Question:
Is it possible to stretch out your pouch 2 weeks post op?

I'm 2 weeks post op and am eating pureed foods, but it seems that I can eat more than the 2oz, do you think it is possible that I stretched my pouch out and messed things up?    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 18, 2000)

June 18, 2000
I have had the same situation as you. If you are loosing the weight then there is no problem. If you reach a plateau and are not loosing then it's time for you to have an upper GI. I never even feel full. Please just try to eat the 2 oz and weight your self daily, a good time is just out of the shower.
   — [Anonymous]

June 19, 2000
I, too, must tell you that you will plateau and I plateaued often during the first 2 months. I'm in my third month now and believe I'll continue to lose slowly yet steadily - so I wouldn't advise an upper GI just because you've plateaued. Maybe if you don't lose for a month or more. However, back to you question: I doubt you've stretched your pouch. I am able to eat 1/2 to 3/4 c. of food at a time under normal conditions. I try to eat slowly and chew well and never eat in a rushed manner or when I'm upset. Also, I never drink with my meal or within at least 15 minutes before and 1/2 hour afterwards. I know there are some who only eat 2 oz. at a time, but I think that isn't necessarily the norm. Now, especially while you are on the pureeds or full liquid diet - you won't feel the sense of fullness that will come shortly when you get on regular food and a couple of months have passed since surgery. It becomes fun to realize that you can lose weight without a lot of effort! Just relax - listen to your body - and you'll do fine. And, never eat when you feel uncomfortably full. And, like Barb said, measure your food until you can eyeball it and know that you aren't overstuffing yourself. Best wishes.
   — Cindy H.

June 19, 2000
NO you have not stretched your pouch. I too had the exact same question 2 weeks post op and the answers I got made perfect sense to me, after I read them. What has happened is that your pouch has swelled up after surgery, due to trauma of the surgery. And what has happened now is that the inflammation has gone down and you are now able to "eat" a little more. Don't worry, you are not doing anything wrong...It's all normal. I was sweatin' it too when I could have more than 2 oz. of CIB or any liquid. Good Luck to you...
   — Marni