Been away too long. What's TIME OUT????

Hey all,  I just hit my 2 year anniversary. Life is so busy, I seem to have just slipped away from this web site. Well, gladly, I am back. I have been maintaining my weight loss. I have had some health issues stemming from severe chronic anemia. The doctors do not believe it is soley due to WLS. I had some other issues, including some which resulted in a full, open hysterectomy 2 weeks ago. Hopefully, things will go in the right direction now.  Anyway, what is this "time out"? I never heard that term in relation to WLS. Can someone guide me? I had a very successful weight loss, but honestly, if I could lose about 12 more pounds, I would hit my personal goal. I hate to be a latecomer and need you guys to back up and steer me through, but I would ask that someone take a moment if you can and give me some guidelines. From the messages I have read, I am assuming it has to do with a liquid fast? I don't want to ASSUME anything, and end up messing myself up! Not a good plan!

Thanks so much. Hope all of you have a blessed day. Continued good luck and good health!

Rossana 334/177

Rossana: The timeout originated with a particular WLS surgeon.  If his patients gain weight he puts them on a "time out"  plan.  From what I understand, it consists of three protein shakes a day, and all the water/crystal lite type drinks you can drink.   I think it's for two weeks, and then you can start adding dense meat and vegie meals.  Alot of people on this site have modified this plan by adding more protein shakes and some eat a vegie/meat or salad meal once or twice a day.  Some also incorporate clear liquids such as broths, sf jello ect.  You decide what works best for you!  The whole point is it forces you to think more about what you put in your mouth.  It is also to "detox" from carbs and sugar.  It helps jump start weight loss again and to get us on track with our diets.  Good luck, hope this helps!!   DeeAnn R

Hi Patty, Thanks for the info you posted about the "time out".  I'm definitely going to do it!!! Barb. T.

Rossana, Congrats on your terrific success and maintaining your loss. As to time out - I started all the hoopla about it.  I had my surgery over 5 years ago and in the last two years managed to regain more weight than I like to admit.  I called my surgeon about six weeks ago and he put me on a regimen he calls Time Out - for the first two weeks I had nothing but three protein drinks (and he specified either Nectar or Essence because they are high in protein and low in calories) and all the water and crystal lite I could drink per day.  After two weeks he had me cut back to two protein drinks and add a salad with fat free dressing.  I have lost a total of 26 pounds since I started it - lost 16 the first two weeks but it has slowed tremedously now - and I'm not surprised.  The good news is that I am changing sizes so my body is adjusting.  Since starting this program I have more energy and feel so much better.  I know it's because I have "detoxed" by body from the carbs and sugars. He does use this for his maintainance patients who have started regain - he doesn't think that any regain is acceptable. After reaching my goal, I will continue to weigh every day and if I gain more than two or three pounds, I get right back on the time out program til I'm back to goal.  This is supposed to nip the problems in the bud before they become major issues like now. Patty

PATTY-Thank you for taking the time to explain it-I too had been trying to "catch up", as I don't usually visit the Grads Board-but obviously I SHOULD!! Why nectar shakes--like Isopure? I don't think I've ver heard of Essense-Can you elaborate on it? Pretty please?? With PROTEIN on top???

Gina, He likes Nectar or Essense (Essense is made by the same company, Syntrax, as Nectar) because they are very low calorie and high protein.  One serving has 90 calories, no sugar and 23g of protein.  That is one scoop of powder with 8 to 16 ounces of water.  It is also much more affordable than Isopure at $30 for 36 servings.  Nectars are in fruit flavors plus Iced Tea and Cappucino and Essence comes in Vanilla and Chocolate.  Personally I don't like Essence but I adore Nectar in Fuzzy Navel, Lemonade and Cappucino. Patty

Patty, How long after adding back salad do you start to add back dense protein? Thanks,  Carla

Carla, It's my understanding that I will continue to do the two shakes and the salad til I reach goal.     I do have to call my surgeon every two weeks to check in and who knows, he might change all that at some point. Patty

I'm sorry, I'm a late comer as well.  I'm 2 years out and put on about 12lbs over the last 6 mos and it's driving me crazy!  I was wondering about the salad part...is it just greens or are we allowed to put protein in there?

My doctor - and this is strictly his deal - says lettuce, carrots, celery, radishes, cauliflower, onions, tomatos, etc. in the salad - but no protein.  However, he customizes eating plans for every patient.  I know another person who gets 4 shakes a day plus a salad.  So, it's really based on the individual and how easily they lose. Patty