What can you do to see if your pouch is working properly?

Question is there some steps someone can take or some type of test to see if your pouch is still working?  I feel like I am able to eat more then I should by reading all the post. Any suggestions? I have been hiding for my own reasons but I am reaching out for help in desperation now. Deb S

Some have done the cottage cheese test to determine the size of their pouch -- that way you know how much to eat at every meal.  Linda Anne can chime in here, but I believe you take a new carton of cottage cheese, and first thing in the morning (no water or coffee) eat as much as you can very quickly until you feel full or for 5 minutes and then stop.  Take two cups of measured water and pour into the cottage cheese container and that tells you how much you can eat (two cups of water, less what is left of the water no poured, equals the size of your pouch).  Apparently there is a reason you don't just eat and measure the cottage cheese gone from the carton (8 ounces = 1 cup) but I can't stand cottage cheese so I'll never do that test.......Get a carton larger than 1 cup too in case you are able to eat over 1 cup.  The pouch still works sweetie, it's been less than a year since your surgery, and its the mind stuff keeping you from the loss.  We've talked in pm's so I know you are struggling but the pouch will work, along with exercise.  It's summer so even walking each day a couple of times would be soooo beneficial right now. Hon, go back to the beginning and start over.  Going back to the plan and measuring and tracking all and everything you eat is the beginning of the process.  PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN.  Having no liquids for 30 minutes before and after meals, no drinking during meals, eating breakfast, drinking milk as a break (or yogurt), having lunch, drinking milk as a break, eating dinner, and getting at least 64 ounces of water in for the day, no snacking, and tracking all of it, would give you an answer in less than a week.  Looking at one day at a time, for just a week, could be a goal.  You will reconnect with your full signal during this time too. I know we can all make it sound so easy, but believe me, we ALL know how hard it is this far out from surgery.  And get to some of the support groups.  The staff at the groups are soooo knowledgable and the support of others is exactly what you need.  And please come to coffee, with your water bottle, and join us for additional support.  No one said this was going to be easy but believe me, the support you need is out here.   We meet this Saturday at Panera at 8:30 or so -- please come join us.  Support group is next Tuesday at Park Nicollet in Burnsville at 6:00 too.   Cyber hugs to you sweetie -- hope we can help you.....

5 day pouch test maybe? http://www.5daypouchtest.com/ Have you talked with your bariatric nurse? She may be able to guide you as well.