MERRY CHRISTMAS: 32mos. Post Op

What a wonderful LIFE!

I certainly am thrilled about my weight loss...and maintenance.

Last night I watch one of my most favorite reality shows -- THE BIGGEST LOSER -- I absolutely LOVE that show! I did the math to percentage of weight I have lost in my 161 lbs. I've lost -- 48.2%! I was amazed...wow.

I feel proud...emotional...connected to those people on such a deep level. I don't think their success is MORE SUCCESSFUL...or that my journey is easier...or that I've taken the "easy way out". It's just DIFFERENT.

I like to look at the similarities...we started in the same place...

• Morbidly Obese


• In denial about how we were feeling...


• Depressed


• Hurting - physically & mentally


• STUCK!

And then we ended in the same place...

• Healthy weight


• Educated about food


• Educated about exercise


• Hopefully more sane


• LESS PAIN


• Thrilled with a new lease on LIFE!!!

The only difference is....we took a different pathway! I know, for me, that I could've lost weight that way too! I am a strong, capable woman! Not to mention in my late 20's I lost 120's with Weight watchers and Jazzercise! My problem was during that process....I was SOOOO focused on my weight loss...that I didn't properly HEAL my inner self!

Unfortunately, I gained every pound back + about 35 additional pounds! Now....I have a completely different lease on LIFE.

DONT BE MISTAKEN-- I'm NOT completely OVER my my eating issues...I'll need to blog on those thoughts later -- PROMISE I WILL!!

For now, my encouragement to you is.... just enjoy life....be encouraged....and make a choice -- and BELIEVE!!

Believe in yourself...that no matter your pathway you choose YOU CAN DO THIS!!! -----------------------------------------------------

LIFE IS GREAT!!!

MY LOVE....

Most thankful that My sweet daughter Isabella will have a Mom that can be active with her...live LIFE...and not hold her back - or pass on unhealthy behaviors!

JOURNAL: "5 Day Pouch Test"

Do you find yourself asking these questions:

• Does my pouch still work?


• Have I broken my pouch?


• Have I ruined my tool?

On the different support boards...and in WLS News & Blogs these tend to be the most common questions many weight loss surgery PostOps find themselves asking during their journey. I would agree with the consensus that it feels like we can eat more food especially when we see that we are eating more food. Sometimes I ask these questions when I see a bit of weight regain.


The following is a 5-day plan that I found on one of the boards and is commonly used to determine the pouch is working and help it return to that tight newbie feeling. The BONUS is it also gets us back to basics of WLS and helps us follow our POUCH RULES - hopefully triggering weight loss. (I'll let you know about this...)


It seems to not be difficult to follow & if high glycemic benge or on a cycle of carbohydrate cravings - this plan promises to break the pattern. Sounds pretty good, right? Here are some things to keep in mind as you try the 5-Day Pouch Test/Plan:

• The 5 Day Pouch Test should never leave you feeling hungry.


• You can eat as much of the prescribed menu as you want during the day to satiate hungry and prevent snacking on slider foods and/or white carbs.


• You must drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day.


• A reduction of caffeinated beverages is suggested, but do not stop caffeine cold turkey.


• Weight loss is not the intent of the 5 Day Pouch Test, however, many who have tried this plan report a significant drop in weight.


• More importantly they celebrate a renewed sense of control over their pouch and eating habits and easily transition back to a healthy post-surgical weight loss way of eating.


• Below you will find a brief list of the menu for each day.


• Please click the "Read more" links for further detail and hints and tips that will enable your success with the 5 Day Pouch Test.

Days One & Two: Liquid Protein low-carb protein shakes, broth, clear or cream soups, sugar-free gelatin and pudding..


Day 3: Soft Protein canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy.


Day 4: Firm Protein ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut.


Day 5: Solid Protein white meat poultry, beef steak, pork, lamb, wild game.


I'm beginning this tomorrow...so let me know if you try this...I'll give you my results when I'm finished! Good luck!