Question:
how soon canyour pouch be stretched?

ok. i am 6 days post-op from rny. i have eaten a total of 568 calories today, which is on target. i have been reading all these people post about being afraid of stretching. now, im afraid. is iteven possible to stretch this soon out?    — jackie L. (posted on January 11, 2009)

January 12, 2009
Okay...First...calories do not stretch you pouch..over eating does...You know the feeling when you feel pain and discomfort...After RNY, if you over eat too much...your pouch gets so full you may even vomit and be in severe pain for a while! THis is your pouch stretched to the max...but to totally stretch it out tot he point t does not snap back, takes a lot of that kind of abuse...Don't do that! Be more afraid of stretching your stoma (the small opening where your food drains...Anotehr reason NOT to drink after your meal with all that heavy liquid sitting on top of your food! Taht's too much pressure on the stoma. The Pouch is supposed to stretch as you get further out...You cannot survive on a few tablespoons of food long term...Eat only til you are not hungry...Listen to your pouch...It knows! It gives you subtle signs...This is why you should take time to learn how to focus on eating away from stress and loud boisterous conversation and chaos...If your house was anything like mine filled with my kids and their friends...CHAOS! Eat alone for a while if you need to focus so you can learn when to stop...Most of us don't have hunger back for a few years...so you MUST learn to stop before you feel uncomfortable...Hope that helps!
   — .Anita R.

January 12, 2009
Try to stop being afraid. You had this surgery to make yourself look and feel better. Instead of worrying try taking a walk or doing some other activity; read a book, catch up with friends or whatever. Listen to your body; stop eating when you feel full. If you don't you will get pain and you may vomit as well. Not pleasant and these days the hospital is the last place most of us want to spend any amount of time unnecessarily. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl