Question:
I'm worried that I may have stretched my pouch!

My original surgery was 12/18/02. I have since had some problems that required additional surgery on 2/10/03 and 2/12/03 (check my profile for complete story if interested). Since my last surgery, I have found that it is extremely easy for me to drink and eat quite a bit. I can drink 20 oz. in about 10 minutes. I can eat 2 slices of thin crust pizza (although I try to avoid carbs) in one sitting. I am only 3 months out, and from what I've read from others, the pouch gradually stretches. I'm concerned that if I can eat this much now, how big will my pouch stretch to? Help!    — Melissa B. (posted on March 27, 2003)

March 26, 2003
It may very well NOT be your pouch stretching; ALOT of people 'assume' because they can eat alot that they have stretched their pouch; where in fact, they may not have any pouch fucntion at all. What happens is the opening from your pouch to the intestines can be 'to big' and food just falls directly into your intestines - thus letting you eat 'more' than you thought was possible from your research pre op.
   — star .

March 26, 2003
Melissa: I would not be concerned about being able to eat two slices of pizza at three months out, I believe I probably could have done that. It depends on a lot of factors like how long you ate, the size of your original pouch and how much it has expanded with healing (this is normal). I read your profile and wanted to offer my sympathy for your experiences in the OR. Recently there was a documentary on the Discovery channel about your very experience entitled "When Anethesia Fails." The people on the show were traumatized from that experience much as you were. It sounds so incredibly frightening to me. I hope things go well for you and your counseling helps you to deal with it.
   — Lisa N M.

March 27, 2003
Unless post-ops do something dumb, like stuffing themselves until they are overfull at meals, and in between, your pouch will stretch naturally over time and will not stretch too much. They say that our pouchs end up after a year or so to 6-8 oz capacity or perhaps a little larger, depending on what your original pouch size started with. There are days when you will be able to eat more at a sitting than you will the next day, it happens. Try to gage when you feel comfortably full and not stuffed-that is the point at which you stop eating.
   — Cindy R.

March 27, 2003
Melissa, I just wanted to post to tell you how sorry I am for your experiences. I read your profile as well an dmy mouth dropped. I cannot believe all you've had to go through, that must be so traumatic. You are a very strong person. And you aren't eating too much. Thin crust pizza is very thing obviously, but usually the slices tend to be smaller as well. So 2 can almost equal one regular slice. And after a few months, I got to be able to drink water pretty fast as well- that is a good thing. As long as it doesn't hurt, you are fine! I truly wish you the best and hope you continue to feel better. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 28, 2003
Melissa, I had a similar surgery experience when I had a large lump removed from my breast. I was "awake" but paralized at the same time.. I felt them cut my breast, felt them do the work etc. and also could hear all the conversation going on in the room (no music for my docs though, military thing). I can truly appreciate how you are feeling. I still cringe at the memory and it has been 19 years! BUT the feeling you are having are normal and you will get through it with your couselors help! On to your question, I also agree with the previous posters, and think you are doing just fine. As the swelling goes down in the pouch with recovery, your capacity does improve. But keep in mind, if you are eating slowly, and chewing well, everything you are eating at one sitting is not just staying in the pouch, (especially if you are drinking not eating),it is being processed. My dietician told me to imagine your pouch as a small funnel. So if you are drinking or eating over long period of time you can naturally eat more as what you are eating or drinking is going through the funnel. This is how a lot of post ops gain weight back, by grazing rather than limiting the time you eat because by doing that you can eat more! Follow the pouch rules,only eat for 10-15 minutes at a sitting, and drink between. You will do fine! Tami
   — Tami D.