I went to an 8 week pre-op group therapy, everyones biggest fear was 1. the WLS would not work or 2. They would fail to lose weight and 3. That they would gain it all back.

So I printed up the 5 day pouch test and website and gave it to everyone so they could join the neighborhood. We all exchanged names and email address to help each other further. But no one had heard of this including the group leader ~~ I gave him a copy too.

I hope it works for them as for me :FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!!

I wouldn't try the 5 DPT before surgery...you'll starve to death! And trust me, you won't have any need for this test until well after surgery....years out I'm guessing. I think I didn't even regain an appetite until about 6 months out. By the way, those fears you mentioned, I think they are normal. Before you have the surgery it's difficult to even imagine what it will be like. I was afraid I'd be hungry all the time, or that I'd do something wrong and pop a staple or something That's why it's good to be around people who are going through the same thing as you. But seriously, there's no need for you to do the pouch test yet...wait until you have a pouch!

I'm not really surprised they haven't heard of this website...I think the vast majority of people start looking for this type of thing after surgery when they feel like they need a boost or support. That's what happened with me. I was usuing OH.com before surgery and until about a year after (this was 2005) but I was going to regular support meetings once a month. Then I moved 2000 miles away and couldn't find a local support group so I found this site. It's awesome!

Good luck with your upcoming surgery!