MistyD65

Well, the thing is, the 5DPT isn't really for "new bandsters". It is for people who have already advanced beyond the post-op diet progression back to solid foods as set forth by their doctors. It is short-term kick in the pants to help regain control and set you back on the path. Maybe the nay-sayers are under the mistaken notion that the 5DPT is supposed to "shrink" your pouch. While the website says that the test can help you "return to that tight newbie feeling," I can't find anywhere in the site that claims it actually shrinks the pouch. What it DOES say, over and over again, is that the Test is a way to get back to compliant eating and to become more aware of your pouch again. And who could possibly have a beef about that??? Some quotes from the 5DPT site: "(Patients) report their pouch does not feel the same tightness as it did early post-op when the pouch was new and they were compliant with the prescribed way of eating. When patients do the 5 Day Pouch Test they are most often surprised to feel the pouch again simply by returning to the way of eating that worked in the first place after surgery." (from the FAQS) "If a person is feeling out of control with their eating, feeling like they have failed at weight loss surgery and gaining weight then drastic action is necessary. This plan allows that individual to take control in 5 days and exchange destructive eating behavior for appropriate eating behavior that results in feeling good and weight loss. In addition, those who started the plan feeling hopeless and desperate come away with new confidence in their ability to work their surgical weight loss tool." (from the FAQS) I'm sorry you got jumped on over at OH. It's an awful feeling to have your excitement over finding something helpful and wanting to share it with others stomped on. But if it reaches even one struggling person who decides to give it a try, it was worth it!

You should check out the Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test that many of the contributors to this thread are doing. It's a short plan to help you get back on track and heading in the right direction.

I too had a 3-week liquids-only stage. You just have to make up your mind that this is what it takes to be successful with your new tool. It's not easy, but it is certainly worth it. When I started feeling really light-headed and woozy after one week, I sat down and figured out how many calories I was actually getting in a day, and was shocked to see it was only 300. What worked for me was to add a higher-calorie Protein drink to the ones I was already using. That got my calories up to about 500 a day. Just that little bit made a difference in how I was feeling, and was within the parameters set by my doctor. And I wholeheartedly agree with RM; follow YOUR doctor's instructions.

Here's the link: Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test

I also have UCH and was approved very quickly too, within about 2 weeks of my first appointment with my doctor. I was pleasantly surprised!

Thanks everyone! I'm still giddy over it!

I had my fill appointment today, which also happened to be 5 months and a day since my surgery, and I exceeded my goal of 50 pounds lost! Dr. Bonnor was very proud of me.:wink_smile: I did not get a fill. I had decided before I went in that I didn't need or want one, and he agreed. I'm sure there is going to come a time down the line where I'm going to want a little more help from my band, but I'm doing fine now.

Bridgette, I don't think days 3-5 are cumulative, so you would only eat what is listed for those days, plus your water. I'd like to see what everyone else thinks, though.

For me, popcorn is one of those things that I'd rather smell than eat. Don't get me wrong, I like it, and still have a handful every now and then, but the eating of it doesn't measure up to the aroma and the thought of it. And my doctor doesn't have any restrictions against it.

Thank you! A lot, I started the test on Saturday, so I'm through with the two days of liquids. I'm actually NPO so far today though, because I have a fill appointment in a couple of hours. I don't think I want a fill, though - don't really think I need one right now.

That was GREAT! My favorite line: "Maybe if more people had a duck in their life, maybe we wouldn't be all so mad at each other." Thanks for posting this!

Wow Brandy!! Those are gorgeous! You are definitely my "see, it CAN be done" go-to girl. Thank you for sharing these with us.

Woo hoo! I had a victory today! I decided to use the balance scales at Curves this morning before my workout...and I had to put the big slider on 200 rather than 250!!! I haven't been able to do that since 1993! *does happy dance* :wink_smile:

Here it is, from page 3. And it is yummy! I only use 1 tbsp of the pudding mix - 2 made it too thick for my taste. Thanks again Lulu!

Las Who? lol Yeah, I was glad when the Chuy's in Cypress opened, and even more glad that I DON'T live in Cypress - it would be much too tempting. My pick has always been the Ground Sirloin Burrito. I can eat about half of it, if I haven't enjoyed too many chips with creamy jalepeno sauce (that stuff is heavenly!) I don't eat the rice since being banded. Last time MissKitty and I went we shared the Panchos with ground beef. It was just enough.

Well, we've never really had a "group" meeting. Ike messed us up with the first one we planned and we just never got around to setting up another one. I have gotten together on different occasions with different people, but I'd love to drum up interest again for a group meet-up. Depending on who else responds for this one, we could plan to meet somewhere on 290 between 6 and Fry Rd. Misskitty and I like Chuy's, but we could also do the Starbucks at 290 and Spring Cypress (the one in front of the Best Buy, near the Target shopping center.) And 11 am is fine with me!

Amy, you DO rock!! You have done great, notwithstanding the perils that come with the holiday season. My advice to you, before you try to make a decision on your upcoming fill, is to first visit this thread http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f178/starting-holiday-detox-early-anyone-wanna-join-me-84070/ . You will see that you are far from alone. Then, go to the Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test site and follow the diet plan there. It has helped many people get back on track. You can do it!

Wow, look how much you have lost! You are doing great! Julie Ann, given the description of your eating habits and how you feel, coupled with the 8 hours you have to go for a fill (or possible unfill), if it was me I would choose to put off a fill. I also have only had one fill (0.6 cc in a 4 cc band), but I am losing steadily and hunger is not a huge issue. I can eat just about anything I want, at any time of the day, I've never PBed, and have only gotten "stuck" a couple of times, due to forgetting to chew carefully (and those episodes were very mild and short). If I eat more than a cup of good food I end up feeling it around my band - an uncomfortable feeling like having a stitch in your side from running. Sometimes I DO eat too much, sometimes I DO eat the wrong things, and the head hunger is MUCH harder to resist than the physical hunger. I gained and lost the same couple of pounds during the holiday season, but now that things are back to normal the weight is moving downward. I've got an appointment for a fill today, but I don't think I want one. The only thing I would like more help on is staying full longer, but that isn't really affecting me too much. I guess I rambled on to get to this point - you can be successful with just one fill. Weigh all the factors, including the possibility of being too tight and having to make that trip again, even (God forbid) in an emergency situation. Perhaps you can talk with your doctor by phone and see what he thinks. Best wishes on whatever your decision is!

I want to adjust my goal to 12 pounds. That'll put my ending weight at 237.4.

Count me in for the 10th. I won't be travelling til later in the month!

I haven't decided if I'm going to do the whole 5DPT yet, but I did do Day 1 yesterday, and today I'm down 2.4 pounds from Friday's weight. I have an appointment with my surgeon on Monday, and my goal is to show a 50 pound loss on HIS scale. I'm at 57 on my scale (and naked), so I think I may make it. I'm going to wear very lightweight clothing tomorrow. I don't think I want a fill, either - I don't think I need one. Oh, and I've lost everything I put on over the holidays so - YEEEHHAAA!!

A lot, the 5 Day website says "you can have as many low-carb protein shakes as you like to satisfy hunger or cravings." I don't think Days 1 and 2 are really concerned with set meals, so drink those shakes when you feel you need them. I haven't gotten to the other days yet, so I'll leave that for those who have.

I'm in! I'm going to be conservative and set 10 pounds as my goal, with the option to adjust it higher as the weeks pass!:biggrin: Start: 249.4 Finish: 239.4

I struggle with that too, Michelle. I'm doing better now, but I can remember getting almost angry when thinking about a meal because I wanted more than the portion I was allowing myself...wanted more even before I doled it out and started eating. How crazy is that? It really shocked me when I realized that I felt that way. It is such a big change, going from eating all I want to eating all I need. When I find myself finished when my portion but still wanting more, I ask myself if I'm still hungry. And usually I am not. I just want more. THAT is the demon that is hardest to defeat, I think. Head hunger. So, to all of you who are struggling, you are not alone! Keep coming here for advice, support, a kick in the pants when you need it, and the fellowship of others who understand.

I have United Health Care though a third party administrator, UMR (formerly Midwest Security Administrators). I was pleasantly surprised when I was almost immediately approved for surgery after meeting with my surgeon for the first time. In late 2007 I had looked into lap band with another surgeon. I had UHC then also, but through a different administrator. I was told at that time that my insurance required the 6-month doctor supervised diet and a psych consult, so I put thoughts of surgery on the back burner. Maybe my husband's company made some changes in what they wanted their insurance to cover. But whatever the reason for the change, I was very grateful. I also have to give all the credit to my surgeon's office for getting me approved. They did all the dealings with the insurance company.