I am almost 5 months out and have a few questions!

Stimpy911 · December 17, 2009

What are you eating and how much are you eating at almost 5 months out?

Sometimes I wonder if I eat too much. Some days I can eat more than others. I am sure I am doing ok but I worry that I could stretch my sleeve out. My doctor used a size 46 bougie I believe so my stomach is a little bigger than some. However, I have managed to lose 100 pounds since surgery.

What does it take to stretch the pouch? I have overeaten a few times but I normally stop when full.

Chancie · December 17, 2009

Not a medical person here..... don't even know what size my sleeve is.......... and not sure what causes it to stretch.

But losing 100 pounds is awesome. So you have to be doing something right.

I'm 10 months out....my hunger is not there... which is a good thing. But at times I feel I too can eat more than most sleeve patients...

But with my work schedule lately- I just don't eat like I should... and I think thats what has slowed down my weight loss.

I did better when I made myself eat 3 times a day.

JudyJudyJudy · December 17, 2009

WOW, that is a Big bougie (booz shae). Mine in 34.... That is probably why you can eat more.

BUT if your loosing, sounds like it's perfect for you !!! Congrats !!!!

carolyn24seven · December 17, 2009

Can we re-shrink our stomachs like we did before the surgery. You know, go on a liquid diet for two or three days? I am just not clear on how much our stomachs can stretch? I have heard the stretchy part is gone so what is left won't stretch. Somedays I can eat alot more than others. (mindless eating) If I sit down to my meals I do not eat that much, and I am full. I think it is the "grazing" that is a problem. Eating something every 2 hours or so. I am trying not to do that. (graze) I am trying to go drink some Protein if I feel the need to graze. All the Holiday Cookies are driving me kuku. (short drive) Yes, just one will be a problem. aughhhhh!

Tiffykins · December 17, 2009

I'm 6 months out with a 32f boughie size which is considerably smaller than your sleeve, but surgical technique can also contribute to final sleeve size.

If any part of the fundus was left, your hunger may return sooner, and there maybe some stretching due to your sleeve being bigger, but a barium swallow around a year out would be the best indicator as to the size of your sleeve, and if it's stretching.

As for what I can eat, last night we went for Mexican.

I ate 6 tortilla chips with guacamole and cheese dip.

Myself and my son ordered chicken/steak fajitas for one. I ate about 5 small strips of fajita meat (with sour cream, guac, cheese dip) with a bunch of sauteed onions. I had 2 small bites of mexican rice, and was done.

http://pugetsoundsurgicalcenter.com/sleeve_statement.pdf

In the above article, it states that there is no concensus on "bougie" size.

Above article is dated June 2007, but it's the only one I can find at this time. I'm trying to find some other articles with definitive information on sleeve/bougie size. If I find them, I'll come back and add to the thread.

ASMBS POSITION STATEMENT ON SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY AS A

BARIATRIC PROCEDURE

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinical Issues Committee

Approved by the ASMBS Executive Council June 2007

At 5 months out with 100lbs lost, I think you are doing fabulous. You're averaging 4-5lbs loss per week which is fantastic. It sounds like you are rocking your sleeve, and keep doing what you are doing.