Question:
How do you know if you have stretched your pouch?

Are there any signs that you have when you have stretched your pouch? I had surgery 3/9/07 and have hit a plateau, I understand this is normal but I can't stand it and my appetite has increased a little this week.    — missyheffelfinger (posted on June 28, 2007)

June 27, 2007
The pouch is 20 cc at first and will stretch to about 4 ounces over time but it should not be already it is usally at about 18 months post op unless you are forcing food and drinking with meals or drinking sodas. It is normal to hit these times when you don't lose for a while but stick to the program and bump up the exerciing and it will start again.
   — DonnaB.

June 27, 2007
I don't think it is that easy to stretch your pouch. And I am only a couple of weeks behind you and my appetite has come back. Part of it has been head hunger but part of it is the real deal. I am learning to tell the difference <g> My Nut/Surgeon does not allow any other snacks then protein shakes at this point but yours may be different. You can always call and check. Good Luck!
   —  CarolynK

June 28, 2007
You are 3 mths out so you should be taking in solid fools -- slowly. My job is sedentary and during the day I drink more than I eat, when I get home I'm HUNGRY and I believe that's because I'm not moving around so much for 8 hours. Sitting and drinking all day makes me feel full and I don't get hungry. Since my 3 mth post op I've lost 6 pounds. Increase your fluid intake and see how that helps your appetite.
   — the7thdean

June 28, 2007
It is tough to stretch your pouch--- it's made out of the upper part of your stomach (which was stretched the least) and you would have been feeling lots of discomfort and some pain if you were habitually over-eating to the point of stretching it. You, unfortunately like most of us, need to always be vigilent that you can probably consume a little bit more than you can. To alleviate that issue, try drinking before eating so as to feel a little bloated. This will help with portion control Also, if you are on an extended plateau, consider increasing protein and minimizing carbs-- I needed to play with that ratio for months and was able to sustain a fairly consistent weight loss.
   — SteveColarossi

June 29, 2007
I agree with the previous poster. Trying drink more than you eat. My doctor gave us this most awesome handout call "Pouch Rules For Dummies." In there they talk about waterloading as a way to stop the hungry feeling in between meals. Trying searching on the net for the handout. Back to the water thing...when you a battling the hunger feeling try drinking the most liquid you can as fast as you can. doing this can get you till mealtime. As far as a plateau try increasing your protein by ten or so grams. Also check the carb,sugar, an sugar alcohol in everything. I am 19 mos post op and am at my goal with nearly 200lbs lost. I remember hitting those walls thinking I was a failure, but I stayed on course and it all worked out. Good luck to you, hope this helps.-Heather
   — tazthewiz23