Hi! I was banded on 02/22/11, and I am just this week returning to eating regular foods (sans bread, rice, pasta). My doctor told me to get in 60-65 grams of Protein a day, no more than 1200 calories, and at least 80 ounces of Water, but he didn't say anything about carbs (my next appointment with him and the nutritionist is on 04/07).

About how many carbs a day do you all average? I've been tracking, and I'm averaging about 70-80 grams a day. I'm not doing a lot of strenuous exercise right now -- walking at least 30 minutes a day and then Zumba twice a week (I'm cleared for more activity in another 3 weeks, since my incisions are still healing). I know I may have to add in more once I start doing more vigorous exercise...I was just curious.

Thanks in advance!

90-95, though I did low carb (under 50) for the first 7 months.

I was banded on 2/23, so just one day after you. Anyway, my Dr. said 70g protein, 25-33g fat, less than 100g carbs and approx. 1200 calories. I have not been able to get near the 1200 calories of food and stay within that range on fat and carbs! Good luck!

Reverie ~ That's awesome, and you've really done wonderfully -- congrats! You are an inspiration to a new bandster, like myself. Did you find the need to bump up your carb intake due to exercise or did you just find a range that worked best for you?

Kimky ~ Congrats on your band! We're both newbies! I've been having the same problem with not being able to get to 1200 calories without really blowing up in other areas (i.e., carbs, fat). I just checked my food journal and I've been averaging about 900-1000 calories and 41 grams of fat. A lot of the low carb options tend to be higher in fat or even carbs (Atkins bars traumatized me...) with the exception of Protein shakes -- the Protein shake I try to get in once a day is 30 grams of protein, 9 carbs, 3 grams of fat, and 180 calories. That gives me a good deal of protein, but leaves my calorie intake low and I don't want it too low because then my body thinks it is starving and stalls, or even gains. Finding a good balance is hard. Good luck to you too!

While I was loosing I ate very low carb-about 30-40 gms a day. The carbs I got were from non starchy veggies, berries, and nuts have a few carbs. I lost 107 pounds in 10 months. I also watched my fat intake- although I didn't track it. I stuck with very lean protien options such as chicken, fish and lean pork loin. Snacking on nuts was my only significant source of fat. Congrats on your surgery and good luck.

Right now my carbs are less than 15. I only eat green, low carb vegies. No grains, starches or glutens. Obviously no sugar.

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My bariatric team recommends no more than 30g of carbs a meal... on average right now at almost 4 months out I usually average 20-30g carbs a meal. Sometimes a little more if I'm planning a long workout that night.

I never counted carbs. I avoided white carbs.. rice, potatoes, bread, pasta and corn (the things higher on the glycemic index), but didn't cut them out completely.. just ate them rarely. I got my carbs from veggies and didn't worry about the numbers. Like VLP, I lost 100lbs in my first 7 months.

Reverie ~ That's awesome, and you've really done wonderfully -- congrats! You are an inspiration to a new bandster, like myself. Did you find the need to bump up your carb intake due to exercise or did you just find a range that worked best for you?

Thanks Elle! I'm almost there I can taste it..sorta LOL. I bumped up everything, including my carbs, because of exercise. I workout for almost 2 hours each day, and at 30g carbs I was burning out about halfway through my workout. It just wasn't a good feeling and upping my carbs has helped tremendously! More energy and no more tired feeling.

Per your carb count, make sure you are subtracting the Fiber you eat each day from the overall total. That will give you your net carbs. As for high calorie/low carb foods, nuts (almonds) and Beans are your best bet. A serving of almonds has 120-170 calories and 3-4g carbs along with healthy fats. If you ever need help with your food let me know; I'd love to help.

I'm more into my Protein, around 60G a day. When we eat, I have some carb. to give the protein a kick in the A**, and yep it works.

So i don't chart them, because somewhere I know I will get them.

Good Health to you, Shirley.