Five Day Pouch Test Results

Well, my five days are up, and I lost five lbs!  I'm pretty happy about it. This test helped me remember that the pouch is there for me if I use it correctly.  I think this might be something I do once a month just to help keep me in the proper mindset. Kix

Kix I'm so glad to see your post this morning...I just started the 5 day test this morning. I was REALLY constipated so I started this out last night with MOM...I'm really cleaned out now...I woke up 5 pounds lighter this morning I guess I really was full of crap I'm  on liquids now. I had a cup of coffee with cream this morning and I'm working on a 20oz bottle of mango peach Isopure. So far...so good. I hope to be renewed with this test and get back on track before my abdominoplasty on September 10 Tanya

Tanya, I take six Fiber Choice tablets and three stool softeners every night, so I no longer have a problem with constipation.  I had some bad experiences as an early post-op  that led me to start my fiber regimen (with the doctor's OK, of course).  Good thing I did, because I can see I would have had a problem during the first couple of days of the pouch test!  Kix

Kix I wish fiber and stool softeners worked for me...they only give me gas and bloat me up I have tried EVERYTHING...the only thing that works for me is lots of water and exercise BUT my back pain has been too bad to do anything except stretches for the past few weeks. So, I have been backed up something terrible. At least I'm good today...I sure do feel better physically...no wonder babies get cranky when they can't poop So, tell me how do you feel after the 5 day test? What challenges did you face during the test? Do you have any suggestions or things you will d differently next time? Sorry, I'm full of questions....but this is the first time I have done it. Thanks in advance. Tanya

Hey, Tanya, have you tried Miralax?  It's polyethylene glycol (I know, it sounds like it should go in your car, not your gut!), and it's been working great for me.  It was previously only available by prescrption, but it's available as an over-the-counter medication now.  I still get a 'script from my doctor because it costs less ($10 for a 90-day supply vs. $15.99 for a 30-day supply for the OTC).  Anyway, I've had good, regular results with this product.  It's a flavorless powder that can be mixed in any fluid; I mix it in water and you can't taste it.  Hope this information is helpful! Kellie

Well, without getting too graphic, I'm pretty sure my poop should have been issued a birth certificate!      That's why I take the Fiber Choice supplements!  I don't think I would have done anything differently, except drink even more water than I drank.  I love protein, so eating all that protein wasn't a hardship.  In fact, when we went to a Mexican restaurant on Day 4, I ate the innards of a shredded beef tostada (left the corn tortilla) and a serving of refried beans and was happily satisfied.  I didn't even mind watching my sibling scarf up a huge dessert topped with ice cream and chocolate syrup because I ate enough to make me happy. The only challenge I faced was making sure to take enough protein drinks along on Days 1 and 2. It was hard to fit four cans of Atkins Advantage drink, two frozen cold paks, a frozen bottle of water, and a cold bottle of water in my Whole Foods lunch bag.  I really need to buy one of those coolers you can plug into a car outlet. Kix

Thanks for updating!!  Wow - 5 pounds!!   I'm doing ok now and lost 4 last week so I think I'll wait until I'm on a plateau again (which will probably be soon).  You are such an inspiration to me!!!

Hi, Kix.  Congrats on the five pound loss - way to go!  When you have a chance, can you repost the 5-day pouch test?  I tried searching your recent posts, but I couldn't find it.  I'm going to check my calendar and look for a time in the next 2 weeks when I can do this.  Thanks!   Kellie

Hi Kellie, Here is a link to the 5-day pouch test that I have come across on another message board. Not sure if it is the same one that everybody is doing here: http://www.livingafterwls.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3524 Good luck to you!

Thanks for the link, TripleC!  I'm going to give this a try in the next week or so - looks like a good way to re-set some boundaries.  Thanks again -  Kellie