pouch exspansion

Question
I had gastric bypass five months ago . Im worried that i have stretched my pouch so far that it won't work. some foods just go right through the pouch?

Answer
Hi Rueben,

At five months post-operatively, you would have had to work very hard to stretch your pouch.  

At the stage that you are now, you are able to eat more.  You may have noticed the quantity has increased.  That is normal but you do not want to push it.  Eat to the point that you are satisfied but not full.  If you consider your pouch on a gauge, 1 is very low and 10 is full as you are when you eat a big Thanksgiving meal.  You should strive to eat to a satisfaction level of around a 6 or 7.  Don't push how much you eat and you will protect the integrity of your pouch.

Some foods will go through the pouch.  Slider foods such as crackers or pretzels will go down very easily and don't stay with you.  You should strive to eat lean protein that will stay with you longer in your pouch and give you the sense of satiety.  Lean protein, vegetables, followed by fruit and complex carbs will stay with you longer in your pouch.  These foods empty slowly you won't feel hungry again like you will with foods that go right through your pouch.

If you are worried about your pouch, contact your bariatric surgeon to discuss it with him/her or his nurse.  If you follow your surgeon's nutritional protocol, you will lose weight and enjoy a healthy pouch for many years.

In health,
Cathy, ACC-ICF, CLC
Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator  

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