Pouch Size? - ThinnerTimes

VanessaSFL · 08-25-2005, 07:36 AM

Hey guys .. when I read all the posts and see the vast differences in what we can eat,how much,who tolerates what foods while another would die in the bathroom if they ate it.

Besides time out from surgery date,do our pouch sizes differ?Is there a standard size?I am 5 months out and can STILL just have about 2 oz of soup at a sitting...maybe two bites of salad..Cheese is my only friend.
I will read posts and I wonder if we even had the same surgery!!!!

Q#1 Are all pouches created equally?

Thanks Van

CiCi · 08-25-2005, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanessaSFL

Q#1 Are all pouches created equally?

Thanks Van

That's funny!

I have NO medical background, but from what I've learned, the pouches are generally created equal, but our bodies adapt differently to them.

You might stop after a few bites when your tummy gives you the least bit of push back, but I might push it a little longer (or not feel the same resistance) and eat a little more.

I know this isn't much, but maybe it gives you a little to go on?

VanessaSFL · 08-25-2005, 07:54 AM

That's a thought Traci...I don't push...maybe I should?I know when the rocks in the chest start forming I "step away from the table"

I am interested to see the posts on this topic...

Thanks Van

Doc J · 08-25-2005, 07:58 AM

According to Dr. Potts, they make the pouch to hold about 30 cc's. It will stretch somewhat over time.
Hang in there, I sure it will get better, it just takes time.

CiCi · 08-25-2005, 08:01 AM

If it hurts like that, I certainly wouldn't push it!!

I'm sure you are taking small bites and chewing super well, right?? Have you been to the doc to talk about the amount you eat and the pain involved?

If you are not feeling sickly and all your blood work is coming back all right, I'm sure you are okay!

VanessaSFL · 08-25-2005, 08:07 AM

Yes.BW is clear and I have had every tests done known to man..I have had Gastric emptying scans..edg's all kinds of goodies.Even some nuclear testing.I feel pretty good just have to eat like 7 small small small...did I say small meals a day.If I couldn't keep what little I was eating I would be concerned but I feel good.I hear with time it will get better...I am looking foward to that time.
Thanks guys ~
Van
BTW~When I had one of the scans done..the radiologists said that I had the smallest pouch he had ever seen..My Surgen jumped in and said it was a normal size pouch.Hmmmmmmm??????

lealphachienne · 08-25-2005, 08:21 AM

Actually, not all pouches are created equal. Each surgeon has their own idea on the best size. Generally, it's 3-6 ounces to begin with. The stomach eventually relaxes to 8-16 ounces after several months and years.

Don't push it as far as eating goes. 5 months out isn't that long. I'm many months beyond you and in general, I can only eat about 1/4- 1/2 cup of food at a time. I might get 7-8 bites in before I feel full. Some of us have to eat more frequently. As long as you are healthy and have good energy, I wouldn't worry about it. Remember, the moisture content and texture of the food will affect how much you can eat. It's always easier to eat more volume of of a liquid vs. solid food.

Choose the healthiest items and keep the portions in check. Once you can start tolerating greater volume, then you can start moving towards the 3 "regular" meals a day. Recall, that the actual recommmended portion sizes is much smaller than we think it is. A single serving of meat is only 4 ounces. That's 1/2 of the average chicken breast size, or the size of a deck of cards.

veroniquetalk · 08-25-2005, 08:23 AM

That is a very small amount of food! I can eat 4 oz and that is about it. I haven't tried to push it past that. Sometimes I can't eat 4 oz even - depending on what it is.

bridgetgirl · 08-25-2005, 09:19 AM

The consistency of food or density is a big factor in how much you can eat also. I can eat a serving of oatmeal but only a bout 6 bites of regular cereal. I can eat a whole bowl of salad, but only 1/2 a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich.

Make sure you consider what you are eating when thinking how about HOW MUCH you CAN eat, the softer the food, the more you can pack in. Thats why its a good idea to try and stay away from rice and potatoes, really soft, too many calories and you can pack alot of them in!

Dave · 08-25-2005, 09:31 AM

The doctors I've spoken with say the pouch is 1/2 - 1 ounce. Any bigger and it will strech too much and won't do you any good. I think after 3 months out I was told you could eat about 1/4 c. of chewed food. After 6 months to a year you may get up to 1 c.