Cajun confused about carbs

[cajun 46]

I saw a nutritionist for the first visit last week at the suggestion of my internist. She was shocked about the 600-800 calorie, 70 gm Protein, 30-60 gram carb recommendation for the first 6 months post VSG. She advised me on starting a training program with free weights, and cardio exercises, along with increasing intake to 1200 calories with more balanced version of the diet.

Here's my problem: I'm losing weight following my surgeon's recommendations, and do not want to mess with what is working for me. But I do agree that exercise is beneficial, however I could probably not sustain a moderately intense exercise program with the small amount of food, mostly protein, that I am eating. I do a little treadmill walking and do get dizzy often, and have to stop. I have attributed this to either not enough fluids or not enough carbs on board to sustain me. My plan was to use the treadmill as much as I can tolerate it safely, but wait on the intense exercise plan until after I reach goal, and am able to eat 1200 calories a day. Now I am confused.

I read some interesting information on the OH website at

Fluid requirements. How can I possibly add carbs? They are so filling. I am still thinking that the first 6 months I should follow my surgeon's advice.

What do y'all think?

[MINI-Me 196]

Was this nutritionist familiar with WLS - specifically vertical sleeve? If not, I would suggest finding someone who is.

The weightloss seems to be doing great for you, therefore, I wouldn't suggest a change. However, I would think you would have more energy. What is your treadmill routine? How much can you do & what intensity level before you get dizzy?

[Tiffykins 672]

I'm with you on sticking with your surgeon's recommendations. I am 3.5 months further out than you and can barely get in 950 calories a day. I'm maintaining with about 50grams of carbs, 60-70grams of Protein daily. I have no idea how I could literally force more food in.

I've read the same stuff about increasing the calories and carbs, but for me I stuck close to my surgeon's recommendations until I got close to goal. I started my more intense workout regimen once I was getting carbs in.

I do not eat 90 minutes before heading to the gym or doing my cardio here at home. I've tried eating before working out, and it makes me feel horrible. I do come home and eat a small meal about 30 minutes post-workout. I usually eat a couple of deli meat rollups with cream cheese, or even a few crackers with chicken salad.

I hate Breakfast food, and always work-out mid morning. Maybe I'll try eating portion of a bagel, pre-workout and see how I feel. If not, I'll stick with what I've been doing.

It's worked for me. I called my nutritionist and had a phone consult. She suggested, I increase carbs, and Protein to help me maintain since I'm working out on a regular basis, and trying to burn this last bit of flab I have while building more lean muscle mass.

I have never gotten dizzy, light headed, nor nauseated during or after my work out sessions unless I ate immediately before getting started. Then, I wanted to blow chunks and never eat again.

[cajun 46]

Was this nutritionist familiar with WLS - specifically vertical sleeve? If not, I would suggest finding someone who is.

The weightloss seems to be doing great for you, therefore, I wouldn't suggest a change. However, I would think you would have more energy. What is your treadmill routine? How much can you do & what intensity level before you get dizzy?

She seems right on target about a lot of things but I do believe she is not experienced in advising VSG patients.

I walk for 30 minutes three times a week at a moderate 2.5 mph pace. I don't always get dizzy, but when I do, I stop. I don't want to fall and break something at this point.

[Josephine 1]

I think you're doing great. The only recommendation I have for you is that at 4 months post op, you should try to get in at least 800 cals on ALL days unless it's just a REALLY bad day food wise.

[cajun 46]

I think you're doing great. The only recommendation I have for you is that at 4 months post op, you should try to get in at least 800 cals on ALL days unless it's just a REALLY bad day food wise.

I agree. Thanks Josephine.

[andreanoelle 0]

Can I pose another question? My surgeon says that he wants us to use biofeedback (listening to our bodies) to indicate how much we should eating, and that targeting certain carb/calorie levels in the day makes us obsess about food and our weight, something that got us here in the first place. Has anyone else heard this from their surgeons? It seems like everyone has these really specific plans set up for the number of carbs and Protein, and I just don't know if my surgeon is going to have me do the same thing...I'm nervous that I wouldn't stick to a strict plan...any suggestions??