No Vegetables on the 5DPT? Why?

One of the most frequently asked questions from those doing the 5 Day Pouch Test is, "Why can't I have vegetables on the 5DPT?" This is understandable. Vegetables are a good source of vitamins, nutrients, flavor and fiber. They play an important role in our healthy diet.

Visit this conversation in the Neighborhood: 5 Day Pouch Test and Vegetables

The 5 Day Pouch Test plan is intended to be used by those who feel they have lost control of their eating after surgical weight loss. They may be eating slider foods, disregarding liquid restrictions or perhaps lost focus on eating Protein First. The plan takes us through the post-op dietary phases for several reasons: remind us of the rules, and reset our tummy to feel the way the surgery was intended to feel. So we start with liquids for two days. This brings relief to your pouch and reduces the inflammation that inappropriate eating may have caused. On Day 3 we introduce soft protein: eggs, canned fish or chicken, or grilled soft fish. By Day 4 we are enjoying medium protein and that includes ground meat (beef, turkey, lamb) cooked dry and lightly seasoned, shellfish, scallops, lobster steamed and seasoned only with lemon, salmon or halibut steaks, grilled and lightly seasoned. Day 5 advances us to firm protein and we get to enjoy white meat poultry cooked dry and lightly seasoned, beef steak (if tolerated) grilled or broiled.

In just 5 days you have retraced your six-week post-surgical diet. And most people report that by Day 5 they can feel an improved difference in the tightness of their pouch.

Vegetables are to be used only as ingredients in meal preparation, such as salsa on grilled fish. By restricting vegetables and fruit (complex carbohydrates) during the 5 days your body is forced to go into high metabolic burn to digest the protein. This should result in weight loss. In addition, restricting complex carbohydrates and eliminating processed carbohydrates helps regulate your blood sugar preventing cravings and energy swings. In other words, it is a means to breaking the carb-monster cycle.

Vegetables and low-glycemic fruit should be gradually  introduced back to the diet on Day 6. The focus must always remain on Protein First. That is how we can lose weight after a surgical gastric procedure and that is how we can maintain a healthy weight.

For great "Day 6" recipes visit the Kitchen at our parent website, LivingAfterWLS