Question:
Anyone live in fear of stretching pouch?

I am 7 months post-op and have lost 111 lbs. I've been experiencing some plateaus. I live in fear of stretching my pouch. Recently, I was doing some snacking (peanuts, some high-fiber crackers, nothing too gross), which I have gotten under control again. But a couple of nights ago, I ate some turkey (big surprise this time of year!) that either overfilled me or didn't agree with me, and I got quite ill. (This kind of thing has happened maybe 8 times since my surgery in May.) Also, I tend to feel full suddenly when I eat, like one bite I'm not and the next I am, so I'm always afraid that I'll stretch my pouch out one extra bite at a time. Anyone have this fear? I am drinking lots of water (well, Crystal Light), getting in enough protein and supplements. I just still have this fear of stretching out my pouch. I'd love to hear from anyone who's post-op and maybe has gone through this...Thanks!    — Mary Ellen W. (posted on November 28, 2001)

November 28, 2001
Hi Mary Ellen, I am 10 months post op now. Down 132lbs. And I live in constant fear of stretching my pouch or disrupting my staple line. Nothing that I have done to make me feel that way- just the thought that I have come so far and that my worst fear is to go "back" to what I weighed. I love my life now, not just because of how I look, but because of how I feel- no more medications etc, the things I am able to do now- and the way I feel about myself. Do we ever really get over that fear? I certainly hope so. I too would love to know if others feel the same or have felt the same. And congratulations on your weight loss! Weigh (pun intended!) to go!!!
   — Cindy K.

November 28, 2001
I read or heard that pouch stretching is a exerated problem. Its really not a concern by the surgeons. Now does anyone here have a stretched pouch confirmed by their surgeon? Not a staple line disruption... If you have a confirmed stretched pouch what are yur / surgeons plan for fixing it?
   — bob-haller

March 25, 2002
Hi Mary Ellen, I too live in fear of stretching my pouch. I am 3 mos. post op and have lost 90 pounds. I still throw up alot of foods but I hope I can eat meat again sometime. I can't eat beef at all. I worry that all the vomiting I do will stretch my pouch.
   — CATHY S.