Updated 3/17/2021
If you’re struggling with regain after weight loss surgery, this post is for you. At almost 3 years out from bariatric surgery, I’ve been able to maintain my weight loss until recently when a 10 pound regain doesn’t seem to want to leave me. My appetite feels out of control, in spite of my best efforts to plan my meals and reduce portions.
I’ve researched many sites for support and found a general consensus from nurses, doctors, and nutritionists: a Pouch Reset.
Today, we are inundated with food. And it’s easy to eat until our stomach’s physically cannot hold more food (the stretch). Historically, this was OK, since food was scarce as animals and plants were not available year round. But when we continue to eat until we can’t hold more food and do this day in and day out, our hunger and full signals get skewed. Soon, it’s only when our stomach reaches the ‘I can’t eat another bite’ stage, do we start to say, ‘I’m full.’
ObesityCoverage.com
It’s also normal for our stomachs to stretch after weight loss surgery, but we can do something about it.
If we fall back into the vicious cycle of looking for that feeling of fullness at every meal we can start a Pouch Reset- and no, I don’t mean a 5 day pouch reset like you see on Pinterest.
The Reset
Day 1
- Clear liquids only.
- Water
- Broth
- Jell-O (sugar free)
- Decaf tea
- Decaf coffee
- Sugar free Popsicles
- Sugar free drinks that are not carbonated.
Day 2 and 3
- Full liquids.
- Protein powder mixed with a sugar free non-carbonated clear liquid.
- Sugar free pudding.
- Soup with soft noodles.
- Non-fat yogurt
- Carnation instant breakfast. Sugar free option.
- Very thin creamed soups. No chunks.
- Sugar free sorbet.
- Very thin hot oatmeal. Check the sugar content.
- Diluted no-sugar added juice.
- Sugar free, nonfat ice cream.
- Thinned applesauce.
- Remember the goal is to not eat or drink anything that is going to stretch your stomach. So drink or eat these in very small amounts and limit your intake to very thin/liquid consistency foods.
Day 4 to 6
- Pureed foods.
- Almond milk or coconut milk makes a great protein shake.
- Hummus
- Cottage cheese (low fat)
- Soft cereals – Let your cereal sit in the non-fat milk until it’s soft.
- Soups – no chunks
- Scrambled eggs – these are a great source of protein.
- If you can puree the food, it’s acceptable as long as it’s healthy and easy to digest.
- It’s best to stay away from meat at this point.
- Again, you are trying to reduce the size of your stomach so no solid foods at this point.
Day 7 to 9
- Soft foods.
- Soft cereals – Let your cereal sit in the non-fat milk until it’s soft.
- Soft vegetables – steam or boil them until they are soft.
- Soft cheeses – limit these, they are typically high in fat.
- Ground chicken or beef. Add some beef or chicken stock to keep the meat soft.
- Soups
- Scrambled eggs – these are a great source of protein.
- Soft (steamed) fish. Remember to chew well.
- Canned tuna and salmon (you can add low fat mayo). Great source of protein.
- Mashed fruit. Bananas, avocados, and canned fruit (watch sugar content).
Day 10 and Beyond
- Healthy foods.
- Introduce these foods slowly and in healthy portions. The size of your fist should be the size of an entire meal.
- Typically, a post bariatric surgery diet will focus on protein and vegetables but always consult with your surgeon.
- Drink liquids at least 30 minutes prior to eating and 30 minutes after eating.
- Eat slowly. Allow at least 30 minutes per meal. Chew well.
- Fruits are typically OK in moderation. Stay away from sugar and nutrient lacking carbohydrates (pasta).
- Track what you eat on a daily basis.
This excellent pouch reset can be found at:
https://www.obesitycoverage.com/the-pouch-reset-losing-weight-after-weight-regain/
This pouch reset will take commitment. It will not be easy- I don’t expect it to be easy. I need it to be hard- as a reminder that I need to be more conscious of my eating habits.