Question:
What is eating like 1 year post-op for people who have 15cc pouches and lost 250# +

I met with the surgeon today and he has indicated that he would do a 15cc pouch, max 20cc and 150cm bypass. I know this will help me lose weight very fast but once I am at ideal/goal weight how will I get enough food to support my new body and lifestyle and not continue losing. During my last huge weight loss I became very active physically - biking, walking, swimming, volleyball etc. and continued to lose weight rather rapidly on 1200 calories and very low fat. The more exercise one gets the more food they need to fuel the fire, yet not much food fits in a 15cc pouch, and I would only be allowed to eat max. 3 meals per day. I do not want to end up in some situation 18 months down the road that I am unable to maintain a healthy weight from the other end of the scale. I am not looking to be a skinny minnie. I'd be ecstatic at size 12-14. I don't want at some point in the future for the doctor to go, I guess we should have made your pouch a little bigger - it's too late then. What have others of you experienced. I'm not belittling anyone who lost less just want to know what the "super" obese, as the surgeon called me (but done very nicely) have found out in their weight loss journeys - since this is closest to my situation. Chris D.    — zoedogcbr (posted on November 28, 2002)

November 27, 2002
The pouch streches. In our last support groups of 200+ people, only 2 people have had any trouble in stopping the weight lost when at goal. The weight lost slows down 9-12 months after surgery. Somehow our bodies figure out what has happened to it and takes control. I liked your questions, because I had the same fears. Good lcuk
   — barbara A.

November 28, 2002
yep, the pouch stretches...I had a 30cc pouch (1 oz...size of a medicine cup) and 150 cm bypassed. I am 16 months post op and can now eat what I would consider a small to average women to eat (I used to beat out large men when it came to my victuals). I can eat an average to large size piece of pizza. *or* a regular size sandwich...still can only handle about half of a fancy restraunt sandwich and few fries. Yesterday for lunch I had about 2/3 bowl french onion soup, about a cup of salad and a 1/2 c. of strawberries with cream sauce. Took a while, and kinda pushed it with the berries..I don't usually force it...but at 4.26 for a bowl of berries I wasn't leaving them and had too much shopping to do to take them with me...lol.(bad me) Anyway...I found that about 7-8 months post op is when my pouch kinda froze in size..I eat about what I did then, with an occassional over indulgance. I know I can force it bigger if I keep doing that...so it's very rare that I push it. I hope this rambling mess is helpful. Good luck and God bless! -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -140lbs
   — KimBo36

November 28, 2002
I believe my doctor initially made my pouch 1 oz. I have since lost approx. 200 lbs. and feel like I'm nearing the end of my journey. Would like to take off another 20 lbs., but who doesn't!!! Yes, the pouch does stretch. At 20 months post-op, I can eat a small to medium sized meal but anything beyond that is uncomfortable. Lean Cuisines are the perfect size. Feel full for about 3-4 hrs. after a meal. I love this surgery!
   — Terissa R.