Question:
How long does food stay in the pouch?

I had lap RNY April 25, 2002 and I was wondering how long food stays in the pouch after we eat. I had a stricture 2 weeks after surgery and they found it via an upper GI. I saw the liquid pass right through the pouch on the monitor (stricture was passed the pouch). Does food pass through as quickly as well? Does is depend on the consistancy, like yogurt moves quicker than fruit? And - if we overeat do we always puke (no room in the inn) or just feel miserable for about 30 mins (I get the latter sometimes)? Thanks for your help in advance!    — Annette H. (posted on January 24, 2003)

January 24, 2003
My surgeon told me that food stays in the pouch for about 30 minutes.
   — Michelle B.

January 24, 2003
Annette, good questions! I think the answer on how long food stays in pouch depends on several factors, such as whether you drank-that will start washing it out, and how dense the food was that you ate. Obviously, watery types or soft foods will pass quicker thru the pouch then the dense ones. I'm about 3 months ahead of you post-op and I notice that I stay more full with certain foods than I do with others. Also, no overeating does not always result in throwing up. I have only thrown up once in 11 months yet have had some pretty uncomfortable episodes with pouch pain that can last for hours if I overeat!
   — Cindy R.

January 29, 2003
Also I would think that it depends on your own metabolism also! :)
   — Robin H.