5 Day Pouch Test May 19-23, Team Test! Options

[~Jane~]

If you're new to the 'hood or if you're a veteran, if you're planning on trying the 5 Day Pouch Test on Monday, May 19 though May 23rd I'd like to take a moment to wish you all the best of luck!!

I've already noticed that there are a few folks speaking up that are considering doing it, so I thought that I'd start a 5dpt team thread!

There is so much help to be had here in the neighborhood it's amazing. I KNOW that if you commit yourself to the "challenge" of the 5dpt you'll be backed 100% by people that have done the test successfully! There are literallly 100s of people who have tried it and learned amazing things about their pouches as well as their minds! The 5dpt isn't a diet. It's a tool to help you regain control of the pouch that your recieved during your weight loss surgery. Your pouch is not stretched beyond hope. Your addiction to carbs is not so out of control that it can't be fixed. Your habits of eating aren't more than YOU are, you'll figure out how to control those along the way. Things actually tend to start to fall back into proper place as early as Day 2! Oh, and even though the 5dpt isn't a diet, most folks lose some weight during those 5 days!

Before you start the 5dpt most people around the neighborhood will advise you to READ READ READ. Starting out by going to "View New Posts" to catch up on the latest topics. Then go up to the upper right of this screen and click the button that says 5 Day Pouch Test. Along the top of the next page you'll see tabs. Go ahead and click "The Plan". Read. Read. Read. But don't miss the other tabs as there are great things there too. On the far right you'll see a tab called "Tools". Click that. It'll open up to a page with the 5dpt Journal. Print one of those up! Then when you start your 5dpt be brutally honest and write down every single thing that crosses your lips as well as the time. This is a GREAT tool to use as a reference in the days to come. You'll want to keep this journal as you move on toward your eternal Day 6. If you should need to go back to the 5dpt some day, you'll have your 5dpt journal to look back on and compare notes.

Before you start the 5dpt you'll also want to look at the recipes for the week to choose which ones will work for you and possibly your family. This test is about YOU, but real life proves that cooking for the family happens, so by working your recipes into their diets for the week you'll have better luck with success.

You need to make your menu plans for the entire week and get your shopping list filled before you begin. Know which soups you'll make for Days 1 & 2. Know what foods you'll have on Days 3, 4 & 5. Know every single snack that you'll have. Prepare everything that you can in advance. It's not good to get up in the morning and have no clue as to what you're having for breakfast when your options are a little on the limited side. Remember, it's ONLY 5 days. You CAN do this!

Get ready to post, post, post! Post your questions, your fears, your successes and your encouragement for your 5dpt team members! You'll be amazed at how much YOU have to offer in the terms of inspiration for everyone in the 'hood. Not just the 5dpt'ers, but EVERYONE! The more you participate in the neighborhood the more you'll see how you REALLY are the one in control of your pouch! You'll alsol find how great it is to have a whole group of people that have gone through similar things as you. The wealth of knowledge in the 'hood is astounding!

Have fun looking around LAWLS, if you have ANY questions. ASK them! No question is out of bounds!

We're all looking forward to getting to know you this week as you're getting to know yourself!!

Good luck to you all. We're here rooting for you ALL THE WAY!

[Josie]

Good luck to you all. We're here rooting for you ALL THE WAY!

Jane you are so awsome!!

[Sandi]

I'd like to second Jane's cheering. I'll be rooting for you all this week, and wishing you all the best possible results from the 5dpt. So many people have had their hope and resolve renewed by this amazing little tool. So give it your best shot, and be sure to post as often as you can while you're doing it. I don't know exactly why it helps, but it really does!

[sillabeane]

I will be starting the 5 dpt tomorrow!!! I did it 3 weeks ago and had good results, but I am just not there yet in my head..during the 5 dpt I followed all the rules, but after a week off of it I found myself drinking during my meals again and I am not in total control. I will do it again this week and try to get a grip on myself again.

[~Jane~]

Gotchyer stuff folks? Gotchyer plan? I'm looking forward to your success stories!

Seriously you guys, this is SUCH a powerful tool to get back in touch and regain control of your pouch. I really hope that if you're considering it, you DO it! If you haven't gotten the stuff for your soups, look around your pantry, you've probably got enough in there to make some of the recipes work anyway! One cream and one broth soup work well for me. Either way, you can always just go with "what you have" until you can get to the store for your desired ingredients. Lemme just give you a heads-up though if you're planning on using bouillion.... pay attention to the sodium... but even at that, it's just two days. It'll make you retain water though so by making your own broth by boiling some chicken and flavoring it with Mrs Dash or chopped veggies then straining it once it's boiled is a great option. Save that chicken, you'll use that later this week!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

[catsroomie]

Okay. You done talked me into it. I'll join the team starting tomorrow.

I've been having a of a time getting my liquids in for the last couple of weeks. I don't know why, it's not usually a problem for me, but I figure that two days of straight liquids should get me re-hydrated and back on track. I'm going to stick with water, decaf green & herbal teas, protein shakes and the like to keep my sodium consumption down.

Who else is in for the week with Karen and me? C'mon! Let's make it a party!

(Thanks for the nudge, Jane! )

[workingitoutwith...]

I will be starting the 5DPT on May 19th also. It is time I got back on track and started taking control again rather than feeling like I am spiraling out of control all the time.

[BeJean]

Go get 'em, neighbors. We are here to cheer you on!

[~Jane~]

Okay. You done talked me into it. I'll join the team starting tomorrow.


(Thanks for the nudge, Jane! )

LOL You can't imagine how many times you've inspired me to do what was right! Thank YOU!


GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! I'll be rooting ya on! So will everyone else and don't forget... POST POST POST and ask ANY questions you've got... someone'll be able to help you! There's always someone home in the 'hood!

[cschoen]

If you're new to the 'hood or if you're a veteran, if you're planning on trying the 5 Day Pouch Test on Monday, May 19 though May 23rd I'd like to take a moment to wish you all the best of luck!!

I've already noticed that there are a few folks speaking up that are considering doing it, so I thought that I'd start a 5dpt team thread!

I didn't know there was a group starting tomorrow, and I began my 5DPT today. Went shopping, made a few soups, tried a few of the shakes - and they were GREAT! I had trouble with protein shakes after my WLS, but the mocha and vanilla chai are phenomenal! I finally found an unflovored protein I can tolerate.

2 quick questions
1. A few of the soups had barley in them - I left it out - how can barley be included if we're trying to stay away from carbs?
2. How can a soup for the first 2 days have meat and/or sausage in it? Do you just grind it all up?

Excited to be doing this, and happy to know there is a group I can tag along with.

Best wishes to us all!

Cyndi

[~Jane~]

You're weaning yourself from carbs, not stopping cold turkey. In the soup it's okay because it's a small amount that will help give you the carb that your carb monster will be screaming for, but but not so much that you continue to depend on the carbs.

The sausage in the the soup should be cooked and cooked and cooked, then drain the fat from it. I m'self actually put mine through the colander and rinsed it off. I don't do well with greasy things and didn't want to take any chances. I didn't put it through the blender or anything like that, though I know some folks do. I considered it sort of a chewy treat on Days 1 & 2. It's fine.

Don't worry about carb counts, fat counts, calorie counts or any of the counting business while on the 5dpt. The whole thing has been done and re-done and it works. Period. Don't change the recipes unless you have no choice. If you don't see it in the list of recipes for THAT DAY... no, it pretty much means that you shouldn't do it. That's why reading and reading and reading through every single bit of info on the 5dpt is so much help. You bet, there'll be a gazillion questions, but when it gets right to it... if you keep it simple and strictly follow the recipes and instructions, you'll be fine. Don't add stuff, don't cut out things because "it doesn't make sense". I know this sounds trite, but really... it doesn't have to make sense... because it works! It's only 5 days, you can do it!! When you get to Day 6, that's when you can start tracking your numbers - that's when things actually "start to make sense".

But hey.... almost everyone who does the 5dpt ends up losing a little weight! And everyone who does it successfully gains much, much, muuuch more understanding of their pouch and how it can once again work FOR them!

[Hunter]

I am so thrilled to have found this site. I had a ryn in 2000 and lost about 160 lbs. I never achieved my goal of 140 lbs., but I did make it to a size 8-10 and just didn't think I needed to beat myself up for not losing that last 20 pounds.

Over the past few years, I have gotten married and started to put back on some weight. I seem to be able to eat just about a normal portion of food - not a large portion -- but I have been concerned if I have ruined my pouch. Something made me think about looking on the net for information of WLS for post ops...and here I am. Thank God I found the 5dpt!!

I am afraid to get on the scale, and my size 10 clothes are getting snug. I have purchased a couple of size 12 pants just to be more comfortable. It is time to re-focus.

I am on board for the 5dpt starting tomorrow. My husband is leaving town for about 10 days and this is the best opportunity to do this. He does not understand WLS and he does not see how this could be "healthy".

Thanks for being here,
I will check in tomorrow. Now I am off to find the protein shakes.

Hunter

[~Jane~]

Don't worry about it if you don't have the protein shakes! Your don't really neeeed them if you're following the 5dpt! You can have them, you just don't have to. As a matter of fact they're not really suggested for Days 1 & 2 anyway. You'll get your protein from the soups.

This is something that I posted a few weeks ago that seems to still carry merit:

Please allow me to suggest something that you can do if you haven't already. Go on up to your 5 Day Pouch Test button (upper left). Then on the next screen look to the upper right and you'll see "Tools". The tool you're looking for is the 5dpt journal. Print that up and use it! I suggest writing down the times of everything that you eat too. It's great to have a log of what you ate during your 5dpt. You'll likely want to refer to it later. You just never know why, but you likely will. You'll have to be brutally honest about what passes your lips and it in itself becomes inspiration to help you through.

On Days 1 & 2 when you're allowed all the soup you want, try to do it in one cup portions. Have a cup, wait. If you're still hungry, then have another, but you may be joyfully surprised to find that during that wait some time you actually felt full enough! On Day 3, don’t just eat at “any time”, make a planned meal time and stick to it, breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack… but only have those snacks if you NEED them, not just because “you can.” You’re in training, keep a schedule. If, (when) you get that nasty carb headache don't worry, it WILL go away. Try 1/2 of an orange and dim the lights a bit. Try to get plenty of rest during the 5dpt, especially on Day 3 (likely your hardest day - headache day). Taking an otc headache med isn't against the rules, just keep in mind that many wls'ers cannot handle some types, also remember that you are a different size than you once were. If you used to take 3 or 4 pills to battle pain, you may not really need that anymore, now is the time to re-read the instructions on that bottle and don't exceed the recommended dosage. You may even just want to start with 1 and work your way up to 2 if in an hour or so you don't feel the relief you're looking for. Be mindful of any medications that you're taking and remember to take them with a full glass of water, but time ALL of your meds/vitamins with your 30 minute water times. You don't want to mess that up by having to take them with a full glass of water while you're eating. Work it out.

As far as the water goes, remember, this part starts on Day 3 as well and should continue for the rest of your life. It's not a big deal; it's just a matter of getting used to it again. You take a drink 30 minutes before you eat. You eat your meal or snack with nothing to drink and you do it in a 15 minute window. You wait for 30 minutes and you have another glass of water. Basically its: Drink, wait, eat, wait, drink. Very simple. Use a digital timer during this “training phase” if you have one. I keep pennies on the kitchen window sill, when I’ve had 8oz, I slide one over. Every day I re-start.

For Days 3, 4 & 5 if you're looking for something to have for breakfast, it has been determined that having an egg or two is fine, but as soon as you're done with that.... move on to the day's recommended food. Don't be afraid to go outside of your normal box though, if you don't want an egg for breakfast on days 4 & 5 then go ahead and have something left over from the day previous, but that’s it. Aside from breakfast, don't deviate from the recommended 5dpt foods at the proper point in the 5dpt. Not even a little bit. No veggies or fruit unless they’re in the recipes that have been developed with ingredients in mind for the 5dpt. Don’t add extra ones.

Notice how I haven't suggested any protein powder shakes? Thats because they aren't a requirement. They're great as a SNACK on Days 3, 4 & 5 but never to be used as a complete meal replacement. On Days 1 & 2 it has been suggest to skip them altogether. You'll get what you need from the soups.

If at any point during the 5dpt you experience bowel movement issues, I recommend ground flax seed (flax meal.) You find it in with the bread baking supplies in the grocery store. Sprinkle a little bit into the soups you make, or on top of the meat that you decide upon. If you cook something, you can disguise the flax meal in there. It’s not recommended to take “straight”. –gag- Pretty much its one of those things that if you can’t taste it, you’ve done well. It doesn’t take a lot to get you going again.

Literally hundreds of people have tried the 5dpt; it has been tested and re-tested and proven and re-proven. There is a phrase here in the Neighborhood: KISS Keep It Simple Silly! Do that. Don't try to make the fanciest foods you can find during this test, it's only a week and during this week you can take the time to cruise through the kitchen and its delicious recipes as you plan for Day 6. This week... just KISS!

Remember, Days 1 & 2 = liquid proteins
Day 3 = Soft Protein
Day 4 = Firm Protein
Day 5 = Solid Protein

This is also a really good time to order the Neighborhood Cookbook. WOW, talk about a book of inspiration! It's full of great recipes and tremendous tips for your journey! There will be a new one coming out this summer and if it's anything like the first; it too will be packed with all sorts of helpful ideas!

Good luck to everyone starting the 5dpt. Keep posting and sharing, everyone here will keep posting right along with you to help you along your way. No topic is too personal; no question is a dumb question. Pretty much if you're thinking, feeling or questioning it, so is, or so has someone else, it's best to get it out there as soon as you think of it! Help is here. You've taken the first step toward helping yourself and what a big step it was, CONGRATULATIONS on that! Good Luck everyone!!

KISS, drink, drink, drink and chew, chew, chew!

Read and re-read every detail of the 5dpt. Read every link involved too, they answer a lot of questions. Keep it in mind too that we're here for ya if you get overwhelmed and have questions. This is a big deal, so doing it right is a BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT!!


When you start eating your Day 6 foods you will be following the Four Rules. Read and re-read everything you can about them. Go to the Library for more info and links.

1- Protein First
2- Lots of Water
3- No Snacking
4- Daily Exercise

[~Jane~]

[cschoen]

You're weaning yourself from carbs, not stopping cold turkey. In the soup it's okay because it's a small amount that will help give you the carb that your carb monster will be screaming for, but but not so much that you continue to depend on the carbs. Don't worry about carb counts, fat counts, calorie counts or any of the counting business while on the 5dpt. The whole thing has been done and re-done and it works. Period. Don't change the recipes unless you have no choice.

Got it - thanks!Well, I DID leave out the barley from those recipes - hope that's not a problem - didn't miss it and not having any extreme carb cravings (don't forget, I'm on Day 2.) I did add some yogurt to it when I ate it.So far so good! Soup, SF jello and pudding, for 2 days it's really do-able!Cyndi

This is something that I posted a few weeks ago that seems to still carry merit:Please allow me to suggest something that you can do if you haven't already. Go on up to your 5 Day Pouch Test button (upper left). Then on the next screen look to the upper right and you'll see "Tools". The tool you're looking for is the 5dpt journal. Print that up and use it! I suggest writing down the times of everything that you eat too. It's great to have a log of what you ate during your 5dpt. You'll likely want to refer to it later. You just never know why, but you likely will. You'll have to be brutally honest about what passes your lips and it in itself becomes inspiration to help you through.

Thanks for this...I am an avid (perhaps obsessed) food and exercise journal keeper - I use 4 different tools (ok, it IS obsessed! )I was planning on forgoing that aspect for the 5DPT because it just would not have made any sense - the journal provided here though is great! Thanks for the tip!Cyndi

When you start eating your Day 6 foods you will be following the Four Rules. Read and re-read everything you can about them. Go to the Library for more info and links.1- Protein First2- Lots of Water3- No Snacking 4- Daily Exercise

Day 6 foods? Four Rule? I didn't see those - could you point me in the right direction?Thanks,Cyndi

[~Jane~]

No problem!
They're in the library along with a gazillion other good to read things! The four rules are here:
http://www.livingafterwls.com/Library/category5.html

[Hunter]

Hi Everyone ... I have been reading lots of posts from the site, and am encouraged. I never thought I would be able to recapture the feelings of my original pouch. I also put together a new wl ticker. When I look back at how far I have come, I need to give myself a break on the regaining of some of this weight. After all, I am going to deal with it now -- not when it is another 100 lbs.

Talk with you all soon.
Hunter

[Josie]

Hi Everyone ... I have been reading lots of posts from the site, and am encouraged. I never thought I would be able to recapture the feelings of my original pouch. I also put together a new wl ticker. When I look back at how far I have come, I need to give myself a break on the regaining of some of this weight. After all, I am going to deal with it now -- not when it is another 100 lbs.

Talk with you all soon.
Hunter

Hi Hunter!! Welcome to the hood!! I just wanted to say congrats on making the choice to deal with it now!! Keep coming back to the hood and keep us all posted!!

[Tracey T]

Excellent advice! I did the 5 DPT a couple of weeks ago and lost 5 lbs. and have managed to keep it off. I think I'm going to do the test every other week and will be starting it again on May 26th.

This time I'll make sure I have more of what I need in the house so I don't have to run out and get what I need each day.

Tracey

If you're new to the 'hood or if you're a veteran, if you're planning on trying the 5 Day Pouch Test on Monday, May 19 though May 23rd I'd like to take a moment to wish you all the best of luck!!

I've already noticed that there are a few folks speaking up that are considering doing it, so I thought that I'd start a 5dpt team thread!

There is so much help to be had here in the neighborhood it's amazing. I KNOW that if you commit yourself to the "challenge" of the 5dpt you'll be backed 100% by people that have done the test successfully! There are literallly 100s of people who have tried it and learned amazing things about their pouches as well as their minds! The 5dpt isn't a diet. It's a tool to help you regain control of the pouch that your recieved during your weight loss surgery. Your pouch is not stretched beyond hope. Your addiction to carbs is not so out of control that it can't be fixed. Your habits of eating aren't more than YOU are, you'll figure out how to control those along the way. Things actually tend to start to fall back into proper place as early as Day 2! Oh, and even though the 5dpt isn't a diet, most folks lose some weight during those 5 days!

Before you start the 5dpt most people around the neighborhood will advise you to READ READ READ. Starting out by going to "View New Posts" to catch up on the latest topics. Then go up to the upper right of this screen and click the button that says 5 Day Pouch Test. Along the top of the next page you'll see tabs. Go ahead and click "The Plan". Read. Read. Read. But don't miss the other tabs as there are great things there too. On the far right you'll see a tab called "Tools". Click that. It'll open up to a page with the 5dpt Journal. Print one of those up! Then when you start your 5dpt be brutally honest and write down every single thing that crosses your lips as well as the time. This is a GREAT tool to use as a reference in the days to come. You'll want to keep this journal as you move on toward your eternal Day 6. If you should need to go back to the 5dpt some day, you'll have your 5dpt journal to look back on and compare notes.

Before you start the 5dpt you'll also want to look at the recipes for the week to choose which ones will work for you and possibly your family. This test is about YOU, but real life proves that cooking for the family happens, so by working your recipes into their diets for the week you'll have better luck with success.

You need to make your menu plans for the entire week and get your shopping list filled before you begin. Know which soups you'll make for Days 1 & 2. Know what foods you'll have on Days 3, 4 & 5. Know every single snack that you'll have. Prepare everything that you can in advance. It's not good to get up in the morning and have no clue as to what you're having for breakfast when your options are a little on the limited side. Remember, it's ONLY 5 days. You CAN do this!

Get ready to post, post, post! Post your questions, your fears, your successes and your encouragement for your 5dpt team members! You'll be amazed at how much YOU have to offer in the terms of inspiration for everyone in the 'hood. Not just the 5dpt'ers, but EVERYONE! The more you participate in the neighborhood the more you'll see how you REALLY are the one in control of your pouch! You'll alsol find how great it is to have a whole group of people that have gone through similar things as you. The wealth of knowledge in the 'hood is astounding!

Have fun looking around LAWLS, if you have ANY questions. ASK them! No question is out of bounds!

We're all looking forward to getting to know you this week as you're getting to know yourself!!

Good luck to you all. We're here rooting for you ALL THE WAY!

[toris]

Tracey, the 5dpt isn't intended to be done over and over again. If you're doing what you're supposed to be doing (i.e., following Day 6), then you should continue to lose weight.

I can't stress enough that the 5dpt is SOLELY intended to be a tool to help you regain control, and get the carb monster off your back. IT'S NOT A DIET. DON'T TREAT IT AS A DIET. Stick to Day 6 (2/3 protein + 1/3 complex carbs) while following all the rules of WLS and you will lose more weight.