Question:
How long before your stomach stops

I know this is different for everyone, but generally about how long out before your stomach reaches it's desired size? I had the Lap RNY and was told that my stomach was made smaller because over time it would losen up until it reached a certain size. I know that things like overeating, etc. can effect that, but again, in general how many months? I am 5 weeks post op and find that I can slowly eat more and more and was wondering when that would stop.    — Jen S. (posted on September 22, 2001)

September 22, 2001
I'm wondering too. I "think" the stomach's final size should be around 7-10 ounces at around a year to a year and a half. But I think we do need to try "not" to streach it out. Easier said than done sometimes. ;)
   — Danmark

September 22, 2001
It usually takes 4-6 weeks for complete internal healing to take place and for all the post-op tissue swelling to subside. Up to that point, most post-ops find that they are only able to eat a few bites before feeling uncomfortable. After 4-6 weeks, patients have a more accurate idea of what their actual eating "capacity" really is. Don't be alarmed that you are able to eat more at this stage, but DO follow the basic "rules": eat very slowly, take small bites, chew food thoroughly, and (most importantly) STOP as soon as you feel full.....resist the impulse to "clean your plate", or to take "just one more bite". These are the eating behaviors that got us into trouble in the first place :-) The RNY will help you get rid of old habits and learn new eating behaviors, but you have to do your part too. As you have read over and over again on this site and others, the surgery is only a "tool"....the real work of maintaining the weight loss will ultimately be up to you, and modifying our old patterns of eating behavior is the most important part of this entire process. Another important thing to remember is that you will be able to eat different amounts of different foods. I found early on that I could eat a whole bunch of salad, but became really uncomfortable with only half of a chicken breast. Texture and consistency of foods will also determine just how much you can eat of any particular food. I am 18 months post-op lap RNY and have lost 145 lbs. I am still never hungry, and can only eat the same quantities now as I could at 3-6 months post-op. Relax, follow the "rules", and experiment with different foods and textures. This can be an exciting and fun experience...don't make it harder than it has to be. :-) Good luck!
   — Diana T.

September 23, 2001
I don't know if this is accurate or not but I was told that your stomach will eventually be the size of an 8 or 9 year old child's stomach. Usually at one to 2 years post op. At that point is where you really have to watch what you eat so that you don't gain weight. If anyone knows this to be true I would like to hear from them too......
   — Kim B.

September 23, 2001
That depends on your behavior, pretty much. We are coached to keep the pouch size as close to original until we reach goal wt. So, while they say the pouch will quadruple in 5 yrs, I see on this list people are doing that by 6 months. Our instructions were 6 one oz meals. Nuisance, but I'm glad we did it as we still have a working tool today (7 yrs). I was always a volume eater, so while I thought this was only a "gets it off", and the malabsorpion was keeping it off, I'm glad I didn't stretch it early, because if I coulda, I woulda. I am STILL a volume eater by preference. Just can't do it. Good thing.
   — vitalady