Question:
How would you know if to stretched your pouch or if its possilbe to stretch it?

   — vgosha (posted on January 2, 2007)

January 2, 2007
The Cottage Cheese Test - But a 8 ounce or larger container. Weigh the container at home for exact weight of cottage cheese and container. Then settle down on a completely empty stomach and begin to eat till your totally full. Then weigh the rest in the container at which you'll then be able to figure out the size of your pouch by how much you ate.
   — Michael Eak

January 3, 2007
A "mature" pouch will normally stretch to accommodate about 8 ounces. If you were to possibly stretch your pouch quickly or by eating or drinking something in particular, you would most likely be in severe pain! Contrary to popular belief, carbonation will not stretch your pouch as there are openings at both ends, and the gas will go one way or another!And the cottage cheese test is not totally reliable, as food begins to move through as soon as it hits the pouch. In other words, if your opening is fairly large, you may seemingly be able to "hold" a lot, whereas, if the opening is smaller, it may seem like less because the cottage cheese is not moving through as quickly. Another factor has to do with your particular sensation of feeling full. That varies from person to person and from one day to the next. I'm over 4 years out, and there are times a cup of soup fills me up, and other times I can eat 1/2 sandwich, a cup of soup and some fruit and still not feel too full!
   — koogy

January 3, 2007
Valerie, the cottage cheese advice is a good way to guage how big your pouch is, but the issue is not how big your pouch is, but to stop eating before you are full. I don't know how long ago you had surgery, but concentrate on diet changes, not filling the pouch. We are given such a great opportunity to change a portion of our lives. Obesity is a head issue with a body consequence. If you want the body consequence to change for the better, you have to deal with the head issue. If you are curious, do the cottage cheese thing to see the size of your pouch, but work everyday on eathing those things that profit the body, with an occasional splurge, and drink water, and exercise to the fullest. These things will change your body consequence as you challenge your head to fight the food lust that is still there. I am almost 3 years out and the lust for food is as big now as it ever was before surgery. I deal with the head issues daily, and my body consequence is still doing well (a size 4-6). I am thankful, and don't want to go backwards. I don't think you do either. Best to you. Patricia P
   — Patricia P