Question:
Is it possible that your pouch can be streched in little as 6 months?

For some reason there is never a since of fullness. I literally have to stop eating after 2 or three bites because im scared if I keep eating I won't be able to stop. What is wrong with me?    — babs2 (posted on November 7, 2008)

November 7, 2008
Im assuming your talking about RNY. Im only 2 month out. First of all you should call your Nut or surgeon. I would guess you should be able to eat a cup of food. 8 oz.
   — urbrat2

November 7, 2008
I had RNY 9 months ago. My surgeon told me to eat a maximum of 4 ounces at one time, and that is measured by volume, not weight.
   — Gina S.

November 7, 2008
Are you saying you only allow yourself to eat 2 or 3 bites at a sitting as you are afraid of eating too much? If this is the case, you are not eating enough to get proper nutrition. Eat protein and veggies until you are satisfied, not full and you should do fine. Always best to check in with your surgeon and/or nutritionist to be on the safe side. We have always overeaten which is what got us into this predicament in the first place, so I competely get where you are coming from. Hang in there, Dawn Vickers
   — DawnVic

November 7, 2008
Stopping after 2 or 3 bites could be the reason you aren't feeling full. Do you have a nutritionist? It might be helpful to see one to get some help with the amount of food you should be eating. You might also want to think about joining a support group or finding a counselor to work with you to help you feel less scared and more in control with food and eating. Your PCP or surgeon should be able to help you with the nutritionist/support group/counselor. Something that might help with fear of overeating, measure out your portions and then put the rest of the food away. That way you can eat until you are full OR your plate is empty, whichever comes first. If you've measured the food, then you know you aren't eating too much. Good luck to you!
   — mrsidknee

November 9, 2008
Following up with your surgeon/dietician is best. The pouch will stretch but if you follow the guidelines you are given, but it should be reasonable. My doc wants me to be able to feel full which helps me know when to stop. You should be able to feel full and satisfied, otherwise you may continually be hungry and eventually eat more than you should. I am allowed 3 meals a day and I have gotten use to the approx amount I can eat. I never measure just read labels and eat protein first which is 50% of my meal. Everyone is different. I do know that drinking carbonated beverages can stretch your pouch which may defeat the purpose of your new tool. You will need to get to know YOUR body and what is reasonable for you.
   — AuntPamcakes4six

November 9, 2008
Another guideline that I was given that may be of help - give yourself maximun 15 - 20 minutes to eat your meal ( 3 meals/day) and stop if you are full or when this time frame is completed. That has been a help for me. Not drinking with your meal and stopping 30 " prio and not starting until 30" after is a big help also. I have been very successful with RNY, 8 months pos-op and lost 174lbs. Don't be afraid....Enjoy your new life!
   — AuntPamcakes4six

November 10, 2008
I think this is normal. I don't have a sense of fullness either, I have to stop after about 2 tbsp. If I wait about 5 minutes, I can tell if I can eat another bite or two. Usually, I don't want anything else if I wait. Veronda
   — vrshoemaker