Question:
Long term post-op pouch

I was just wondering (so MANY questions I have lol) is it possible to stretch out your pouch 2-3 years down the road to a size that allows bigger portions? I was thinking, if at that point you are at goal weight and are able to maintain it, would it matter? I guess I have these questions because of course I love food and that's the first thing I think about. 2-3 years down the line could you handle a larger volume (like eat a regular meal) and stll maintain weight like a regular person? I hope that made sense. Thanks!    — jtaormina (posted on February 25, 2009)

February 25, 2009
To answer your questions simply, Yes, and Yes. It is also possible to GAIN weight, so you have to be CAREFUL about how you eat even AFTER the surgery. Remember, you will ALWAYS be a fat person. Your relationship with food SHOULD be guarded. It is possible to eat like a regular person, but you should be eating HEALTHY food, and NOT eating sweets and fats.
   — hubarlow

February 25, 2009
Many people after surgery wait til they can eat like a regular person. They tend to put the weight back on they worked so hard to lose. You should always eat small portions. You should never want to eat like you use to. If you eat regular portions you will GAIN weight not maintain. You must be careful always.
   — trible

February 25, 2009
Yes, you surely can stretch out the pouch. I've seen it happen in my own family. And unless you can increase your exercise activity to counteract the increased calories, you will re-gain all of it. I'm going to try my best not to set myself up for that disappointment. I didn't become overweight because I made good food choices and consumed the proper quantities. RNY is not a magic bullet that will keep your weight off forever. It is just a tool. The malabsorptive effect diminishes over time as the human body adjusts. Your 'window of opportunity' (to lose weight) is in the first 12-18 months. If you're compliant with the dietary and portion control after surgery and exercise, there is no reason to worry about re-gain. Research all the WLS types and think long and hard about your willingness and ability to change your relationship with food long term. RNY may not be a good fit for you. Best of luck to you!
   — Arkin10

February 25, 2009
I am the original poster. Just to clarify.... I KNOW WLS is right for me. Just please remember I am not on the loser side yet... I am still on the food "addicted" side and mentally it is still hard for me to imagine not needing the big portions. I appreciate every single opinion. THANK YOU ALL!!! :-)
   — jtaormina

February 26, 2009
Julie, I 2 years post op and not feeling hungry yet but do know that will power will have to kick in again. I still have problems of not wanting to stack up on food - buy a lot when it's on sale. I also still feel guilty about throwing food away. When I go out to dinner I aske waiters to please bring me only 1/2 portions. It takes work but I know I'll have to do it the rest of my life.
   — Muggs

February 26, 2009
It takes abuse to stretch your pouch...but it does happen to some. The mental issues are harder to deal with than the eating issues in my experience and opinion. One thing you should know is that even us post ops are food addicts with eating disorders. Those that succeed still fear regain and failure because we still have to restrain from those old methods of comfort and eating when we feel stressed/ depressed/ anxious or whatever. We have to ask ourselves WHY are we over eating when 2-3 years later we can eat much more than newly post op. I eat like a regular small person. The difference is my choices of food...the lack of sugar, desserts, fried snacks or foods...lower carby starchy stuff...etc. I eat healthy now...I make amazing decadent foods for meals! I do not sacrifice flavor or variety what so ever! I have to make conscious efforts daily to stop eating when I am no longer hungry rahter than over eat til I feel fullness or tightness!...sometimes it's hard to stop! I am need to stay in control of my decisions and do not let them get away from me. I make it a daily effort! Everytime I eat, I have to remind myself to take care and stay in control! EVERYTIME! That's mental stuff you have to practice and work on 'cause the brain didn't get surgery! I prepare and plan meals and snacks...If I didn't, I'd certainly stray from eating right just by not having a good plan in place...If I don't have dinner planned, I could easily want to order a pizza or go get something fast and satisfying and not such a great choice. You have to make some serious changes in eating AND behavior...You have to start it from day one...I'm 5 years out and I can eat and maintain my weight! I still choose my food wisely most of the time (I cannot claim perfection, not me!!) But I work hard at mental issues and staying on track and healthy! I am grateful for my second chance at health and happiness and that alone drives me to continue to do well... I finally believe that I deserve what I worked so hard to maintain! You have to believe it!
   — .Anita R.