In This Issue
How are soups liquids?
What are liquid restrictions?
Quick Questions: Cheat Day, Weight Loss, Breakfast, Caffeine

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Nothing Can Stop Us!    
"The plan works because when we manage our metabolic system with the same attention we give to willpower there is nothing that can stop us."
5DayPouchTest.com


Confidence Conquers Hopelessness:  
"Hundreds of people have taken control of their surgical pouch by following the 5 Day Pouch Test. At the end of Day 5 many who were sad and hopeless at the beginning of the week report euphoria knowing the pouch is functioning properly. Hopelessness is replaced with confidence. Five days. That is all it takes to turn things around.
~~Kaye Bailey


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Apple & Pear
Evening Munchies: Slider Food Territory

After WLS, and truly for most of our dieting life, the evening munchies have been a nemesis for many of us. That feeling as the day winds down that a little something snacky would be oh-so-good right now. For me, denying the evening snack urge is unsuccessful. So I've had to re-define "snack" to things that support my health and weight loss goals. Here is a new way of looking at this nightly battle of mind over body:

What if the Evening Munchies was a blessed opportunity to one more time nurture your body with nutrients? Rather than it being a danger zone to traverse with the potential to undo all the good work you've done during the day, what if it was an opportunity to gift yourself the reward of healthy indulgence? Here are some options:
  • Cheese, cottage cheese, string cheese
  • Yogurt with chopped almonds and a drizzle of honey (promotes sleep)
  • Warm tea with milk or frozen protein drink or "shake"
  • Protein Oatmeal (Quaker Instant) with milk or yogurt & chopped almonds
  • The left-over chicken-fish-meat etc. you couldn't finish at dinner
  • Microwave Mug-Eggs (one of my favorites!)
  • Bran Muffin (good before bed to start the morning regular)
The Strategy:
First - acknowledge you enjoy a bite to eat in the evening.

Second - acknowledge your health and weight loss goals.

Third - define specific food morsels that allow you to enjoy an evening snack while promoting your health and weight loss goals.

I have learned that I seldom succeed when I "forbid" myself specific food or eating occasions (such as NO SNACKING AFTER 7pm, etc) I do much better when I acknowledge and solve the puzzle while keeping the big goals in mind.

The Complete Recipe Collection
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5 Day Pouch Test Complete Recipe Collection: Find your weight loss surgery tool in five focused days.
by Kaye Bailey

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5DPT Success Infographic
Was my 5DPT a success?


 

We lived by the Four Rules during the early weeks and months following weight loss surgery. Then we became a little more comfortable and let the rules slide a bit here and there as we tried to "get back to normal." But the fact is, our weight loss surgery will never allow us to be "normal" again. By embracing the Four Rules -- not just during weight loss, but for life -- we can maximize our weight management with the surgical pouch.


It is remarkable how many people report a renewed sense of empowerment when they return to the Four Rules because again they feel the power of the pouch and often weight loss results or weight regain is halted.

 

  Protein First
  Lots of Water
  No Snacking
  Daily Exercise

Learn More:

 


Welcome to the Special Edition Spring 5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin. Each season we enjoy gathering your hot topic questions about the 5 Day Pouch Test and answering them here in an exclusive email dedicated to the topics important to people like you that are focused on maximizing your health and weight management benefits with WLS and the 5DPT. I appreciate the valuable time you've given this publication and will do my best to make it time well spent. So let's get started with this seasons hot topic FAQ and Answers!  (Don't forget you can always access our growing library of FAQ's and Answers at www.5daypouchtest.com - click the FAQ link).

Question: Why is it called a test? 
 
Answer: The genesis of the 5 Day Pouch Test came in 2007 when I wondered to myself, and then to my bariatric center, "Does my pouch still work?" From an academic standpoint a test is a method of posing a question that requires an answer founded upon knowledge, facts, belief, and experience. As I pondered the question of my pouch my surgeon advised "get back to basics." But that was as vague and non-specific as saying "just do your best." I needed a method to answer the question that was based on knowledge, facts, belief, and experience. So, with much trial and error, and with the help of many WLS collaborators, we found a means to get back to basics and answer the core question: "Does my pouch still work." And so it became the 5 Day Pouch Test: A question posed and an effective method devised to answer the question that employed knowledge, facts, belief, and experience.

The use of the word "Test" has been criticized by some who say it implies a medical diagnostic test. I do appreciate that it is an easy conclusion to make if one does not read the simple guidelines of the plan, rather electing to make a judgment without being in possession of the facts. Another criticism is that a test implies an absolute grading system, a pass or fail grade, if you will. This is also not the intention of the 5 Day Pouch Test, there is no grading system. In following the 5 Day Pouch Test we find opportunities to adjust and improve and redirect our efforts toward the weight management goals that brought us to the operating table in the first place. As I say so often, no one has ever done the 5 Day Pouch Test perfectly. But those who have followed it with intent and purpose are rewarded with confidence in their tool, confidence in their ability to use the tool, and most importantly gain an answer to the question "Does my pouch still work?"

Essentially the 5 Day Pouch Test is a method of answering the question we all ask --Does my pouch still work?-- using a method based on knowledge, facts, belief, and experience.

Question: What if I learn my pouch doesn't seem to work as well as it once did?

Answer: Quoted with permission from the 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual (2nd Edition 2012) page 91: "If you have given the 5DPT your best effort and you still feel like your pouch is not working in the way it was intended to work please see your bariatric surgeon. Several diagnostic tests are available to determine the state of your pouch. In some cases, a surgical revision may be necessary due to a pouch failure. Notice it is a pouch failure, not a personal failure when a revision is necessary. Revisions for gastric surgery are common and sadly some needing revisions are made to feel like moral failures when this is not at all the case. A revision is a medical procedure to correct a medical condition. Seek the care of a qualified bariatric team and do what is necessary to protect your health. Please review from Chapter 1, What you can do if weight regain happens."

Remember to use the free download 5 Day Pouch Test Journal (1 page per day worksheet) to maximize your learning during the test. Get the download here: 5DPT Journal

Sincerely,
Kaye Bailey

"I believe in you.
You deserve to be healthy.
 You deserve to be kind to yourself.
You deserve to achieve your greatest level of success with weight loss surgery when you harness your inner resources."
Kaye Bailey ~ 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual

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Please take a moment to visit our recently refurbished 5 Day Pouch Test Website - it has a clean look and information is easy to find. And Facebook fans, check out the Official LivingAfterWLS 5DPT Group - the only 5DPT group with permissions and authority to use this copyrighted program. Any other group you find is an imposter illegally using the 5DPT; please do not patronize these content pirates.

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Understanding the 5DPT Liquids

Question: How are soups liquids? Do I need to puree the soups? What ready-made soups can I use?

Answer: First let's remember that "liquids" on the 5DPT are defined differently from the "clear liquids" that were prescribed as part of the recovery diet immediately after surgery. Days 1 & 2 liquids are defined: "Liquids are defined to include clear broth and creamy soups, protein fortified beverages, an
Tomato Basil Soup
d hearty soups made of vegetables, legumes, and some animal protein and dairy."

In more detail from page 43 of the 5DPT Owner’s Manual, "Many people find that including both protein fortified meal replacement shakes and the hearty soups in their diet on Days 1 and 2 improves their overall experience with the 5DPT. The purpose of all liquids is to disrupt snacking, grazing, or processed carbohydrate eating habits. In addition, the liquids will work to soothe and cleanse your system and prepare you for the following three days. Days 1 and 2 are all about pampering your pouch and healing your pouch from inflammation caused by poor dietary habits."

Several soup recipes are provided on the 5DPT Website Recipes including the surprise favorite, Low-Carb Pumpkin Sausage Soup. Prepare the soup recipes as directed and only puree soups if directed to do so by the recipes. Chewy chunks of meat protein, vegetable and legume carbohydrates, are acceptable and effectively satisfy the craving to chew or eat that many people experience during a dietary transition such as the return to the high protein WLS diet.

Likewise, the 5DPT homemade soups tend to be high in fat to promote feelings of satiation and comfort. As we progress through the 5DPT we reduce our dietary fat intake replacing it with lean protein. This transition is gradual to respect the biological processes that take place when a major change in diet is in progress. After the 5DPT the soups can be made using lower fat or reduced fat products so that we may continue to enjoy them as part of our WLS high protein diet.

$8.95 Paperback
All the 5DPT approved recipes in one place: 5DPT Complete Recipe Collection. Available in eBook on Kindle, Apple iStore, Nook, and other fine eBook retailers. Or get the 100 page paperback from the LivingAfterWLS Bookstore just $9.95. (Tip - use Coupon Code SPRING2016 to save $2 on any order!)




Commercial Ready-to-Eat Soup: "Campbell's Healthy Request® Cream of Mushroom Soup is a good commercial soup that works well on the 5DPT. A 1-cup serving of soup prepared with 2% milk provides 130 calories, 6 grams protein, 5 grams fat (1 gram saturated), 10 grams carbohydrate, and 410mg sodium. For on-the-go meals try Campbell's Soup at Hand® 25% Less Sodium Classic Tomato Soup. Heated quickly in the microwave and served in the same container this convenient soup provides 140 calories, 3g protein, 0g fat, 33g carbohydrate and 480mg sodium. Use these examples to find ready-to-eat creamy soups you will enjoy including in your 5DPT and beyond." 5DPT Owner's Manual page 46.
 
5 Day Pouch Test FAQ's
5DPT FAQ's
Visit the official 5 Day Pouch Test website to read the questions most frequently asked and answered.
5DPT FAQs 
Time Restrictions for Liquids
Popularly Known As "Liquid Restrictions"

Question: Why are the time restrictions (also called liquid restrictions) before and after meals necessary?

"The liquid restrictions should be followed when eating all meals and snacks, including protein shakes, protein bars, hearty soups, and solid protein main dishes. Learn more in Chapter 9 about managing Rule 2 - Lots of Water - while observing the liquid restrictions."
Answer:  Most bariatriIce Waterc centers have before and after meal time restrictions in which there should be no liquids consumed. The most universal recommendation is no liquids 30 minutes before the meal; no liquids with the meal; no liquids 30 minutes following the meal.  It is explained this is to make room in the pouch for a full meal and avoid washing the food from the pouch after a meal before it is digested. This is a valid reason to follow the liquid restrictions. For me a more compelling reason to follow the liquid restrictions is the fact that doing so aids digestion and promotes improved nutrient absorption.

You may notice that after cessation of beverages 30 minutes before a meal your small stomach --and to some extent the disengaged portion of the stomach-- is active and grumbling. The muscular ribs of the pouch are contracting and releasing digestive enzymes in anticipation of nutrients. It is like the hum from an orchestra pit before the symphony begins when the musicians are tuning their instruments. The stomach is literally tuning-up to do its job. Give it this time and you will enjoy improved digestion and lasting satiation following each meal. It makes sense to give your body the best opportunity to digest the food that you have carefully selected to support your weight loss goals. The 30-minute pause before a meal sets the stage: the 30-minute pause after the meal brings to conclusion a well-performed gastric symphony.

Refresher Reading: Scared straight about life after WLS
Inventory Clearance:
5DPT Manual: All New 2nd Edition
Just $14.95
Save $10
5DPT Owner's Manual
We are making room for the third printing of the highly rated 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual (Copyright 2012) that will feature a fresh new cover. The previous cover, shown here, is being retired. Take advantage of our inventory clearance and save $10 off the publisher price of $24.95.
 
Clearance Price: $14.95
Limited inventory - Order Today!
 
PS: Use Coupon Code SPRING2016 and save even more - $2 off any order!
 QUICK QUESTIONS:
Cheat Day, Weight Loss, Breakfast Boredom, Coffee & Caffeine

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Question: Can I do the 5DPT every Monday-Friday and then take weekends off?
Answer: I hope you won't do this. It takes us back to our pre-surgery diet habits and serves no positive purpose. With surgery it is impossible to put-away the tool for the weekend, so why would we put away our good habits for the weekend? Use the 5 Day Pouch Test as it is designed and move forward with an eye on the long-term goal of better health and weight management making the most of your tool, each day, and every day.

Question: I'm on Day 4 and only lost 2 pounds. What am I doing wrong?
  
Answer: First, please keep in mind the 5 Day Pouch Test is not a cleanse diet or fad diet to hastily lose weight. It is a controlled method of changing dietary habits in an effort to return to the program prescribed at the time of our weight loss surgery. People do lose weight on the plan because of the dietary changes the plan empowers. This weight loss is considered a sweet bonus, not the primary objective. Please use the plan as a means to lasting weight loss and weight management, not just a quick trick to lose weight. And by the way, losing two pounds in four days is nothing to feel sad about! Congratulation! You can do this!

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Question: What can I have for breakfast on Days 4 and 5?
Answer:  Traditional breakfast usually means whole grains, dairy and fruit or juice. The focus on a high protein breakfast presents a challenge to our traditional practices. The 5DPT is a good time to look outside of the cereal box for high protein choices. Protein first thing in the morning is a great way to raise our metabolic thermostat because it takes a lot of energy to metabolize protein. More importantly, a breakfast of 70% protein or more will stabilize our blood sugar and prevent hunger cravings. Here are some ideas:

Eggs, leftover tuna patties from Day 3, measured portions of cottage cheese or yogurt, peel-and-eat shrimp, ground beef, chicken, or turkey patties grilled or broiled, each provide ample protein to start the day. And of course, in a pinch, we can always count on protein drinks or meal replacement bars for the first meal of the day. Try this recipe, Spring Eggs, from the LivingAfterWLS Blog for a delicious light and fresh breakfast on Day 3 and beyond.

5DPT Website: Day 3 Recipes

Question: Why do I need to reduce my coffee or caffeine intake?
Answer: Studies and opinions regarding caffeine change frequently in the study of health and nutrition. It has long been believed that caffeine is Coffee Protein Smoothie
a diuretic or a substance that causes the body to lose fluid and disrupts the body's water balance, which is vital to our digestive, circulatory, and metabolic systems. This can slow weight loss, lead to thirst, fatigue, and weakness. Some believe there is no nutritional value to caffeine and it can be addictive. Those wishing to eliminate or reduce their caffeine intake should do so gradually. Going cold turkey may cause headaches, irritability, nausea, and other symptoms. Doctors say that if you want to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume, slow down gradually to avoid these withdrawal symptoms. Please stay current with your reading regarding caffeine and nutrition and always seek the advice of your health care professional regarding your individual nutritional needs.

Question: Does that mean drinking coffee will defeat the 5DPT?
Answer: Coffee will not defeat the 5 Day Pouch Test. But if you are interested in reducing your coffee and/or caffeine intake now is a good time to gradually cut back.
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Sincerely,
Kaye Bailey
LivingAfterWLS, LLC

The health content in the LivingAfterWLS website is intended to inform, not prescribe, and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified health-care professional.

 

LivingAfterWLS, LLC
Kaye Bailey, Founder
Evanston,Wyoming - USA