcal D and I have the pills but they don't taste good I need something just until I can swallow pills in 5 weeks.