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That's the thing, I do love beans, green, baked can suck it. Legumes have no place in keto or Paleo nor does dairy, plus my nutritionist says it's actually not as easy as people think to achieve ketosis. I don't do gluten, it aggravates my inflammation in my arthritis which I have in my jaw, so I don't bother with any kind of bread, cracker, or pasta product. Then I figured, why eat rice or white potatoes? I do eat sweet and very occasionally white potatoes. I just cut out a huge majority of carbs and almost all sugar and I don't feel cravings or deprived. It's still early so I can't fit many fruits or veggies, I do crave those. I suppose I could have those in between? My calories are pretty low, never above 800.

I split the difference and get half my protein from very lean meats and half from healthy low glycemic index carbs. Love me some beans and mushrooms and soy and nuts and whole grains. I keep the calories under 1200 and get the best from both worlds. And fruit. Glorious, delicious fruit...is my friend. Watermelon, I want you, I need you and I love you. Keto is fast, but for me, results don't last. Keto drives me right over the edge to a carb melt down that ends in a stupid binge. I need balance, and I'm glad I have a nutritionist who supports this. To those who do well on Keto...best wishes!

I was encouraged to have high protein and low carbs, which is what the keto diet is. I don't understand why it wouldn't be okay to start at this stage?

New favorite recipe... KETO SOUP Brown 1lb of hamburger with one diced green pepper and one diced onion. Drain fat. Add one can of Rotel, 1 box of beef broth, and 8 ounces of cream cheese. Heat until cream cheese melts. If you want to make this higher protein, just use 1 and 1/2 lbs of hamburger and add unflavored protein. Also, if the soup is too rich, just use low fat cream cheese rather than full fat cream cheese. I enjoyed less than half a cup for lunch and feel satisfied with no tummy upset!

I'm not a fan of keto...but I would cut carbs for two weeks before surgery to shrink the liver.

I'm nine weeks post op and my nutritionist said if I wanted to do keto now I could. It's exactly what we should be doing, high protein, low carb, good fats. I'm pondering it as I haven't done it before but I have researched it extensively before my surgery and up here " in the country " I have access to getting half a grass fed cow, raising my own chickens, I have my own organic garden, etc. Vermont everything is local, fresh and non gmo etc. BUT it's expensive, hence buying half a cow part. and I applaud and even admire anyone who has had WLS and is vegan, that seems like a lot of work and I am not bashing your choices. I never thought about it as my choice but seeing some of the protein sources they are not as high as traditional meat. Of course i am not a vegan and don't know. Both are lifestyles and choices. I Anyway, good luck with whatever way you want to do. With the no dairy I'm still on the fence, even though i do lactose free milk (fairlife) because its lactose free and has 5 more grams of protein per serving.

My surgical team uses a low carb/keto approach instead of the liquid diet. The had me at no more than 60 grams net carbs per day. They've found that the patients seem to be able to handle it better than the liquid diet, and it has the same effect on the liver. You just have to do it longer than a liquid diet. I'm surprised by how good I feel on it (once I was past the initial stages of getting used to it). However, I don't think it's all that sustainable as a permanent lifestyle, though I'm sure some will disagree with me on that.

There are a lot of Facebook groups out there dedicated to Keto after bariatric surgery. I've done Keto before as a regular avenue for weight loss and it does work, but like anything else it requires strict adherence. Due to it's focus on high fat, you can't "cheat" and add in a few carbs because that just makes it the standard american diet and likely the diet that put so many of us here in the first place. I haven't dug into how people do Keto after surgery, but with the need for protein to be so high it doesn't make sense to me that Keto would work. Bariatric focus is supposed to be High Protein, Low Carb and that is different than High Fat, Moderate Protein (Keto).

One reason I won't do keto...is that I will eventually lose my shite, and binge on keto. It's inevitable. (for me) If my body doesn't get enough carbs......I will eventually end up falling off a cliff. I can bide my time for a while, but it's a constant heinous struggle. I crave sugar, I feel tired, my brain doesn't feel sharp, I feel cranky and out of sorts. And I hate struggling. Sucks the joy out of life. For me....avoiding binges came down to changing my diet to lots of carbs....but the low glycemic whole grain and legume kind, and natural sugar in whole fruit. Mayo Clinic Diet is a perfect fit for me, and I love it. My nutritionist and doc approve. And I've never been happier with how I eat. I eat a ton of carbs....and I don't have any urge to binge. None. This past year...has been the first time in my life I've felt comfortably in control of my eating. I do eat naughty things once in a while, but my diet limits sugary treats/refined carbs to 75 calories worth per day. (If I know I want 250 calories worth of birthday cake at a party at the end of the week...I'll save my 75 calories per day and bank for the splurge) With this system, I don't have to deny myself anything. Eating healthy carbs daily...I don't crave sugar. It's much easier to pass junk up and make better choices. The last time I had a treat I'd banked for, it honestly kinda grossed me out and I wanted a big glass of water. To each, their own. Everyone's different. Wanted to share...cause I understand binges...and this finally worked for me.

Let the sleeve do it's work. You will burn fuel differently for quite a while. Keto will be a year or two out, much closer to goal weight.

Many people do follow keto long term and are happy. I'm not one of them. My preferred diet is a diet rich in fruits, veggies, legumes, seeds, nuts and whole grains with at least half of my protein coming from plant sources. Lot of different paths up the mountain. Know the benefits and risks of whatever plan you choose. Best wishes.

I’ve had a pretty supportive circle through the pre-op process. My family that knows has been supportive and happy for me, my friends who I told the same. Today, in a Keto group, I mentioned it and boy the whole negative onslaught came at me. “If you just stuck to Keto you’d lose and wouldn’t need WLS.” Yeah, been there done that. I was in Keto for 6 months and barely lost what some lose in a month. Some people swear they know everything. 🙄

High fat is keto. Keto is 60-75% fat, 15-30% protein and 10--15% carbs. Otherwise w/o the high fat it is just a low carb diet. You will have to figure out what works for you and especially what works long term. That's it. And that varies by so many factors - how long you have been obese, how resistant your body is, how much sustainable exercise you do, your age, time, and on and on. Staying on super strict plans may work for some people, or strict with occasional treats, or some with mainly protein, all vegetables, and one complex carb a day. This is the journey - figuring that out, so don't get bogged down by trying to decide all that ahead of time. Follow your surgeon's/NUT's plan and take it one step at a time.

I won't have surgery until July 2nd, but this is my plan after I'm healed. I followed a lot of people who have had weight loss surgery and they follow keto. It seems to help. Just maybe don't go crazy on the high fats it could make you sick.

Greetings! This is probably a very silly question, but would it be appropriate to practice a Keto diet once past the 2 or 3 month post surgery? My nut and advice from the surgery center recommend limiting carbs, and of course, getting at least 60 grams of protein each day. If that is the case, wouldn’t the Keto diet be the natural path forward? Any thoughts, opinions, research, etc. are appreciated!

Hi everyone. Thanks for replying. I don’t disagree with you all however my sweet tooth probably came across as a little exaggerated than I actually meant it to be. Yes I have a major sweet tooth however I don’t hog into a block of chocolate topped with sprinkles and donuts each day (although I could easily go that lol.) I generally eat quite healthy. I eat lots of protein and of recent times switch in and out of keto dieting which allows me to balance. I’m Also quite active. If I didn’t I would be the size of three play boy mansions put together complete with an Olympic sized pool and field. For me, that means strict keto is done with no sugar and low carbs, two weeks at a time and the feeling of being in ketosis is great. I use this to maintain so although I go through periods where I am addicted to sugar, I can also stop with some real will power. Is it my weakness? Absolutely. I do need a detox every now and then as suggested and possible some counselling. I’m not choosing an easy way out. However, I do know how I feel. I feel it is more. I haven’t lost any weight even when first operated on. That’s a strict diet I followed. I have severe GERD since the moment I was sleeved, I felt it in hospital. I also felt immediate hunger when I woke up. I am able to eat as much as my friends but not more. My fizz test proves that too. I think Frustr8 has made some very valid points. I don’t know but things you state sound so familiar to me. I’d never even have considered an ulcer which is highly possible. I have had severe pains in my lower left side of the stomach since the op in the form of cramps, I push my fingers in or go into the foetal position. Hunger is a constant feeling and I noticed this only the surgery as I was never this hungry before surgery. Ever! I get a sensation of severe heart burn if I don’t eat. Frustr8, I used to take nurofen plus for years as I have chronic migraines which I’ve stopped. Been off them for a year. I didn’t even know about gastritis and excessive acid. It’s all new to me. It’s not my go to excuse either but one thing is happening that isn’t right. The doctor has not gone Into that either but I’d like to investigate that. Thank you for allowing me to giggle Frstr8. In the last few months, (please excuse this bit.. frustr8 tell me if u had this...) my stool has gone from normal to well very soft. I don’t have diarrhoea however it ends up looking like that with blood now. This is why I wonder if I have an ulcer... with the cramps... Thank you everyone for your replies. It is all taken on board and I’m able to dissect and re assess what is happening. All in all, if it isn’t that and just the sugar then I am willing to make that change. I’m not counting on the dumping, in fact I was surprised to hear people hoping to have more of it. I was actually scared of that. Like shit scared. But you guys have educated me a little more and I now know what to expect.... :)

Hi there. Have a look at Keto. It’s not too hard and you can still enjoy eating maccers even. Just order it with lettuce wrapping instead of the bun. Keto will lessen your hunger too. You are stronger than you think and will get through this :)

As noted, some programs do low carb as a pre-op diet to improve liver condition prior to surgery. Low carb can help you lose a bit quicker initially as it promotes some additional water weight loss, so if you are trying to game the system to make a certain weight by a certain time, it's a good way to do that. But, as Fallingfast has found, since it's mostly water weight, it comes back as soon as you stop. And, if you are doing true keto as in high fat, low carb, moderate protein, it's not so good as a long term weight loss diet owing to its high caloric density. Indeed, the clinical use for such high fat, low carb diets is to avoid or minimize weight loss after a non-WLS stomach surgery.

So most preop diets are there for 2 reasons... to see if you will comply after surgery and to shrink your liver. Doing Keto high fat, low carb isn't going to shrink your liver. I can lose like crazy in Keto but it always comes back as soon as I am out of Keto. You can reach Keto without the high fat when you do liquids.

Has anyone or is anyone doing keto diet or low carb diet to drop pounds before surgery? I need to lose some pounds before my preop appt but I dont know if this type of diet is dangerous to do before surgery. Im wondering if anyone has any experience with this?

I have never been so anxious about anything. My last visit to surgeons office I was told not to lose any more wt. Like wtf?? Isn't this the whole purpose, but before my financial counselor could respond it clicked.. Oh wait... My BMI may not qualify me. Got it.. So the struggle lately has been maintaining my weight. I've done keto diet for 30 days and lost 17 lbs. I have another 80lbs to go. I'm currently at 235 and now apparently I'm 5'4 and not 5'5 anymore. ☹️ I'm a bit nervous that the insurance will have me do these classes and then I won't qualify for the surgery. Everything else had failed for me with dieting. I don't do much exercise because I'm in tons of pain from knees and hips. Forgot to mention had a total hysterectomy and not on hormone replacement which can cause early osteoporosis. I'm only 40 and about to be a "Glamma". I need the strength and prayers. Anyone have this issue at all?

Hey everyone ! Turns out it was a keto rash !!! My surgeon had me on stage 1 for too long three weeks , my body was reacting to no carbs . I am starting tommorow 06/13/2018 stage 2 ....puree foods 🙌. I was literally starving 😓. My rash has Been going away almost completely. Thanks everyone for your support!!!

This shows what a great weight loss toll testicles are! Yeah, guys do tend to lose more easily than gals owing to our normally higher muscle mass and metabolisms. Seriously though, this does point up one of the benefits, and downsides, of WLS - that we can lose well that first year with almost any diet. 20-30 years ago patients were often advised to "just eat like always, just less..." and they lost very well. Of course, they didn't keep it off as they didn't learn how to eat for long term health and weight control. The good part is that one doesn't need to go on one of those fad diets that we often see promoted online (keto, paleo, Zone, etc.) and can work to develop or maintain good dietary habits for the long term; the bad part is that one can still eat crap and lose - for now. Likewise, I like the idea that if he can't do it for himself, at least help you out and keep that junk out of the house.

Sustainability is certainly a key factor in long term success in this game - and I wouldn't be so sure that keto would be any faster, and they often are slower if they do it literally as they tend to run at higher calorie levels (they just lose a bit more water weight at the outset, which they give back at the end when they figure out what they are going to do for the rest of their life,) Likewise, I never did any of those diets but rather maintained a more classical balance of fruits, veg, whole grains, etc. along with the requisite protein, consistent with my caloric budget for weight loss - the same diet that I was on before surgery and now, years post-op, calorically adjusted for maintenance. If I need to drop a bit, dropping the calories around 20% does the trick without any panicky "back to basics" or "reset" diets. Funny thing (not really) is that most of the other post ops in our support group, most of whom are 10-20 years out and maintaining a normal weight range, likewise never got into these extreme low carb diets and seem to be a lot more tolerant of the occasional indulgence or unavoidable junk ingestion than those who did these extreme diets and are always worried about slippery slopes and carb monkeys. A couple of years ago we even had an accidental pizza fest when the restaurant we usually meet at closed without warning and we had to go around the corner to a pizza joint. The doc bought a couple of pizzas, some shared while others ordered sandwiches (heaven forbid!), salads or something else. I ordered a lasagna as that is something that just isn't worth making at home anymore. Yet no one suffered irreperable harm.

Google it:) It's a diet designed by Mayo Clinic, one of the finest medical research hospitals on the planet. It resembles the Mediterranean diet and Japanese diet. I like this because both of these diets are correlated with the greatest longevity of anyone on Earth...and the lowest rates of heart disease and cancer. Lots of fruit, veggies, whole grains, lean protien. And 75 calories per day for "sweets" or other treats. I love this diet because it's livable. You won't lose weight screaming fast like keto...but you will lose weight safely and steadily and not feel hungry or deprived. Works for me:)