Reduction in capacity

My thinking was that physical capacity would increase after surgery to a point. Any increases in intake after that would be attributable to increases in appetite, snacking, grazing, etc. I did not anticipate a decline in physical capacity. Be that as it may, I'll take it, but PCP is concerned that I not go under 190. That might seem like a lot (>30 pounds over weight chart), but as she reminds me, "I've seen you naked." Even at 190, I still have a BMI of 27.x, something I am comfortable with. Getting down to >25.0 is not desirable at all. Nowhere Man/PH/Jay

I have been wondering about this for the last several months. From the 18 mos. after my surgery through about 3.5 years I was able to eat/tolerate more than I am now (3rd month of 5th year). I came to the very unscientific conclusion that I am far more aware of how I feel when I eat, aware of the foods that I like and agree with me, aware of the portions that I am satisfied vs. full or hungry with, and the "sinking in" of lifestyle changes. Earlier on I relied on my pouch to be in control...if that were the case today I believe I would be back to nearly 300#! So, maybe I am completely full of crap and very good at convincing myself that the things I am doing everyday have contributed to my long term success, or maybe there is something that changes physically the longer we go. Karen 278/136

The pouch rules say our pouch will continue to stretch for approximately 2 years from surgery no matter how much or how little we eat. Having said that I know my capacity varies from meal to meal. Dense proteins fill me up a lot quicker than soft proteins. Carbs are easier to eat but I stay away from them most of the time. I just had an abdominaplasty 17 days ago so I have no appetite. I could easily become anorexic right now, but have sense enough to know I need my protein to heal. I am eating soft proteins now just to get in the required daily amount. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be pushing food on myself. Is it possible to develop a stricture this far out from surgery? That really doesn't seem like much food this far out. If you keep losing you might have to think about starting to snack on 10 almonds, a protein bar, etc between meals once a day. You had this surgery to get healthy so do whatever you need to in order to stay healthy. Best of luck!

The stricture idea has occured to me, but from what I gather, they become less common the further out one gets. But hey, most of us are plowing new ground here, so what will be the rules later will be based upon what we experience, eh? It merits examining further should I get the point where I really can't get food in and keep it in. However, gettting into a pair of regular fit size 32 Levis could be interesting. Nowhere Man/PH/Jay

The stricture idea has occured to me, but from what I gather, they become less common the further out one gets. But hey, most of us are plowing new ground here, so what will be the rules later will be based upon what we experience, eh? It merits examining further should I get the point where I really can't get food in and keep it in. However, gettting into a pair of regular fit size 32 Levis could be interesting. Nowhere Man/PH/Jay