Hi Gang!

I have done the pouch test before but realizing I probably didn't do it as "strict" as I could have.. I still lost 8 lbs and gained control but went on a WLS cruise and now (ashamed to say) 10-12 lbs (starting eating 2 weeks prior in anxiety anticipation for the cruise.. lots of carbs sigh) and then continued for 2 weeks after.. so all in all its been about 5-6 weeks off plan. I know some of it is water but the rest is true weight gain and I am only 15 months out.. how crazy is that? Ok so here are my questions and hoping all of you can help me make sure I am understanding this correctly as I am starting again tomorrow!!!

1) I asked earlier if too much protein was a problem on any given day.. and what really is "too much protein". I understand to measure/weigh the amounts at a sitting and only take the 15 mins to eat and nothing to drink 30 mins before and after.. but I can also see "grazing" through the day on protein and getting up to 150+ grams. Last time I did it thought I found I was pretty satisified.. I just need to get ahold of the head hunger and try to keep it around 120 or less I suppose which will also keep my cals around 1200ish I would imagine and that sounds like a "safe plan"... can you tell I like to have more set rules? (which I understand is not what this is all about).

2) I ate NAS yogurt on days 1-2 since we were allowed SF pudding. Now I am reading that really should stay away from both if possible and just do shakes, broth, jello and the soups provided (I do split pea.. yum!)

3) The soups have a lot of carbs some have tons of fat and I read thats ok, don't worry about it. Should we limit to ONE cup of soup a day as a general rule? What is too many carbs? I realize they are "good" carbs but I would think we would still want less than 70 to cleanse our system no? or even lower? Are you mixing your shakes with water to avoid some of the milk carbs that add up fast?

4) I also did soup and protein shakes on days 3-5 and now realizing that probably wasn't best.. to stick only to the protiens provided.. confuses the pouch to mix foods with different days but then I also read as long as we aren't advancing too fast through the diet that it was ok to keep using foods from *previous* days.. true? Or best to stick to the proteins listed? Like only do eggs on day 3 and canned fish.. don't do them on day 4 or 5 and don't do tilapia on day 5 b/c its a "firm" but not solid protein.

Is that enough questions? Haha.. I just wanna do this right this time and get the best results possible.. I can't tell you how out of control this trip got me.. im just ravenous and can't keep my hands from grazing.. and wow is it showing, I can't even fit into my "goal" pants.. had to go downstairs and get the "bigger" size.. how dishearteninig.

Love any help you pros can give me! I love the neighborhood!!!

Hugs,
Melissa

I'm not the 5DPT queen and I do try to avoid answering these posts because of that. In my opinion, you do what works best for you. If you lost 8 pounds and gained control, then I say that you did it just perfect for you the first time.

I've read that the soups that Kaye has posted are to be eaten in one cup measure, per meal.

I like to keep things simple. I'd just suck down an Atkin's RTD every three hours for days one and two. Water, SF Jello, V-8 and broth for variety. At least 5 shakes each day. Day 3, I'd keep it to canned meats and eggs...mixed with some lite mayo or mustard. No shakes, lots of water. Day 4 & 5, baked meats. If you get a raging headache, have half an apple, a V-8, or a small orange. That's how I'd do it, if I had to do it again. JMHO.

Hi Melissa,

We're in this together this week! I'm a little confused as to how much to eat days one & 2, so

I copied this the rules for the test:
"The 5 Day Pouch Test should never leave you feeling hungry. You can eat as much of the prescribed menu as you want during the day to satiate hungry and prevent snacking on slider foods and/or white carbs. You must drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day. A reduction of caffeinated beverages is suggested, but do not stop caffeine cold turkey."

I'm not quite sure how the second sentence translates to how much soup we can eat, but I think it means we can 1 cup of it at all 3 meals if we want, as long as we eat the cup within the 15 minutes.

let's touch base tomorrow, o.k?

Hi Melissa,

I think you're confusing yourself because you're looking at this like a diet. The 5dpt is not a diet. It's a TEST to feel your pouch again - and to banish the carb monster. We aren't worrying about carbs and calories, we're worrying about focusing on the FEELING of being full. Here's a couple of things that might help:

PROTEIN: on days 3-5, you're supposed to measure your protein and eat it within 15 minutes with no liquids before and after for 30 minutes. Unless you weren't following the rules, it would be very difficult to get in the amount of protein you're talking about. If it helps, here's a sample day from when I followed it (day 3):

8:00 - coffee w/SF creamer
10:00 - 1 scrambled egg
12:30 - 4 oz Tilapia
3:00 - SF pudding
6:00 - 4 oz Tilapia
8:30 - SF pudding

As you can see, you're eating every 2-3 hours. If you follow a schedule, it really helps to keep "head hunger" at bay. By the time you're thinking about food again, you'll be eating in another hour or so. Try to keep yourself on a schedule and you really won't have time to get head hunger.

When you're on day 3-5, it's all protein all day. You can have your SF pudding/jello, but don't add anything else in.

WATER: If you're getting in your 64 oz of water each day, you won't have ROOM to eat more than what's listed above. You'll be full of water most of the day.

My advice would be to go back and read the 5dpt. The rules are very basic and simple (if you just read them "as is" and don't worry about anything else). Follow them and you'll be o.k. - just stop questioning everything! (I have to laugh - I do the same thing - it's too bad we don't burn calories for our minds running all the time!)

Karen I read it the same way you do. I'd say keep it simple and as close to the suggested menu as you possibly can. I'd stick with protein shakes and use a cup of hot soup if you need it. Use the suggested soup, or one like it (no pasta or spuds in it!) And as suggested, get all of your water in!


hope that this helps.

Hey Melissa!
Congratulations for keepin' on!


It takes courage to plow through.

There is a lot of wisdom in the posts before mine -

Take care!

Keep on your journey to wellness!

Hugs,
Nancy