Question:
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE STRECHED MY POUCH?

I AM 2 AND HALF AFTER MY SURGERY AND I AM AFRAID THAT I HAVE STRECHED MY POUCH. I AM ABLE TO EAT MORE.    — SHONDRA P. (posted on March 3, 2005)

March 3, 2005
At 2.5 months post op it would be near impossible to have stretched your pouch. Most likely the swelling is going down and that would enable you to eat just a little bit more.
   — RebeccaP

March 3, 2005
How much are you eating? I was also having concerns about this, but when I met with my surgeons nurse last month I was told not to worry. Sometimes I get fuller faster than I do at other times. I can actually eat most of a six inch sub from Subway minus most of the bread, if and when I eat at Taco Bell, I can eat most of a burrito and one taco. I still managed to loose five pounds over the past six months even though I have increased the amount of food I eat. She said that I can definatley eat more than the average patient, but that I should not worry as long as I am not gaining weight rapidly. I was thinking I might have a SLD or something, but was told that if I had a SLD I would never get full. My nurse said it is normal to be able to eat up to 1 1/2 cups of food at a time at this point. I hope this helps you. 2 years post op 274lbs to 156lbs.
   — C. Burns

March 4, 2005
Try to relax. I see so much posted about this pouch stretching issue. I asked my doc about it a long time ago, and as far as she's concerned, it's definitely something not to be concerned over, as long as you are not consistently overeating at every meal. It's really pretty hard to stretch the pouch, according to her. It's natural to be able to eat more as we progress through our journeys, and everyone's limits are different. As long as you are still losing, and if in maintenance, not gaining, don't worry.
   — Carlita

March 4, 2005
As your pouch heals and the swelling goes down, it gives you more room. I wouldnt worry at this point.
   — luckyflowers