Question:
How can I tell if my pouch has stretched?

Here lately I can eat a small piece of wheat crust pizza without any issues, a couple months ago I could only eat 1/2 of it...I tend to drink while I'm eating, could this make it stretch. Should I go back to the basics when I had surgery (6/08) I've lost 131 lbs. gain 1-2lbs. then lose it. I'm in the middle of moving and packed by meal plans so if someone could respond with the first 6-months plan that would be great. :)    — * S. (posted on October 9, 2009)

October 9, 2009
Depeding on what the consistency of that food you are eating depends on how much you can eat of it. Plus, some days you will be able to eat more than other days. Example, I can't eat a lot of scrabbled eggs, but I can a lot of mashed potatoes. So, you are doing fine. Also, your pouch will stretch out naturally over time where you will be able to eat 8 oz instead of 2-4 oz of food. I wouldn't worry about going back to basics. If you are ever needing to check whether your pouch has stretched out, have you heard of the cottage cheese test. Fill a measuring cup to the one cup line of c/c and eat until you are satisfied, not full, not stuffed. Then you can tell by the oz how much you can eat. Hope this helps. I had my RNY almost 4 yrs ago and sometimes I think I have stretched out my pouch, because one day I can eat more than the day before, but like I said before there are several factors to determine if you have or not. Not sure what 6 month meal plan you are refering to, but the phases are liquids 1.5 months, thick liquids 1 mnth, soft foods 1 month, solids. If you need food ideas for those phases you can email me.
   — Kristy

October 9, 2009
You are not supposed to drink when eating, my Dr. tells me to wait 30 minutes before and after eating. Check with your Dr.
   — FSUMom

October 10, 2009
Drinking water during your meal will not streatch you pouch, but it will allow you to eat more becuase it flushed foods directly into the intestine and out of your pouch. I am suprised that this does not make you sick. I think you will notice a difference if you quit drinking. Also, just measure out your food before you sit down to eat. If you are worried about eatting a whole piece of pizza just eat half and wait 20 minutes to see if you still really feel hungy before you eat the other half.
   — phyllismmay