“Doctor, someone told me drinking a lot of water might stretch my stomach. Is that true?”
That’s a question Linda, one of my post-op patients, asked during a follow-up visit. And it’s
something many bariatric patients worry about—often because of misinformation.
So let’s clear this up.
Is It Possible for Water to Stretch Your Stomach?
The short answer: No. It’s a myth.
Water doesn’t stretch your stomach the way you might think. Here’s why:
After bariatric surgery—whether you’ve had a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass—your stomach
pouch is much smaller. However, water, unlike food, doesn’t sit there long. It flows quickly
through the stomach and into the small intestine.
Water doesn’t exert long-term pressure on the stomach walls, and it doesn’t stay there long
enough to cause stretching.
So, Where Does This Myth Come From?
The confusion usually comes from mixing water with food.
When you drink large amounts of water right before, during, or after meals, it can:
- Create more pressure inside the pouch
- Make you feel uncomfortably full
- Push food through too quickly, reducing nutrient absorption
That’s why we recommend the “30-30 rule”:
- Stop drinking 30 minutes before meals
- Wait 30 minutes after eating to start sipping again
This helps your stomach process food properly without added pressure from liquids.
The Importance of Hydration After Bariatric Surgery
If you’ve been afraid of drinking water—don’t be.
Hydration is essential for your healing, digestion, energy levels, and long-term success after
bariatric surgery.
Aim for at least 64 ounces (about 2 liters) of water daily. And don’t wait until you’re thirsty—
sip consistently throughout the day to avoid dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headaches,
constipation, and even kidney issues.
Key Takeaways:
- Water does not stretch your stomach.
- Avoid drinking during meals to prevent discomfort.
- Stay hydrated by sipping throughout the day.
How much water have you had today? And what are you sipping—plain water, herbal tea, or something flavored?
Let us know in the comments—we love hearing from you and supporting your journey!