Question:
Can you stretch you pouch out by drinking water to fast?

I'm three weeks out. RNY laproscopic, and at first it would take me almost two hours to drink a protein shake. Some days I could'nt even get both in. Now I'm three weeks out and I can drink a protein drink in 15 minutes or less. I can drink a 19 oz. glass of water in 15 min. I drink normally and not sip. Is this wrong? I do not fell sick or to full. Has anyone eles been able to drink normally without any complications? Also my Dr. has me on pureed foods for 7 weeks. 2 oz. of protein, 1 oz. of vegetables, and 1 oz. of fruit, for a total of 4 ounces. I eat this and make it last for 30 minutes and I'm not full. I stick to my plan. I'm never hungry, but fear that when my appetite returns I will possibly overeat. Any one else going through the same experiences?    — hazzard (posted on December 21, 2008)

December 21, 2008
I can say if its ok, but at 3 months I can drink that fast. But I had problems at about 3 weeks. I would advise to eat much much slower especially when you start on more solid foods. Its no fun to feel ful and throwup. Stick to your surgeons plan because the bulk or your weight loss in now.
   — urbrat2

December 21, 2008
everyone has to whats best for themselves, or as directed by their surgeons, that being said, i have done hours of countless research, and with my surgeons rules, find the following to be true. I will be 5 years post op in march, wt loss 230lbs. To date, i still follow to the nth degree all the dictates set forth for me pre-op. no more than one ounce of water etc in 5 minutes. no drinking 30 minutes before or after eating. When we get farther out from those first months post when the rules are so very important, many become complacent and forget the "whys" we had the surgery. I personally am scared witless to even try anything with more than 3 grams sugar per portion. I am still not allowed anything with honey on it or in it. Certain veges are still on the use very sparingly list. As for eating in 15 min, thats still a no no for me, i am allowed 3 meals a day, each containing half cup total. I still weigh-measure, but thats just me, as i have read too many messages about wt gain, to start down that road. I just feel, as the post op patient, and as a doctor, its totally up to me if i want to keep this wonderful feeling of the wt loss, or feel crummy because i didnt follow the rules. If your surgeon, not the nut tells you to go ahead and drink fast, do it, its his/her rules. BTW, once a month i go back and follow week 1's post op eating, full liquids. ( anal retentive eh :) ) good luck, but i would slow down unless advised by your surgeon. Merry X-mas Cindi M.D. 3.24.04 -230# and maintaining since 5/05
   — DollyDoodles

December 21, 2008
I wouldn't push it. Slow down! No reason your hunger will return. I am one year out and don't remember what hunger feels like. I get cravings, but they are in my head, not my stomach.
   — lesleigh07

December 21, 2008
I have heard that it is impossible to stretch your pouch with liquids. Having said that, just because you can, doesn't mean you necessarily should. Sip away and follow your doctor's orders to the tee and you should do great. Best of luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

December 21, 2008
You are doing fine. As long as you are not sick, in pain or any physical distress. And remember, you control how much you eat not someone or something else. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl
   — vinnigirl

December 22, 2008
It's really hard to stretch your pouch first of all...and water just passes right thru...It's when you eat and then drink water and the water sits on top of the food weighing heavy on the stoma where you risk stretching or tearing your stoma as a new post op...Or over a long time of constant abuse like that...Otherwise, you are FINE! Doing great! IF it hurts or feels uncomfortable...Don't do it! It took me a long time to get used to not feeling hungry...It made me feel unsatisfied mentally. But I had to learn over time that not feeling hungry IS SATISFACTION! So give it time and if your hunger returns, it doesn't mean you can now eat til you are full...ONLY eat til you no longer feel hunger. That is probably one of my biggest reasons for being successful for 5 years. I eat til the hunger stops and that is enough to last me for hours! Eating til full is the enemy! You have to let your pouch re-train your brain...and learn what "satisfaction really is" and that is not feeling "hungry". If I am hungry every three hours...then I eat every three hours...and stop immediately after I don't have that little hunger pang...It takes a long time to get used to...My hunger didn't come back til the second year PO...and that's when I was truly glad I learned to eat right and not over eat...Some begin to want back that old feeling of "feeling fullnesss"...I totally avoid it...Well, almost totally...If I am not focused and socializing with family and feast...I can forget to listen to my pouch and by the time I realize I am feeling a little tight...it's too late and I end up in pain...so stay focused when eating and always take a plate especially during the holidays...DO NOT eat more than is on your plate...So choose well and make good choices and then wait to drink...If everyone is still munching, you just carry around a drink (water preferably...add a lemon or lime for looks! LOL) And you will be fine and enjoy yourself without causing yourself embarrassing awful pain and drama!
   — .Anita R.

December 24, 2008
I could have posted the exact same question. I am also 3 weeks out tomorrow and the way I can eat and especially drink without any problems kind of worries me. I'm also afraid that when my appetite returns that I could over eat. So, not sure if normal or not to be able to drink as fast as we can.
   — CindyNNC