Ahoy! The side excursion (5 day pouch test) day 3

Howdy gang!

WOW, it looks like there are a LOT of folks on this little trip and most of you are having a rough go of it the first couple of days. Wish I could be right next to each one of you during the day to help coach you through it, but alas, I can't.

Please don't get discouraged, it's only a few days, so keep you eyes on the prize! Try to make the best possible choices you can and be mindful of what your putting in your mouths and WHY.

Sorry I can't respond individually to all of your posts, but I'm just so busy at work and here at home getting ready for surgery that I'm sinking fast myself...lol. BUT......starting the middle of next week I'll be home for 3 weeks and you guys will be sick to death of me...

Hang in there girls. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Day 3: Soft Protein

Protein Recommendations: canned fish (tuna or salmon) mixed with lemon and seasoned with salt and pepper, eggs cooked as desired seasoned with salt pepper and/or salsa, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy), baked or grilled, and lightly seasoned. This starts your program with "soft" protein. Measure your portion (1 cup volume or 4-6 ounces weight) and eat only until you feel full, not overfull. Remember, no water for 30 minutes before or after you meal, and no fluids with your meal. We are going back to the beginning and fluids will prevent you from feeling the pouch. If you need to add a bit of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise to the canned fish I understand, but keep it to a minimum so the meat is not too moist. One reason we lose the sense of tightness in our pouch is that we eat "slider foods" - foods that are too moist and do not stay in the pouch very long, they slide right through the stoma.

What a differencee two days make! As my mom used to say, "I am so excited I could spit!"  And I just may!!!!

Already planning to have two soft boiled eggs for breakfast and have tuna with a bit of may packed for lunch. A whole can tho I doubt I'll be able to eat it all. I have prawns from my brother's place on Vancouver Island, Canada thawed for dinner.  Not sure if that is considered soft or not but I'm going with it.

For those of you having a somewhat hard time I think this is my 3rd time. The first was really tough the first 2 days, the 2nd much easier, and this the best yet. Hang in there. One day at a time it and don't beat yourself up. Even if you don't stick with all liquids if you can eliminate those refined carbs for a few days you'll feel so much better and even better than that you'll feel more in control of your "boat."

 Susan, I so appreciate you being here for us to rally around. Everyone needs cheerleaders and you and Annette make great ones!

Hi Susan and Karen!

I am sitting here with my two soft cooked (microwaved) eggs and feel like I'm eating the richest best food ever after 2 days of protein shakes. I have lost the 5 lbs I gained on vacation!!!! So now after the test, the tougher weight loss will begin as that is the weight I have slowly put back on over the 3 years....
I thank you Susan for starting this and Please, no apologies needed. Just having you head this up and keep up the support is wonderful and I am so excited for you!!!!!

I do have to confess after a very overwhelming day at work with people coming at me for something in every direction I ate 2 saltines. I am quite proud that it wasn't 10 or 15.
On top of all this my mother called to say she was admitted to the hospital with UTI by ambulance!!! My dad is at a care center/rehab after open heart surgery and between the two (long long story) my sister and I will be lucky if we don't keel over here soon...

Take care all,
Cheryl
P.S. Karen please swoop by and put me in your pocket, I'd love to hang out with you and Jan!!!! Have fun!!!!

Well, thank goodness they had soup at the Bistro where we went for lunch yesterday...such freshness too...it was de-lish! I also had a Chai Latte...ohhh! (no sugar, just milk).

Supper last night was 2 poached eggs..sans toast (that's hard for me..I prefer my eggs ON toast).

This morning, hot chocolate protein drink so far...planning salmon with a bit of mayo for lunch...maybe the same for supper.

I had gotten into the habit of drinking water WITH my meals...don't know WHY I do that! I do drink alot of water all day long though. My water bottle goes everywhere with me!

The worst is over now...going to several days of straight liquids was hard for me...I can live on homemade soup.

Nancy B

Yesterday's mantra:  I can do this

Today's:  I did it, I did it!!!!!!!!

I felt like I was on a cleanse, Won't do the  TMI.

I lost 6 pounds but I know that will not stand once I start eating today.  My head knows that but I will still be disappointed.

Today I will have eggs until I get to the store and buy the tuna I thought I had in the pantry.  I have a retreat to go to this weekend but starts Friday night and I can eat by then.  Will make good choices, I promise.

Afternoon Susan and others on the life boat ;-)
Yesterday was my first day (1 day behind most of you) and it actually wasn't too bad.  I admit I didn't read the instructions all the way and used soy milk instead of water with my protein shakes but I fixed that today ^_^  I never did feel hungry which totally surprised me considering how much grazing I've gotten into. I ended up having 4 shakes plus decaf coffee and finished the day off with my Sobe zero water.

Today my 'boat' has stayed on course..no leaning to the side....protein shake with WATER for breakfast, decaf coffee to carry me thru the morning, and now drinking chicken broth for lunch.  Got a slight headache but nothing I can't handle for a day. Dinner most likely will be another protein shake and then 1 more before I go to bed..just to be sure I make it thru the nite. 

Thanks so much Susan for starting the 'boat'...I really needed the push to get back to basics.  Knowing there are others offerring support is always Appreciated!
Nancy aka sunray

Susan

Can we add non-carb veggies are do we need to wait until day 6.