stretching the pouch

I am 3 weeks out on surgery and I am eating soft foods.  I have been eating some noodles, mashed potatoes and some meats and eggs.  I am terrified that I will strech my pouch since I am at a slump with weight loss for 2 weeks.  My starting weight was 315 and I am now 283.  I am afraid that with the carbs I will stretch it out and then not lose weight.  Is there any tricks on how to lose the weight faster??

Are you eating really big amounts of those carbs?  Like three or four cups of them at one time?  That will stretch your pouch.

Otherwise, you don't need to worry about stretching your pouch.  It will stretch a little bit over time, it's supposed to.  But it's made out of the least stretchy part of your stomach.

You've lose over 30 pounds in just three weeks?  And you consider that a slump?  You want to know some tricks to losing faster?  Um, you're practically setting a record for the fastest weight loss ever as it is.  Sorry, but I don't know any tricks to lose even faster than that.

There are no "tricks" per se. High protein paired with good carbs initially is what my surgeon advocated. I really tried to focus on the protein and watch the portions. You won't stretch it following the rules. Eat at the times and intervals you are supposed to and watch the amount you're consuming. This early out it would be pretty tough to overeat - for me I couldn't stand the thought of it and probably erred on the side of caution. Stalls are really common and they do break, just keep following the plan. 32 lbs in 3 weeks is pretty awesome!! Don't worry.. you aren't done.

I do not eat a large quanity of carbs. I only eat the carbs for once or maybe twice a day.   I only eat the allowed 1/4 cup and do not go over.  I have a hard time getting in my protien each day. I get about 30-40 grams in each day. I guess my big worry is failure and gaining weight back.

Your weight loss will be optimal with enough protein and fluids.  Sounds like
you need more protein, so until you can eat more, I'd stop those carbs and
use that space for more protein.  Protein first, then anything else you have
room for.  At this stage, you should be eating nearly all protein....30-40
grams isn't enough in a day.  Try a protein shake or drink to up the
protein and stay away from noodles, rice, bread, potatoes type of carbs.
Good luck!

What Kelly said!

The only way to stretch your pouch is to consistently overfill it and soft foods are unlikely to do that.  Soft foods will back up into your esophagus (basic physics... the path of least resistance) before it will stretch the pouch.  Even with continued overeating, you are much more likely to stretch the stoma (which is soft tissue) than the pouch (which is made from the least stretchy part of your stomach, which is a muscle).  That is why it is important to measure your food early out until you can feel fullness again.

Based on your post, I'm not sure your expectations for how quickly you will lose weight are realistic.  You have lost over 30 pounds in 3 weeks and that is not fast enough?!?  I think you need to re-evaluate your expectations; otherwise I fear for your emotional reaction when you start only losing a pounds a week...

Lora