Question:
I'm a year and a half post-op, and I'm worried about stretching my stomach.

The longer it's been since my surgery, the more I see myself resorting to my old ways. I've lost 140 lbs. and my biggest fear is gaining it all back. I know I need to start exercising, and eating smaller meals because I'm so worried about stretching my little stomach out!!! Anyone else ever feel this way?    — megsticles (posted on June 5, 2008)

June 5, 2008
You are probably not stretching your stomach...but you need to quit the old habits and get back on track. There are ways to sabotage yourself and gain...but it takes a lot to actually stretch your pouch...So that's a good thing. You have got to remember that your tool will only work for you if you follow the rules. So get out of the old habits and stick to protein first...no drinking with meals, cut out the sugar and carbs...eat complex carbs and lean meats and whole grains...Get rid of the snack foods...Just get rid of them...You can do this...1 and 1/2 years? You have a life time to get thru...Give it up now and get back on track. Start small...replace junk with a protein drink and drink as much water as you can between meals to curb appetite. It really helps and is good for you too! You do not have to deprive yourself....but you do have to behave more often than not or you will gain your weight back and it's not easy to lose after the honeymoon period is over! You can do it! Start as soon as you get this...Go on...throw away the junk...now!
   — .Anita R.

June 5, 2008
Hi Meagan...I agree with everything Anita said. And there will probably be some people disagreeing with this, but my surgeon told me that there is no evidence that the pouch stretches. It will always be small and it is only a tool. Use it right. You can do it! You've come so far. Keep it up!!
   — Mary G.

June 6, 2008
Hi.. my name is kelly...and I am in the same boat as you are...my surgery was feb26th of last year, and i too, am afraid of gaining the weight back...because I have recntly gotten off track...but it is true that we've come this far that anything is possible...which means...let's just get back on track of our eating and exercise....and we canaccomplish what we have already before. Good luck.....and I am looking forward to hering your success.....Kelly
   — kellykins74

June 6, 2008
You will have to make the decision to get back on track. It's not too late. And if you think that your pouch is ruined, speak to your doctor. Chances are it's OK, but you never know. Start measuring your food, dole out a portion and put the rest away. Get on a food schedule and try your best not to deviate from that schedule. I find I get off track if I don't get my protein in early in the day - before I get home to all the stress that cause emotional eating. Analyze when and what you are eating, and you might find a similar circumstance.
   — gonnadoit

June 6, 2008
Congats on your successful weight loss. Here is where it becomes a very big deal. Most of us obese people have been able to lose the weight easily with one fad diet or another MANY times over the period of our lives, the trouble is keeping it off right? I'm a little concerned about the wording of your question... you are a year and a half out and know you need to START exercising and eating smaller portions...... what do you mean start? You should have been doing this all along. For long term success, we have to buy into the fact that this is a life long committment. Small portions and exercise for life... support group meetings, positive self talk and visualization... focus on the future and just do it. Good luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic