Question:
Does our pouch stretch in time or not?

I have heard several different views on this subject. My own surgeon says our pouch does not stretch. Dr. Grabber on this sites chat says no it does not stretch but, I have heard several say there surgeon says that it does. Even Carnie Wilson states in her book that her surgeon states it will stretch to 8 oz., Who is right? Any comment would be appreciated. I'll take all comments to my surgeon and confront him on this once and for all. I'm confused!    — Barbara S. (posted on July 24, 2003)

July 24, 2003
According to my Dr., it depends on the type of pouch and who does the surgery.
   — M B.

July 24, 2003
Hi, Barb, I had lap rny 6 mths ago and my doc told us that yes our pouch will eventually stretch out to about 8-9 oz's which is normal size for us, but it will never go back to the same size! So, I guess it just depends on what surgery you had done. Good Luck!
   — Melodee S.

July 24, 2003
Hi Barbara!! You know I would love to know the answer to that question as well!! Since you and I have the same awesome doctor, and are only 2 weeks apart!! Dr. H told me the same thing, that it will not stretch that much over time. Let me know hon!! HUGS
   — EHarding

July 24, 2003
I'm sure it depends on the type of surgery, but I do think it's safe to say that, in most cases, one's eating capacity increases over time (whether you call that pouch-stretching or not). That's why *what* you eat is still critical in the long run with WLS (just as it is with a "diet"), not just how much you eat.
   — Suzy C.

July 24, 2003
Well, I don't know what you'd call it but for me I could only eat a tablespoon or two at first with all the swelling. Once I was healed I ate about 1/4 to 1/2 cup, depending on the type of food and how long it had been since I last ate. Overnight at about 6 months I could eat 1 1/2 cup--scared the owl-poop out of me. But I checked my pouch size with the cottage cheese test (or in my case the stiff oatmeal test) and came up with 8 oz capacity--right on schedule. Things rebounded a bit for a while and now at 2 yrs + out I eat about 1 to 1 1/2 cup at a time. Whatever you want to call it, you can definitely eat more as you get further out.
   — ctyst

July 24, 2003
My surgeon has told me that in about one year, I will be able to eat up to four ounces instead of the two I eat now. Eventually he expects my pouch to stretch that much.
   — Delores S.

July 24, 2003
Well, my understanding is that the stomach tissue after it heals "relaxes" so to speak. The pouch is stiff right after surgery and for approximately 6 months. Just like for me my exterior skin incisions (and I have had many surgeries) sometimes can be very thick and stiff for many months after surgery. After time the skin becomes supple and soft. So, hope this explanation (my interpretation) helps you. I have also heard from 3 different bariatric surgeons that the stomach pouch will go from a 1oz to a 2oz capacity.
   — ChristineB