stomach stretch

[Jenmomto3 0]

so while weighing all muy options. i was wondering has anyone had the problem of stomach stretching back out?? then you're back at square 1.

thanks

[Bariatric Barry 0]

I've not had the surgery yet...but have read a ton of other sleever's info about this and other such topics. What I gather is within a couple of years post surgery, people can take in about 50% to 100% more volume. That means something like from 3 ounces at first to 5-6 ounces after a few years. This doesn't seem a problem to me, as by that point the excess weight should be lost, and in maintainance. one should be eating a bit more food anyway. Hopefully other seasoned sleevers can check my accuracy!

so while weighing all muy options. i was wondering has anyone had the problem of stomach stretching back out?? then you're back at square 1.

thanks

[AutumnLily 77]

If the sleeve has been performed correctly you should not have too much stretch. There will be an increase in volume after all has settled down, but the stretchy portion of the stomach has been removed so you should not be able to stretch the stomach back to the original size.

That being said you could still eat slider foods that slide right on through the sleeve and you gain weight. Its all in the mindset as to keeping the weight off.

[Thomas CPA 496]

The stomach is tissue and will enlarge and shrink. Even those who eat in those hot dog eating contests have same size belly, stomach is rather elastic. If you cut down on food intake your stomach would feel like it shrank.

[Veda 12]

My PCP and the surgeon I am going to use both said the stomach after the sleeve cannot stretch to the pre-sleeve size. The tissue that makes up the sleeved portion is different from what is removed and, therefore, is not apt to stretch much so it won't accomodate a large portion of food. Slider foods and high caloric drinks are the challenge to keeping the weight off.

[Rootman 1,101]

I second what Veda said, YES it can increase in volume and stretch somewhat but nowhere near back to the original capacity, the tissue is just not there and the stomach does not regenerate itself the way, say, skin does. Remeber too that it now has a row of pretty inflexible staples running along it's edge as well, this certainly has to keep some of the stretching at bay.

I am 10+ months out and can already eat a LOT more than I could for the first 10 months, so much that it has me a little concerned that I may fall into the same old bad habits of excessive snacking again. And that is what will really be the downfall of anyone that fails the sleeve - their own bad habits. We human "beans" seem pretty adept at screwing up anything and everything that is set before us - a wonderful solution like the sleeve is one prime example.

So take advantage of the first year of marked decrease in capacity and keep up the good eating habits you cultivate during that time period - the success or failure of the sleeve is entirely in your hands.

[lml32937 65]

I had/have this same concern and asked my doctor on Monday @ my pre op- His answer was simple- a) it wont grow back to the size it is now; yes you will have MINIMAL stretching which is normal but you will also by that time have learned to eat less and have lost the max amount of weight. it is possible to tweek if necessary years down the road- I asked this because I am 42 and wanted to know at 60 if I start gaining back I at least waned the possiblity of a tweek. He said yes but the likelyhood is nil.

[Eureka-C 20]

I read over and over about the no stretching, yet every month I seemed to be able to eat more. Finally it clicked. My stomach was healing, the swelling was going down, and scar tissue was tightening. At about 5 months, I topped out. Now at 11 months, the amount I can eat has stabilized. The amount I can eat depends on the type of food, how fast I eat, whether I drink liquids, and the time of day. However, it is fairly consistent and physically impossible to stretch. Before surgery, even though I was full, I could eat a few more bites, sneak a snack in here and there. Now when my tummy says stop. I better stop or there are significant repercussions. (Pain, slimies, and vomiting)