Question:
What happens if you over eat and stretch the size of your pouch........

After surgery if you over eat and stretch your pouch, then cut down again for a few meals, will your pouch shrink back down to the right size? I am so worried I will over eat after surgery. If i'm bad about overeating now, what's going to keep me from stretching my new 'little' tummy?    — Jan B. (posted on August 24, 1999)

August 24, 1999
well, I am only 3 weeks out, but so far if I swollow to much or to fast I get a little pain. I am still learning to slow down. I think my Dr says that if you continue to over stuff your pouch , you can streach it back out within 6 months. So far the trouble I am having is getting "enough" liquids and protein. I am not hungery at all! its truly amazing! I have lost 35 pounds in 3 weeks! And I think we were all used to overeating.. Don't worry, and if you are worried just measure out every meal until you can eyeball it. good luck!
   — Sue P.

August 24, 1999
Jan- the only way you could do damage to your pouch is if you ate to the degree of dumping- but if you ate like that for a solid month. You know what the dumping syndrome is don't you. And nobody in their right mind will do that. I was very nervous about my pouch also. But thats why the dumping situation is there. Once you dump you will be on guard. It works. Just relax. And LISTEN to your body. When you feel that tug "I'm full" Listen and do. Even if you keep on eating you will be so uncomfortable. Remember- even if you don't dump you will remember that full feeling and it is not comfortable. Relax- you'll get used to knowing when to stop eating. It will come naturally. Sheila - RNY - March 26, 99 (85 pounds down)
   — Sheila W.

August 25, 1999
You will vomit if you overeat. You may stretch out a VBG pouch but probably not a RNY pouch. It will take years to do so. You will feel full before you vomit so you should learn to stop.
   — Bruce B.

August 25, 1999
Don't worry about it. When you over eat it will hurt so bad and make you so sick you won't do it again. I had my surgery in 1984 and although I'm bigger now than when I had the surgery, I still can't eat much at all.
   — Vicki H.

August 25, 1999
My doctor syas to aviod stretching the pouch because once it is stretched out it will stay that size.Always stop at the first sign of fullness.
   — Donna D.

August 26, 1999
Hi Jan, I had my surgery almost two years ago. I often eat and eat and wonder where it is going , other times two bites and I am full. Usually if you over eat , you will get rid of it by vomiting. The food feels like it is stuck in your throat. Have you asked your doctor any of these questions? Your pouch will stretch some. You will be able to eat 1/2 a sandwich, ( toast works better than bread as far as sandwiches go )
   — Ellen M.

August 26, 1999
Hi. I had my gastric bypass in Oct. of 1998. I am 9 months post op. I weighed 305 and today I weigh 170. To answer your question, if you overeat you will throw up. Once your pouch is full there is no place for additional food to go but up. Eventually you will be able to eat more than you can now but not much more.
   — Kathy K.