Question:
Why can some patients only sip post-op (RNY) & others drink normally?

Both my sister and myself have had the gastric bypass surgery. After her surgery she could barely swallow small sips. I, however, have had an almost normal (pre-surgery) ability to swallow drinks. Also, I have noticed that food doesn't get stuck easily. I know it definitely makes eating easier for me. But is that such a good thing? Thanks for your answers! :)    — PaulaJ (posted on May 8, 2009)

May 8, 2009
The answer is in the size of the stoma or opening at the outflow of the pouch. The normal stomach has the pylorus which is somewhat adjustable but we have a surgically constructed opening which varies both by how it is made and how it heals. Some people have tighter openings than others. Mine is looser than I thought it was going to be allowing me to drink 2-3 swallows at a time. Pre-op I could kill a 32 ounce drink in one fell swoop. I am like you in thinking that the ease of swallowing larger amounts than I thought I would at this point (I am 2 months out from lap rny) may be an issue later. That is why I am being careful to eat my protein first, put down my fork, chew thouroughly, etc to be able to tell when I am satisfied so that I hopefully will not over eat later. Either way it is how we learn to use our pouch (and it's variable ease of emptying) that is important both for initial weight loss and maintainence. Hope this helps. Kevin
   — hapkidodoc

May 9, 2009
Kevin has the answer! It really depends on how your stoma healed...Mine was tiny for a long time...I can still get food "stuck" if I eat too fast or don't chew very well...but it's rare after my 5 years. Rice, potatoes and pasta still get stuck! I still cannot eat those things but in moderation...I do not have to chew my food as well as I did the first year...or even the 3rd year...The stoma goes from size of a pencil eraser and stretches naturally over time to the size of a nickel as I was told by my surgeon...The regular person has a stomach opening the size of a quarter. If I eat soft or slider type foods it leaves my pouch much faster than newly pre op...so I have to mind my portions or I can over eat...I KNOW that I do not have to feel full to have enough to eat! It's very difficult to stop looking to feel that full feeling! It's probably the harderst part of long term maintenance for me. I want that full feeling because that equates in my mind as "comfort" and I have to focus or I can and will go there! My eating disorder is alive and well...I have to stay focused by measuring and weighing portions and taking all my food on a plate (visually eying my portions) without going back for seconds...If you can swallow gulps...KNOW that you will also be able to eat faster which sometimes can mean eating more if your pouch doesn't register the fullness until later...So eat slowly and chew well and don't eat til full...Eat til you are no longer hungry more often than not! I used to feel sick and pain when I felt fullness...as time goes on...It kinda feels good again...I need to remind myself how people gain weight back and I am no different if I begin to give in now...So I don't! But it's not easy...I am mindful of it every time I eat...I have to force myself to throw away food from my plate when I feel satisfied...I have such a strong urge to just finish what's on my plate! You MUST remind yourself that this is NOT your mothers plate...THROW AWAY the excess or it ends up on your hips! So I jump right up and toss it..and even squeeze a little soap or throw something gross on top...JUST incase I start to feel guilty for throwing away food!! LOL Oh the things we have to do to slay old habits! They die hard...It's been 5 years and I still have battles ...but I aim for even the smallest victories! Good luck!
   — .Anita R.

May 11, 2009
From my understanding the size of the actual stomach is eventually going to be around 8oz. At first the swelling around the stomach makes it much much smaller but over time it will stretch to be around 8oz. The opening however from your stomach to your intestine is about the size of a dime after surgery. I don't know if that stretches over time or not I'm only two weeks and that was the info I have recieved so far. I don't have to take tiny sips but I can't drink like I used to obviously.
   — Laurieanna319