“Rona” quarantine, stomach reset…

If you have already eaten all of your quarantine snacks, or you see that they won’t last another few days… then this is for you. During this “Rona” quarantine let’s not forget to eat right. Make sure you are taking care of yourself period! I understand that food is scarce and it’s easy (as always) but especially now to have something delivered or to just pick something up quick to eat. I myself get tired of cooking and it’s very hard to not snack just sitting at home all freakin’ day. In saying all of that, I know that I still have to try my hardest to eat right. Not only to eat right but to still exercise without a home gym. (That will be another blog) With this, you don’t have to wait until we are finally set free. But let’s be realistic…the longer we are stuck in the crib the last thing on most of our minds is eating right. Hell…we’re really trying to survive because it got too real, real quick! So I am going to share the easiest and best stomach reset that is truly effective. This isn’t only for those of us that have had bariatric surgery; this is for everyone. I know many will need this…I am pretty sure of it. It’s not as extensive as other ones I have mentioned. This one will only last a few days.

The following was taken from the website Obesity Coverage:

What is a Pouch Reset?

The stomach is an amazing organ. It stretches to accommodate large amounts of food and then shrinks back to it’s normal size as the food is pushed into the digestive track. Even after bariatric surgery, the stomach continues to stretch and then contract. Folds of tissue within your stomach, called rugae, expand and contract in response to food (Rugae – Wikipedia).

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.’

One theory is that when you overeat, the rugae in your stomach stretches, and with a constant flow of food it never returns to its normal size. This causes your stomach to accommodate larger and larger amounts of food before you feel that sense of ‘fullness.’

A pouch reset is a tool to get your stomach back to its normal size. This is done by severely reducing your food intake.

How Does it Work?

The pouch reset mimics your immediate post-surgery diet. A normal post gastric bypass diet typically has four to five stages and lasts 8 to 10 weeks. The pouch reset uses similar guidelines but lasts only 8 to 10 days. Remember, you are severely restricting your food intake so it’s suggested that you do this with the help of your bariatric surgeon and/or dietitian.

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. The Baritastic app allows you to do this and gives you great tips and information specific to weight loss surgery.