Expert: Jacqueline Jacques, ND - 2/28/2010

Question
I read about a five day diet that goes through each stage of the post op diet for gastric bypass. The intent of it is to determine if one has broken their pouch. I had gastric bypass seven months ago and Im worried I undid my surgey. Any advice?

Answer
Hi Ginger,

You do not say what your symptoms are, but you really cannot "undo" your surgery.  Things can go wrong: you can get ulcers or have stretching of the pouch.  You can also just hit a plateau and stat having your weight loss slow or even stop.

Most versions of the "5 Day Pouch Test" basically are designed to help you get a sense of whether your pouch has stretched.  Most likely at this early stage, yours has not - but is is not harmful to do.  Here is one version of a U-Tube video with directions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0KitGTBeng

If you are encountering problems with your weight loss, the very best thing for you to do is to get an appointment now with your doctor.  Next to your self, your surgeon is the person who most wants you to be successful.  So if there is a real anatomical reason, they can test for that. If it is another cause, chances are they have seen it before and have good ideas for you.  Don't go at this alone.  At the very least, get in to your support group and talk to other patients from your program.

In Health,

Dr. Jacques