My review of the 5 day pouch test

Over and over again I see suggestions for people to try the 5 day pouch test as a means to get the scale moving again or get back on track. Please note that I am 1.8 years out, this isnt something newbies should be 'running' to because the scale didnt move a few days or they are scared they stretched their pouch (when its suppose to naturally stretch over the first year or so) Anyways, I figured I would check it out so I could see what it was really all about. Here is my review The good - it reminds you to follow the rules - no drinking 30 minutes before/after meals, sticking to your meal time, the importance of protein... it also makes you mindful of your pouch - focus on your meals and stop when you are full. The bad - you will lose weight on it - why? because any time you cut out carbs you drop *WATER* weight, not actucal pounds of fat. I lost 6lbs in the 5 days... within 3 days I was back up 5lbs. I did not experience this magic 'pouch tightening'... dont see how that can really happen - your pouch is a muscle thats made to expand and contract, a few days of liquids/mushy/all protein its going to retighten a pouch - however, it does make you more AWARE of your pouch and when you are truly full - so I guess its more of an 'illusion' of a tighter pouch. When I went back to normal eating it was not pretty - the day after the 5dpt I ate a salad... I got gas, stomach cramping and had to run back and forth to the bathroom for a good 1-2 hours. It took about 3 days for my digestive process to go back to normal - mind you I was sticking to a proper post-WLS diet, I wasnt eating junk or going carb crazy - I was following the nutritional guidelines given to me by my NUT. So basically I say this - its good if you feel you are way off track with your eating and need to go 'cold turkey' to get back on track. I dont think its something you should resort to often - its not a substitute for proper eating habits and keeping yourself under control. Dont expect miracles (i.e. a pouch tight like when you were newly post-op) and expect that the dropped scale will very possibly go back up.

Thanks for the feedback and info. This is good to know for the future!

Thanks a bunch for the wonderful info and insight Jennifer I love reading your post.                                               Annie

Hey Jenn.. thanks for the review.  You know I have been contemplating that.. but am still loosing a couple pounds per week and am below goal.. so why mess with what isn't broken.  :)   Thanks for your candid assessment!  Hope to see ya soon girl!