Question:
Weight Gain

I had RNY in June 08 since then I've lost almost 100 lbs. I have 5 lbs. before I reach my goal. However, this past week I gained 3-4 lbs and it seems like I want to eat all the time. Could my pouch be stretching and this is why the hungry feeling and wanting to eat all the time? How can I get back on track?    — * S. (posted on April 22, 2009)

April 22, 2009
I've seen this type of question before, and the answers seem to come back suggesting to do the 5 day pouch test, update proteins, cut down carbs to get it all back in order....
   — Libby R.

April 23, 2009
Try this...I did after a ten lb gain at year 4 and wow! Got me right back on track! http://www.5daypouchtest.com/ When we allow too many simple carbs back into our diet, our hunger pangs can become uncontrollable! I know mine were...I had to do something! After the 2nd day of this 5 day diet, my pouch was calm like it had not been in a very long time! That was due to "de-carbing"...That carb monster is truly a beast....Once the test was over, I added back my veggies and fruits but cut out 80-90 of simple carbs completely....I was even able to go on and lose 10 pounds that I had gained from sugar and simple carbs and just plain, bad choices...it's a great start and brings you right back to basics, eating like you did as a new post op...You go from liquids to soft to dense proteins over 5 days and at the end, you can feel your pouch again and the tightness! It was such a relief to know my pouch was not stretched at all, but that I had been eating slider foods/carby slush foods that go down so easy and drinking with my meals...All of that stopped! I was able to get back on track! Good luck! The guidelines are all at the site I provided you! Try it...It's only 5 days to being back on track! Also a probiotic helps to get your intestinal flora balanced again as well...Bad bacteria LOVES sugar and simple carbs, leaving you bloated gassy and hungry...That helped me as well! (You can do that with yogurt on the liquid and soft protein days if you want) I use probiotcs regularly when things feel off...Especially because I am lactose intolerant as well so it helps a lot and keeps things calm inside! I can't tell the difference between gas and hunger sometimes..so this helps sooooo much!
   — .Anita R.