5 Day Pouch Test Update & Question

I'm on Day 4 of the 5 Day Pouch Test and so far, so good!  I'm beginning to actually feel my pouch and to get that sense of fullness. For most of my first year as a post-op I would hiccup when I was full and my hiccups have returned so I take that as a good sign.  I have a question for you... As I understand the plan, we can only eat the foods allowed for that specific day of the plan,  Today's menu (Day 4) is firm protein - things like ground beef & shellfish. Since I don't eat seafood I think my choices today are going to be very limited so I'll probably eat some of the things I prepared yesterday (Soft Protein Day).   Do you have any suggestions for "firm protein" foods that do NOT include seafood?  Last night was the first time I've struggled to stick to the plan. Since I knew Day 3 would fall on Halloween I was proactive by only buying candy that contained coconut b/c I knew I would not eat it but I think seeing all the food commercials on TV and knowing that I couldn't eat candy had me feeling very deprived.  Also, I am a true night owl, often going to bed at 4:00-5:00 AM (if at all) so I also tend to be a night eater.  But I didn't give in!  Well, not really - I'm don't think protein shakes are allowed on Soft Protein Day but I needed the fluids & decided that I would have a Dutch Chocolate Micellar Milk protein shake instead of another glass of Crystal Light or water. That satisfied my craving for something sweet without totally blowing the process - at least I hope it didn't mess me up. So far, I'm still craving carbs & sweets but I'm being strong & resisting which is really building my self-confidence.   I wanted to eat some cookies or FF Pringles about 3:00 AM but instead I had the Micellar Milk protein shake.  Just the fact that I was able to make a healthy choice, instead of giving into what I really wanted makes me feel GREAT!! Now I've just got to keep it going!  Tonight will be tough b/c it is the holiday "tasting sampler" at my support group.  I want to go to the meeting but will probably not be able to eat anything others bring.  I'm bringing two of the soft protein dishes from yesterday's recipes.  Both taste great so I'll just have to eat them & avoid others - maybe I can bring home some samples so I can try them after the pouch test is done.  Ya'll have a great day & remember the old WW saying - "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels!" Vickie J.

Vicki, since you don't do seafood I think you are find eating something else, just make it protein and something with substance.  For lunch today I have something that came up and I'm not sure what I'll eat but it may only be egg drop soup for me today.  I know it's not on the plan for today, I still think it'll be the best option to stay within the guidelines of the 5dpt. Originally my plan was leftover tuna salad for lunch.  I'm definitely feeling some extra restriction with the test.  And, on the protein shakes, I'm still drinking them even though it isn't on the plan for today.  I am using it for breakfast and in the evening if the snack monster attacks. I believe I've read that Tracy asked about the shakes and if cottage cheese would hurt for the soft foods and she was told no but some consider it a slider food. Congrats!

Thanks for the input.  I don't eat cottage cheese either but I think the Turkey Egg Salad and the Chicken & Feta Cheese Salads I made yesterday will work for today.  If I get to the grocery store before early enough I'm going to get some ground beef and fix a hamberger patty from the turkey burger recipe in the Plan info before I go to my support group meeting tonight. Thanks again! Vickie J.

You can have chicken. Turkey

That's what I'm doing & will try to fix a hamberger patty this evening if I have time before support group meeting.  If not, I'll just stick with the Turkey Egg Salad and Chicken & Feta Cheese Salads I fixed yesterday. Vickie J.

I am on day four as well and don't eat shellfish either. I had turkey meatballs all day  long, I just love them anyway. That worked for me.

Good morning, everyone, I am fairly new to this forum and have see several people mention the 5 day pouch test.  What is this?  I am 5 years out and I am beginning to pick up weight can anyone help me out?

Shay, The 5 Day Pouch Test is a way to "start over" by going back to the beginning after your WLS and revisiting the new pouch rules & food prgression.  It is supposed to help purge your body of carbs & reduce / eliminate carb cravings and allow the pouch to shrink a bit while reminding you of the basic pouch rules and how an empty vs full pouch feels.  You can read about the Plan and there are some recipes for each day at the 5 Day Pouch Test website.  www.5daypouchtest.com I've completed my 5 Days, lost 7 1/2 lbs and can sense when my pouch is full again.  I still crave sweet or salty carbs but I know it is probably "head hunger".  But since I was able to resist my cravings for 5 days and stick will all the pouch rules I know I haven't "broken" my pouch.  I CAN follow the rules and I CAN resist the urge to eat things I shouldn't. it is all a matter of CHOOSING to do so!!   When I decided to have RNY gastric bypass surgery I decided to choose LIFE because my weight was slowly killing me.    Now that I've lost all my excess weight, I've gotten a bit lazy and complacent about things and I've regained 33 lbs.  I needed to regain some because I had gotten down too low, but I need to lose about 20-25 lbs of that regained weight.  The 5 Day Pouch Test has given me a jump start to get back on track and making better food decisions.  I will be making better (more healthy) eating decisions and hope to get off those extra pounds within the next few months.  I know the holidays may slow me down a bit, but I intend to keep things in perspective and not let them derail me!  But if they do, I know I can do the 5DPT again and get back to basics. Good luck! Vickie J.