Hi Everyone,

Over the past 3 years I have had brain and spine surgery which have left me unable to excise. Needless to say I have gained 35 pounds back which I was almost at goal. My question for everyone, Did everyone do the 5 day pouch test to get back on track?

No, I just eat unprocessed meat (no jerky, bacon, sausage, or deli/lunch meat), eggs, and green veggies for five days. Much more satisfying and healthier (IMO) than trying to re-create your post-op stomach.

Exercise is not terribly important for weight loss. Don't focus on that, instead focus very very hard on what you are eating and exactly how many calories you are taking in each day. Stop eating high carb and high sugar foods -- you need to do this or you will keep craving them. Don't drink your calories. Stay on top of your intake and you will lose weight. Good luck!

Thank you for all your help.

I have heard many people do the reset diet. I guess it does work. They go back to Protein drinks lots of Water. Another thing that plays with your weight loss is how far out you are. Are you 3 years out?

I am 5 years out.

• I fell of track and in my head it is bad. I was 355 and down to 235 in 9 months. I had my GBP 9/2014. I went back up to 257. Part is the carbs which I crave ridiculously. I don't care for sugary stuff but love carbs. I was laid off from work and my children have been in need of so much. It started with skipping a health snack to feeling starved at meal time. Should I do the shake thing for 5 days? SOS

• I fell of track and in my head it is bad. I was 355 and down to 235 in 9 months. I had my GBP 9/2014. I went back up to 257. Part is the carbs which I crave ridiculously. I don't care for sugary stuff but love carbs. I was laid off from work and my children have been in need of so much. It started with skipping a health snack to feeling starved at meal time. Should I do the shake thing for 5 days? SOS

You can do the pouch test but it is unnecessary given that your issue is not how much you are eating but rather what you are eating-- carbs. Carbs are okay in small amounts but they sound like a trigger food for you. I think Bufflehead's recommendation to eliminate the carbs and eat lean Protein and non starchy vegetables apply to you as well.

The only way to lose weight is to cut calories. My dietitian told me not to drink Protein shakes. They do not fill you up and are just a way to get calories in at the beginning when you are not able to eat food. Drinking them now can make you gain more weight more quickly.

Let's be honest here. We know what to do to lose weight. Protein shakes are full of so much crap. They are good for when you can't get to anything else. Real food eaten at the right intervals is all you need. Stop skipping meals. Make sure you're consuming enough calories. Drink Water. The formula is simple. Surgery is a tool. Miracles don't happen over night.

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You are right bariatricbutterfly about there being lots of crap in Protein drinks but with that being said...you will find crap in everything you eat or drink. We rely on our FDA to protect us and our food. But in the reality MONEY TALKS!!! If I didn't use Protein Drinks or powder I would be in a deficit at all times. Unless you grow your own food and raise your own meat, and I'm still not sure it would not have all that CRAP in it!! So in order to survive I will use my protein supplements. And each and every one of us has to make up our own minds. I'm not being a Smart A**. Keep on keeping on!!!

there are various options for the pouch reset out there. the 5 day one seems to be the most popular. i tried that one and failed. then i restarted it.

there is also a 2 day one out there, and i tried that one. surprisingly, it really helped me a lot! it doesn't seem likely but that seemed to be just enough to get me on track.

shakes don't have any 'real' food in them per se, however they are good for trying to cut back, and also good for maintaining Protein intake if you are not in a position to be eating huge amounts of protein.

i just saw my new RD about a month ago and she actually recommended some shakes to me, even just one a day is helping. you have to do what works for you.

obviously if we were all of the 'eat less move more' school, we wouldn't be on a surgery forum, post surgery! good luck to all

• I fell of track and in my head it is bad. I was 355 and down to 235 in 9 months. I had my GBP 9/2014. I went back up to 257. Part is the carbs which I crave ridiculously. I don't care for sugary stuff but love carbs. I was laid off from work and my children have been in need of so much. It started with skipping a health snack to feeling starved at meal time. Should I do the shake thing for 5 days? SOS

You can do the pouch test but it is unnecessary given that your issue is not how much you are eating but rather what you are eating-- carbs. Carbs are okay in small amounts but they sound like a trigger food for you. I think Bufflehead's recommendation to eliminate the carbs and eat lean Protein and non starchy vegetables apply to you as well.

Thank you

Sent from my VS985 4G using the BariatricPal App

You are right bariatricbutterfly about there being lots of crap in Protein drinks but with that being said...you will find crap in everything you eat or drink. We rely on our FDA to protect us and our food. But in the reality MONEY TALKS!!! If I didn't use Protein Drinks or powder I would be in a deficit at all times. Unless you grow your own food and raise your own meat, and I'm still not sure it would not have all that CRAP in it!! So in order to survive I will use my protein supplements. And each and every one of us has to make up our own minds. I'm not being a Smart A**. Keep on keeping on!!!

I am an powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury protein fan for Breakfast since it is hard for me to make breakfast a routine. And I don't like meat. chicken and seafood occasionally but I do find a tolerance for plain scrambled eggs. I need to get creative again :-) I have a Fitbit that has helped much to spark my routine flame. I appreciate everyone's feedback.

Sent from my VS985 4G using the BariatricPal App

I agree with bufflehead. Cut out sugar and white stuff. Eat Protein at every meal. Don't drink any calories of any kind. Enjoy veggies, nuts, fruit, cheese, protein. Don't skip meals. I personally believe exercise has nothing to do with weight loss...

Good luck,

Heather