Question:
Hi, I am 14 months post-op and stopped losing weight 6 months ago.

I started at 255 and now weigh 180 and have been at this weight for 6 months. I seem to have gone back to my old ways and constantly eat, though of course, not as much. I am afraid I have permanently stretched out my pouch. Is this possible? Can I shrink it back? Please help.    — Linda K. (posted on May 24, 2002)

May 23, 2002
You can get back to the program if you want to. But you need to get to it now. Don't let anymore time go by where you just "let it go". Figure out WHY you are doing what you are (eating constantly) and then address that. It is so much more than just overeating that made us obese in the first place. Unless you deal with those issues, chances are you will have a weight problem again in the years to come. I know you have heard this MANY times, but WLS is only a tool. If you want to build something the only way to do it is to pick up the hammer and use it.
   — livnliter

May 24, 2002
The only thing you have to do to get your tiny stomach back is to stop eating larger meals. Have smaller, more frequent meals, and your stomach (anyone's stomach for that matter) will soon shrink. If you want a very effective means of shrinking your stomach, go back to full liquids (soups, water, protein drinks) for 7 days. You will be amazed how little you can eat after doing this.
   — Terissa R.

May 24, 2002
I am still pre, but I have heard of people going back on a liquid diet for a week or two to shrink their pouch. Maybe that's an idea. Probably get in to a support group too to help you out.
   — emilyfink

May 24, 2002
Thank you for your answers. I will try to go back onto the diet I ate right after surgery. My problem is still a mental one more than anything. Does anyone know of any support groups in the Santa Cruz area? That is where I will be moving to.
   — Linda K.

May 29, 2002
Linda Kelly can you e-maiol me I tried your profile would not come up I wanted to know if you were able to get back on track. I'm interested myself thanks for your time..Jenny McCaleb e-mail me at [email protected]
   — jenny1953