Question:
For many of you, pehaps this is a

get it straight. Here goes: If you have a new pouch that is somewhere between 1 and 2 ounces, and if you eat beyond that, you either feel really full or even become ill - how does it happen that in some cases, this pouch becomes stretched, and that person's weight is somewhat or entirely regained? Doesn't it make them sick, before they can gain 100 or more pounds back? Is it that easy? If so, that's a real scary throught. Just curious!    — Sandy C. (posted on December 10, 1999)

December 10, 1999
Dear Sandy, My surgeon said that there would be a chance of regaining the weight because the stretch receptors are still in the pouch. The weight is guarenteed to come off in the first year or two but there MUST be a change in your lifestyle so the old habits don't come back and the weight is regained. I personally am trying to change my eating habits now prior to surgery and focus on WHY I am eating. So I am cleaning house so to speak so that I can resolve personal issues without running to the fridge or going through a drive through.
   — Janiece L.

December 10, 1999
Well ... the reason the pouch can stretch and weight can be regained is because, this is simply a tool. It isn't a magic wand. So, if someone continually eats and eats and gets sick, and eats some more and is persistant enough not following their doctors instructions, they will eventually stretch the pouch, and weight will also start creeping back up. Some people learn to push the envelope JUST enough that they dont' get sick but I am sure they are uncomfortable for a while, then as soon as they are able to eat again they do ... It's because they didn't realize or weren't prepared to change their way of life to work with the surgery. They apparently feel that they can eat the same as they always did pre-op. Unfortunately, they then become disappointed and angry that the surgery didn't work, not that they didn't do as they were instructed. It is a life change, not just a magic trick that makes the weight go away. You have to do your part too :)
   — Sherrie G.

December 11, 1999
sandy.... I always wondered the same thing, so i hope we get some answers! Barb
   — clarkbar