What to do after 5 Day Pouch Test?

This document was created by a Bariatric Coach I am friends with. She summarizes the 5DPT and what happens on Day 6...Hope you find it helpful.


Getting Back on Track w/the 5 Day Pouch Test
(for all WLS procedures)
1
Prepared by: Maryn Eisenhart, Bariatric Coach August 1, 2011
The 5 Day Pouch Test (5DPT) is a great way to get back on track when you have regained a little or stalled on your weight loss journey. It was developed mainly with Gastric Bypass (RNY) patients in mind, but absolutely will work for all WLS procedures – LapBand, VSG, DS, and RNY. Most people lose between 6-10 lbs during the 5 days.
The purpose of the plan is not so much to lose weight (although that does typically happen), but it is an opportunity to regain control and break the bad habits that have gotten in your way. A lot of people start to feel that familiar tightness in their pouch after a few days on this plan. This plan basically takes you back to the first few early stages of the WLS diet (right after your WLS.) It’s high protein and very low carbs. Basically, you’re just going to eat protein and nothing else. No veggies, no starches, barely any fats, just proteins and lots of water.
Here’s the breakdown of what each day is like:
DAY 1 & 2: Liquid Protein
For 2 days, you’ll be consuming liquids only. You can have as many low-carb protein shakes as you need to satisfy hunger or cravings. Try having 4-5 protein shakes throughout the day. Also, you need to make sure you drink at least 64 oz of water in addition to your protein shakes. You can also have sugar-free liquid protein snacks like:
 SF jello/pudding with protein powder added in.
 Liquid broth or cream soups with protein powder
Days 3-5:
Here’s the thing about Days 3-5: You can eat as much protein as you like – BUT you can only eat for 15 minutes at a time and you cannot drink 30 minutes before or after you eat. Do not mix your protein with anything that will turn it into a “slider" food (ie: mayo.) If you need to add some moisture to your food (ie: canned tuna/chicken) try a small amount of fat free salad dressing.
DAY 3: Soft Protein
For Day 3, you should continue with your protein shakes, but maybe only 1-2 shakes per day. Add in soft protein. That would be anything like:
 Eggs / Tofu
 Canned Fish/Chicken
 Fresh soft fish (ie: tilapia, sole, orange roughy) baked or grilled
 Cottage Cheese
DAY 4: Medium Firm Protein
For Day 4, you can add in the following proteins:
 Ground meat – turkey, beef, lamb – cooked dry and lightly seasoned
 Shellfish – shrimp, scallops, lobster
 Fish – Salmon or halibut – grilled and lightly seasoned
Remember, you do not want to add much fat so keep that in mind when you are preparing your food.
DAY 5: Solid Protein
For Day 5, you can add in the following proteins:
 White meat poultry – cooked dry and lightly seasoned
 Beef steak – grilled or broiled
Days 3-5 Rules:
 You can eat as much as you want ONLY within a 15 minute period
 No liquids within 30 minutes before you eat food
 No liquids within 30 minutes after you eat food.
 Drink at least 64 oz of water each day – in addition to any protein shakes you have (applicable for all 5 days)
Tips to Help You Make it Through the 5 Days…
1. Remember it’s only 5 days. You can do this!
2. Drink lots of water
3. Exercise at least 3 times during these 5 days
4. Try to get creative with your proteins
5. Try different protein shakes before you start the 5DPT – make sure you really like the shake from the beginning since that’s going to be your main staple during these 5 days.
6. Try to avoid beans – yes they are high in protein, but they still have twice as much carbs as they do protein.
7. Limit your caffeine. Do not go cold turkey during these 5 days, but limit the amount you do consume.
8. Make sure you take all of your vitamins.

Tips for Day 6 & Beyond:
1. 2B1B: Take 2 Bites of Protein and then only 1 bite of complex carbohydrates. You want to keep your protein to carb intake at a 2:1 ratio. 2B1B can help you do that.
2. Watch your snacking. Try doing 5-6 small meals per day instead of 3 meals and snacking.
3. Plan plan plan!
4. Continue with the liquid restrictions – no liquids 30 minutes before and after eating food.
5. Switch things up – make sure you don’t always eat/drink the same thing. Try something new to avoid boredom
6. Hydration: Make sure you are getting at least 64oz of water in each day
7. Exercise: Make sure you are exercising at least 3-4 times/week.
8. Don’t do it alone… support is the key!
Additional Resources: www.5daypouchtest.com