HELP! Time Out Plan

Where do I find this Time Out Plan?  I am 4 years and 1 month out and have gained 40 pounds.  I really need to do something.  I'm interested in this Time Out Plan but can't seem to find it on here.  Help!  Thank you.  -Becky

Hi Becky!  My story is nearly identical to yours, except that I'm 5 years out.  I'm pretty new to the forums myself, so I'll explain it as I understand it with the hope that more knowledgable and experienced Time Out-ers will correct me! The way it works is this: 3 protein drinks/shakes a day, plus all the water and Crystal Light you want.  After a period of time, you replace a shake (usually the dinner??) with a non-meat based salad. I *think* the idea is to reset the pouch, purge the sugar and carbs and get us back to immediate post-op thinking. Now, I'm not terribly clear about how long you maintain the 3/day protein drinks. I know one member (Patty Butler, whose surgeon is the one who explained the plan to her) has been doing it for 2 weeks. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to do that. Today is day 4 of the Plan for me and I intend to begin my salad replacement on Sunday.  I'm not too sure what I'll do after that, but my roughdraft plan is to do 2/day protein drink plus a salad for a week and see how that goes. I won't lie: It's been tough. However, I've lost 7 pounds so far. More importantly, I've experienced TRUE,  physical hunger - that is something I stopped paying attention to a year or so ago. Bad.  One tip: Find something, ANYTHING, to do in the evenings. Those seem to be the worst. I feel really great until about 3pm and then GAH. Head hunger kicks into turbo.  You can do this,  I know you can! Best of luck! A

Thank you so much!  Before today, I was starting to feel like I was the only one struggling like this.  I was really feeling like a failure for gaining that 40 pounds.  I didn't want to give up but I also didn't know what to do.  When I read these few posts about the time out plan I got excited but then couldn't find any infomation regarding the plan.  I will start as soon as I find protein shakes.  Do you recommend any in particular?  I'm motivated.  I'm throwing a graduation party for my son in one month and I want to have at least 10 gone by then.  Thank you for the encouragement! - Becky

You are absolutely NOT the only one struggling with post-op weight gain....it's pretty prevalent .You will find those who have gained less than you (and I) and those who have gained much more. No matter how much or why we've gained, we're to be congratulated for taking control BACK. You will have NO trouble taking off 10 pounds in a month.  As far as protein recommendations.....I went with what I knew as a new post-op. I used Whey Delicious (chocolate). They didn't have the chocolate when I ordered (it was on back order and I was too anxious to wait!) so I got the berry flavor. I pretty much hate it a lot. So I went to Vitamin Shoppe and just asked the sales guy to point me in the direction of the BEST tasting chocolate whey protein drink they have. He was right on the money. I believe the brand name is "ON" (it has a black label and I got the Double Rich Chocolate). It's really good and meets MY requirements: high protein - 24 grams, only 1 gram of sugar and 120 calories. It does have some fat - 1 gram, but that is wholly acceptable to me. I mix it with about 1/2 cup of skim milk, crushed ice and 1/4 of a small banana.   You can browse the main forum for a more current account from the newbie post-ops, keeping in mind how very, very subjective taste is - especially when it comes to protein! One more thing: Remember to take all your vitamins. It will not do you any good to have a high performance engine only to forget to gas it up! Keep me/us updated and I'll do the same..... A

Hi Becky, ~ I believe Patti's surgeon suggested Nectar protein made with water.  The Nectar protein is 90 calories per scoop ~ that gives you 270 calories in the 3 protein drinks.  But, others are adapting this Time Out Plan protocol to better fit their lives.  Not sure about the rest of it, I'm sure we can find the particulars here somewhere! I'm such a baby. I started on Monday but I just HATE Nectar.  I then ordered some cappichino (sp) Nectar which might work out for me. Best wishes on your effort to lose your regained weight.  I'm sure you will be successful. Paula

Thank you both so much!  I am going to the Health Food store today after work to pick out my protein and plan to start tomorrow morning.  I have planned activities to keep me busy over the weekend so I don't think about it. (Nothing special,just thorough housecleaning)  And I keep repeating to myself that the Time Out Plan is my new obsession.  Thank you for the support.  It feels good not to feel so alone.

Waaaa! I hate protein drinks. I, too, have gained 40 pounds in 6 months and am seriously considering having a revision to a DS from the RNY two years ago. Other RNYers have lashed out at me and telling me I can still lose the weight. I just don't feel restricted any longer. At first I thought it was my fault, that I was eating too much of the wrong thing, but come to find out, I am eating fine, not any worse than others, but the weight keeps coming up. After talking to others who have had revision to a DS, I feel like them, that I need more malabsorption issues besides restrictive issues to help me get my weight loss to go back down. I recently bought some more protien powder and tried it for 2 weeks, now I am sick and tired of it and don't even want to look at the stuff, let alone drink it. I would rather eat my protein than drink it.