Terrified

[brennafaith 25]

Although I've lost 65lbs since December; my biggest fear is stretching it or failing; in the beginning I wasn't eating much; couldn't, had to force myself to eat or drink, now I eat normal& I can't help but feel disappointed; although it's Much less then I used to.. I'm afraid I'm failing and missing the signs of being full etc.. anyone else ?

[LittleLizzieLilliput 919]

my understanding is it's very hard to stretch the stomach. The stretchy part has been removed. Do you weigh your food to insure you are eating the 4 oz's? That's how I ensure I don't over do it. I have a scale at home, at work and then I have a travel one. When I have over-eaten I got extremely ill. Not vomiting. No, that would be preferable. Instead my body stops wanting to move/function, I get nausea, do this weird breathing thing and have to lay down for like an hour.

If you think you're able to eat too much do the measuring things. They can put a scope down and see if there is any stretching but it takes a little bit to get them to do it.

[BigViffer 3,544]

Ugh... this again.

On 4/6/2017 at 2:02 PM, BigViffer said:

Depending on the surgery, the stretchy part of of the stomach (the fundus) is removed (sleeve) or bypassed (bypass). Therefore it is not possible to stretch the stomach again.

However! Once the scar tissue has fully healed, the stomach that remains does regain some pliability. I would liken it to a garden hose in the winter versus the same hose in the summer. On a properly performed surgery, when people say that their stomach has stretched, most likely what has happened is that the pylorus (for sleeves) or the created opening to the intestine (bypass) has been weakened and/or stretched and food can move from the stomach or pouch into the intestine quicker allowing for more food to be consumed.

To make the myth worse is the fact that doctors/surgeons will put the above into "laymans terms" for their patients. Thus perpetuating the belief that you can stretch your sleeve by eating poorly or too much or drinking carbonated beverages.

I understand the fear, I truly do. Failure happens all the time. But it is not from a stretched sleeve or a stomach that somehow grows back to enormous size.

[Greensleevie 451]

It is normal and natural over time to be able to hold more in the sleeve as things heal and relax. As far as being terrified, it's all on you, so no need to be. Don't over rely on the tool, or that will get you into trouble. Use what you've learned to make good food choices 90% of the time, stick with the rules of WLS, and find a way to stay active and you'll do fine.