Im 7 months out and no I don't measure my food. I listen to my pouch. It clearly tells me when I've had enough. The few times I ignored it... Lesson learned:-) It took me months to eat a lot of things... Even eggs. Right after surgery I was scared to eat any thing. First I wasn't hungry at all then I had tha fear of what your talkin about... Stretching the pouch out. And like you said everyone has an opinion or something to say about it... Always reminding you of someone they knew who had the surgery. Gained it all back cus they stretched it out... Cus you know you can do that right.... Ugh :-/ whatever :-)~ At the beginning of the year I was 360. First bariatric doctor visit 346. Today 230.

I feel I will always have to measure my food or I won't trust when to stop. I am always nice to everyone giving their opinion about it but I would like to say "don't you think I know more about it than you". It does bother me because I worry I will be one of those people that gain it back. Oh well...gotta keep on track

I'm 8 weeks out today and don't measure I trust my pouch and it always cuts me off after a few bites

I am just under two months out from sleeve surgery and still measuring my portions. On the few times I tried eating without measuring I over ate a little and felt miserable. I am still learning what to listen and feel for in my pouch. I will continue to measure as long as I feel I need to. I fear stretching and will do all I can to not do it.

Michael

i am 17 months out appox. and I am still scared of that. still have a problem with figuring out when i am truly full. so putting it in a cup unless I just keep eating i guess is for me...

I am over 2 years and still maintaining. I still use small plates and very small bowls. I always put out a small amount of food and even then, don't always finish it. My hubby does. Eat slowly one small bite well chewed at a time. It is good to put your utensil down invetween bites. I do still measure the size portion in my head but not actually weighing. It took me 10 months to even begin to eat meats. If as you said, "All I ever hear about are the people the gain weight back and stretching their pouches back out", you might want to consider paying more attention to the success stories. There are a LOT of us with success stories. Look for the positive and that is what you will find.

thank you for encouragement. maybe someday I will trust myself enough to stop but as for now I will measure out 1/2 cup.

My pouch talks to me all the time and like others here, It tells me when enough is enough. I also have learned to embrace my new body and love it and there is no way I'm going back. This life is too good!

At one of the seminars I went to we were told that patients that gain their weight back are eating/grazing all day, and the pouch can't be stretched out (proven by ultrasound).
Shelley :o)

I'm more than 2 years PO, and I still weigh and measure my portions and I keep a food diary faithfully.

The pouch grows naturally over the first year PO. It typically stops at 6 to 8 ounces. However, it can expand when you eat to hold 8 to 12 ounces. That's a cup and a half at the max. You'll want to stay within those parameters--unless your surgical team gives you another guideline. :)