Question:
I worry that my pouch will stretch big enough to start gaining weight.

Is this possible? I have the lower part of my stomach separated from my pouch. How big can it get? If I overeat, I vomit. If I eat something and don't chew it good, after a period of time, I vomit too. Usually then, I vomit the rest of the days food. It's wierd. It's like something swells in there, and then nothing stays down. I know I have to be careful when chewing, but sometimes it just slides down! Help! Thanks,    — Lori D. (posted on October 13, 1999)

October 13, 1999
Lori -- From experience, I can tell you that your stomach will stretch some (it is expected), and over the years, if you continually, little by little, keep it stretched by eating all you can frequently, even the lower part of your esophagus will stretch out. My x-rays prove it. I still don't eat as much as most normal people, but I can hold 2-3 times what I could during the first year. You have to take care of your new stomach. Forever. I learned this the hard way. I am older and wiser now. Regards -- Margie RNY in 1987 at 5'4", 248# 170 in 1991 190 in 1992 210 in 1993 230 in 1994 290 in 1996 260 in 1997 270 since 1998
   — Margie V.

October 14, 1999
I'm not sure if it is the same with everyone, but a friend of mine continues to vomit 16 years post-op -- in other words, she is bulemic. She eats as much, maybe more than what she ate at her highest weight, and vomits all day long. She looks 15 years older than she is, has lost all her teeth and has brittle hair and aging skin. She gets no nutrients from the food she eats. And her pouch got a little bigger, but what's worse, her esophagus has stretched to nearly the size of her original stomach, which causes nearly constant reflux. It seems to me from all I have learned, that overeating is just not an option for us, unless we want to be back to our original size or very poor health.
   — Lyn G.

October 14, 1999
Hi Lori, I have been wondering the same thing too.. I had my surgery almost 2 years ago. I have the same problem that you have with the vomiting. Once you start , you continue to vomit the rest of the day and sometimes it continues on for a day or two. Mainly with bigger, heavier meals. Snacking stays down just fine. I can say it is getting better. But as far as the pouch streching to the point where you regain the weight that you lost. They say that it won't happen but I would still be careful. Somedays I can eat and eat all day long. I wonder where I am putting it all. Then other days I eat a few bites and feel stuffed. If you find out anything , please let me know.
   — Ellen M.

October 14, 1999
Hi Lori, I've worried about the same thing for a while. I'm 9 mos. post-op and the weight loss has slowed down alot and it seems like I'm eating more. If I eat too much I do vomit but I noticed I can eat some sweets without getting sick and that scares me. I shouldn't have given in to the temptation. I don't know how big our pouch can get but if I hear anything I'll let you know. Sandi
   — Sandi V.