Are you gaining weight after your bariatric surgery? Or, is your weight stagnant? This is a common problem with many bariatric patients. It happens! Sometimes the proper nutrition plan is not followed, but other times, it just isn’t working. In fact, many people will hit this plateau and get discouraged without being able to bounce back from it. When this happens, many will seek out a pouch reset diet. Below, you will learn what a pouch reset is if it actually works, and how to do it.
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Pouch Reset: What is it?
If you have had gastric bypass surgery, you know that your stomach is cut away leaving you with just a pouch that your food goes into. The pouch is small which means you feel full much faster. As time goes on, however, this pouch can stretch and increase in size. When this happens, it may mean you have to eat more at a time to feel full. When you eat more at a time or more calories than you should, you will inevitably gain weight.
Usually, around the 6-month point following your surgery, the pouch has settled on a size. This is typically around 1.5 ounces for a bypass and 5-6 ounces for a sleeve. After this point, there is no permanent pouch stretching. So, the pouch reset diet does NOT change the size of your pouch.
A pouch reset is a short-term, high protein diet that is low volume. It works to recalibrate your hunger point. The goal is to recalibrate the feeling you get when you eat a certain amount of food. When you restrict the volume of food, as you do with the pouch reset diet, you can lower the point at which you feel full.
The proper pouch reset diet will provide you with low calories and low volume while providing your body with adequate amounts of protein to keep you feeling full and maintain your muscles.
Related: Can a Gastric Bypass Fail? I am Scared Mine Will
How Does the 5-day Pouch Reset Work?
When you hit that plateau or begin gaining weight, you can use the 5-day reset diet to get you back on track. The 5-day pouch reset diet is basically a condensed version of your post-op diet. The difference between post-op and this diet is that it is done in only a 5-day period. Through this reset, bariatric patients are able to get back on track and begin losing weight again. After you complete the 5-day cycle, you can continue the diet or you can switch back to the diet that worked best for you.
The goal of this 5-day journey is to get you back to eating smaller amounts of food which will ultimately help you lose weight again. Here is how you should do your 5-day diet.
Related: High Protein Foods for Gastric Bypass Patients
Clear Liquids on Day 1
Day one should consist of only clear liquids. If you are unsure of what that consists of, here are some options:
- Water
- Broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
- Tea
- Sugar-FREE drinks such as Crystal Light, Vitamin Zero Water, Gatorade Zero, Mio, or Propel.
Thick Liquids on Day 2
On day two, your diet should consist of thick liquids. Here are some options you can choose from for thick liquids:
- Protein Shakes
- Soup
- Water and sugar-free beverages
Soft Solids on Day 3
After the first two days, you can begin to eat soft solid foods. Eat these foods in addition to your protein shakes and fluids. Foods that fall under this category include:
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt
- Beans
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Jello
Related: Soft Food Diet Ideas and Tips
Firm Solids on Day 4
On day 4, you can add in some firm solid foods. You want to have 2 servings of protein and two servings of fat. Eat this in addition to your protein shakes and fluids. Here are some options:
Protein
- Chicken
- Fish
- Tofu
- Eggs
Fats
- Avocado
- Almonds
- Peanut butter, butter, oil
Whole Solids on Day 5
By day 5, you can start eating whole solids. You want to continue your protein shakes and fluids. You should also eat 2 servings of protein, two servings of fat, and some other healthy options such as:
- Beans
- Berries
- Quinoa
- Sweet potato
- Vegetables
Keep in mind that each serving should be four ounces or less. If you choose to eat eggs, you should only have two at a time. You will want to drink at least 64 fluid ounces of water or sugar-free drinks per day.
Who is the Pouch Reset Diet for?
If you are considering a pouch reset diet, you need to make sure this is the right step for you. The 5-day pouch reset diet may be for you if:
- You have hit a plateau in your weight loss goals
- You have begun to gain weight
- Your portion sizes are exceeding 6 ounces at a time
- You stopped tracking your intake
- You want to take control of your weight loss diet
How to Prevent Pouch/Sleeve Stretching
Although it is rare for your pouch or sleeve to stretch, there are ways of preventing it from stretching. Following your post-op diet and staying in touch with your nutritionist or dietician is the most important. However, here are some tips to prevent your pouch or sleeve from stretching:
- Do not overeat
- Try to stay away from carbonated drinks
- Always chew your food thoroughly
- Follow your diet
Related: Foods to Avoid After Gastric Bypass
5 Day Pouch Reset Recipes
While following the 5-day reset diet above, you may want to add some flavor to your diet. Here are some great bariatric recipes that are high in protein, low in calories, and low in volume for you to try.
- Jello with Fruit: This is a great option for Days 3-5. It is high protein and low calorie.
- Poached Eggs: In this recipe, you will learn to make a perfect poached egg full of flavor and protein.
- Roasted Pumpkin Soup: Have a little more than just plain old chicken noodle soup. This recipe makes you feel full and satisfied.
- Crock Pot Vegetable Casserole: This is a great dish for day 5. It is both nutritious and delicious.
Even if you aren’t having weight gain or a plateau, pin this post so you can find it later!
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