Pouch Test Reset - Is it worth it or not?

[BladeFox]

Well, I am one of the few that never reached my goal or even came near it. I had high hopes with the sleeve but my mind allowed the upsets of losing jobs and the ingenuity of eating my way around the sleeve win over my initial hopes of getting back to a healthy size. Although, I lost 80 lbs, I have regained 30 lbs of that back. The plus side is that my pouch currently likes where I am because I never go over that weight as well as I never go under it. It's like a set-point. I finally have a steady job (I hope) that I will begin on the 15th and it is a leadership role with many responsibilities, but I believe I can lose that 30 pounds that I regained and maybe even 30 more after I get settled in a bit at the new job.

My question to you is, 1) Have you tried the Pouch Test Reset, and if so, 2) did you do the 5 day or the 10 day test, then, 3) did it work?

[jerzeygirl]

In my opinion, it can't hurt to give your body a "jump start". Try the 5 day pouch test (google it) and see what happens to your body. Try eliminating carbs, upping the protein, and drink lots of water. Another helpful aid might be some type of exercise to boost your metabolism, however; without changing your relationship with food; the journey will be difficult. Maybe some counseling might help, or a support group; you know what you have to do but if you can't/won't do it; it's not going to work (obviously). For example, you have the new job, but for some unknown reason something goes wrong and it doesn't work out. If you go back to negative eating behaviors then the pouch reset and newfound weight loss might be lost. Half or more of the battle is changing the relationship with food and how you use it in your life.
I wish you luck and continued success. Good luck with the job.

[Kindle]

Yeah, what she^^^ said. Life is going to continue to throw you curve balls and finding a new way to deal with them is key. Counseling or therapy would be the best idea, but if you aren't ready for something like that there is OA, online addiction programs like www.smartrecovery.org and a library full of self help books. Some good ones are.....

"The emotional first aid kit" by Cynthia Alexander
"Eat it up" by Connie Stapleton
"Get out of your head and into your life" by Steven Hayes (this is not bariatric specific, but a good read for general mental health issues....which is what obesity is)
"Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer

And my two new latest reads....

"Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Dummies" and
"Feeling Good : The New Mood Therapy" by David Burns

As for the 5 day or 10 day pouch test, sure they are never a bad idea. I do a version of them whenever I need to drop a couple pounds before or after a vacation. It also helps clear carb cravings and gets my head back in the game. But they are not a magic bullet, they are simply tools, just like our sleeves. None of them work long term if you don't put the work into establishing new behaviors and learning new ways to deal with stress and emotions.

[BladeFox]

Yeah, what she^^^ said. Life is going to continue to throw you curve balls and finding a new way to deal with them is key. Counseling or therapy would be the best idea, but if you aren't ready for something like that there is OA, online addiction programs like www.smartrecovery.org and a library full of self help books. Some good ones are.....

"The emotional first aid kit" by Cynthia Alexander
"Eat it up" by Connie Stapleton
"Get out of your head and into your life" by Steven Hayes (this is not bariatric specific, but a good read for general mental health issues....which is what obesity is)
"Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer

And my two new latest reads....

"Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Dummies" and
"Feeling Good : The New Mood Therapy" by David Burns

As for the 5 day or 10 day pouch test, sure they are never a bad idea. I do a version of them whenever I need to drop a couple pounds before or after a vacation. It also helps clear carb cravings and gets my head back in the game. But they are not a magic bullet, they are simply tools, just like our sleeves. None of them work long term if you don't put the work into establishing new behaviors and learning new ways to deal with stress and emotions.

Whoa Kindle! Thank you double for your response to both of my post and for the reading material suggestions. I think I will find a support group to attend that's near my house too. I've never really given the support group thing a chance because I'm introverted. Then, I'll see if I can handle seeing a counselor/therapist too - my mind plays terrible tricks on me. You are the best!

[BladeFox]

In my opinion, it can't hurt to give your body a "jump start". Try the 5 day pouch test (google it) and see what happens to your body. Try eliminating carbs, upping the protein, and drink lots of water. Another helpful aid might be some type of exercise to boost your metabolism, however; without changing your relationship with food; the journey will be difficult. Maybe some counseling might help, or a support group; you know what you have to do but if you can't/won't do it; it's not going to work (obviously). For example, you have the new job, but for some unknown reason something goes wrong and it doesn't work out. If you go back to negative eating behaviors then the pouch reset and newfound weight loss might be lost. Half or more of the battle is changing the relationship with food and how you use it in your life.
I wish you luck and continued success. Good luck with the job.

Thank you Jerzey! I have been on this funky forced contracting/temp cycle with the job that I have just broken and I couldn't be prouder!!! Finally a permanent full-time gig, YEA!!!

Once I am settled in my new office and with my new team, I will wedge out some time to get back focused to do the pouch test. I must know that I have the tools to be successful before venturing into this. Then, I'm gonna investigate some of that fine reading that Kindle mentioned and maybe find a support group/therapist because my mind is the culprit. I'll check back with updates on where I am.

[Kindle]

Whoa Kindle! Thank you double for your response to both of my post and for the reading material suggestions. I think I will find a support group to attend that's near my house too. I've never really given the support group thing a chance because I'm introverted. Then, I'll see if I can handle seeing a counselor/therapist too - my mind plays terrible tricks on me. You are the best!

I'm not a group person either, that's why I have such a long book list . My therapist was extremely helpful to me, and the smart recovery program was nice because you can do it yourself or online without having to interact in person if you aren't comfortable with that. On the other hand, getting out and being more social is a goal I have given myself since I'm such an introvert, too. I've found that interaction forces me to get out of my own head and lots of times that's a good thing!

[Christie13]

I don't have any good advice to give but I did want to say I'm proud of you for reaching out. Talking about it is the first step to holding yourself accountable. I hope you're able to get back on track and remain committed. Good luck.

[RehabNurse]

I completed the 5-day-pouch test earlier this year. While I was not dealing with weight regain, I had a monkey on my back in the form of intense carb cravings that were triggered by Luna protein bars, which are sugary and taste like candy bars.

The 5-day-pouch test eliminated the cravings and resulted in a loss of 6 pounds. It was the gradual transition I needed to get the cravings monkey off my back and get back on track.

[Pam G]

is this what you're going to do?

Drink only liquids for the first two days of the five-day diet. You'll need to drink at least 48 oz. of water in addition to low-carb protein shakes. You can drink as many shakes as you want; the point of the first 48 hours is to take a break from your eating habits.

Eat only protein the next three days. On day three, you'll eat "soft protein" such as eggs and cottage cheese. On day four, you'll eat "ground meats" -- such as meatloaf and hamburger. On day five, you'll eat "solid proteins" such as chicken breast or a piece of fish. Limit condiments, such as salsa or mayonnaise. Foods should be as dry as possible -- which will help you gauge how full you are. You're allowed to eat as much as you'd like and as often as you like, but you must stop eating 15 minutes after you start. Do not sit and eat for longer than 15 minutes at any point during the final stage of the diet.

[BladeFox]

I completed the 5-day-pouch test earlier this year. While I was not dealing with weight regain, I had a monkey on my back in the form of intense carb cravings that were triggered by Luna protein bars, which are sugary and taste like candy bars.

The 5-day-pouch test eliminated the cravings and resulted in a loss of 6 pounds. It was the gradual transition I needed to get the cravings monkey off my back and get back on track.

I like that Rehab Nurse! Anything at this time will help.

[BladeFox]

is this what you're going to do?

Drink only liquids for the first two days of the five-day diet. You'll need to drink at least 48 oz. of water in addition to low-carb protein shakes. You can drink as many shakes as you want; the point of the first 48 hours is to take a break from your eating habits.

Eat only protein the next three days. On day three, you'll eat "soft protein" such as eggs and cottage cheese. On day four, you'll eat "ground meats" -- such as meatloaf and hamburger. On day five, you'll eat "solid proteins" such as chicken breast or a piece of fish. Limit condiments, such as salsa or mayonnaise. Foods should be as dry as possible -- which will help you gauge how full you are. You're allowed to eat as much as you'd like and as often as you like, but you must stop eating 15 minutes after you start. Do not sit and eat for longer than 15 minutes at any point during the final stage of the diet.

Pam G that's also great information. Thanks a bunch! I have had that nasty flu over the past two weeks and lost 5 lbs. I think that helped in an odd way because I drank a lot of lemon water and ate soup mostly. Maybe this is jump off spot!

[lil_lisa]

I'm not that much of an outgoing person in a group either but I found that each person sharing was helpful. But our group was an hour away and so I was not able to continue going. I would think a therapist would be a good idea though to work out your feelings and help you keep going.