I have a question to all of you wonderful vsg veterans...when you started eating normal foods where you more concerned about the carbs or the calories. I was looking , planning on what kind of things I will take to eat when I start eating regular foods. One of the things I was looking at was the Starkist tuna salad pouch, even though t is only 200 calories it has 12 carbs but basically is a healthy lunch.

Thats just an example but there are many lil scenarios like that. I pretty much thought that as long as you get your Protein in and basically stay away from sweets we can eat like anyone else.

I mix a can with sour cream..Andlemon pepper..pickle juice..pepper and garlic..so yummy!..and only 150 calories for whole can ..also..I cook a lot of fish all at once..baked..I am trying for 700 calories..low low low carbs..no sugar..that's what a lot of people told me..

YOu mix a can of what sis?

I only count carbs. If you stay under 30 carbs a day, it's pretty hard for the calories to add up over 1200. But you need to find what works for you.

YOu mix a can of what sis?

Oh ...lmao..sorry..tuna. on Monday I baked 5 peices of fish and eat that with lunch or couple bites for snack..and seperated them on ziplocs..that's easy and healthy..I've been eating avacado..but its high in calories..steamed ...califlower..and brocolli pre Bagged in mini ziplocs..so I can grab and go..

Since I no longer eat rice, potatoes, Pasta, bread, or fried foods I don't really have many calorie problems. I do lots of salads , fish, chicken, turkey, etc. and yes, I even cheat a little now & then. For example thanksgiving was turkey & gravy, sweet potato casserole, green been casserole, veggie tray, pumpkin pie, and even some Sam Adams Winter Lager. All of this in very small portions and still didn't go over 1200cal for the day. And I was really going all out.

I watch calories more than carbs.

I primarily watch Protein. I try to get 70 grams a day. I keep calories between 800 to 1,000. I seem to lose more when close to 800. I don't count carbs, but I'm like OTR in that I avoid rice, potatoes, Pasta, bread and fried foods.

Not a vet... Only 7 months out... But in my opinion it is calories and carbs. I am a mexican sleever and didnt like the post op diet plan that was provided. It was more of eat 1/4 cup this or 1/2 cap of that. It didnt mention anything about how many calories, fat, carbs etc that I should be getting. I came on this forum and OH and followed the plan of some of the sucessful vets. I aim for 600 - 800 calories/min 64 oz fluid/max 40 carbs/min 60 protein. I was confused about the low carb thing. A vet told me low calories will get you to goal eventually but low carb will get you there fast. I wanted to be skinny yesterday so I have been following the plan above. 7 months out and I am down 144 lbs (a few pre op). Whould just low calorie have worked?? I dont know but Im not changing anything because this plan is working for me and I feel fantastic. Just remember that Carbs = cravings and hunger for many people. Good luck with your decision and keep in mind nothing is set in stone. If you go low cal or low carb and dont like the results... You can always change it!

Thank you all,,,,i was planning on doing the calorie thing and staying between 800-1000 but i would like to be able to have whole wheat crackers on occasion or not worry if i take a bite or two of potato if we have roast on a sunday...i was wondering what others did though.

oh holli we must have posted at the same time....i like your plan....i think i could stay within 40 carb lim. most days...especially since i wont be able to sit down and eat a whole anything anymore...do you guys feel like your sleeve still controls your portion limits well?

do you guys feel like your sleeve still controls your portion limits well?

With solid foods,yes, I can only eat about 5-6oz of dense Protein then I'm stuffed. I can however eat a full 16oz container of Greek yogurt. So portion control is still a minor concern.

doesnt greek yougurt have alot of carbs....what kind do you get? I am excited about learning to eat from scratch. Today is day 8 post-op and I am having a lil cravings and my stomach is growling but still on liquids....I did have 2 cups of egg drop soup but over an hour...all i can do is liquids right now...never thought i would look forward to pureed food...

oh holli we must have posted at the same time....i like your plan....i think i could stay within 40 carb lim. most days...especially since i wont be able to sit down and eat a whole anything anymore...do you guys feel like your sleeve still controls your portion limits well?

16 months out here- yes, and no! I can eat for example-- small hamburger (think mcdonalds size) with only bottom bun- i could never finish it and I'm stuffed but I can eat a big bowl of cereal ( like 1 cup or more of captain crunch) or more cheez-its (my weakness) than I'd like to admit. Those are my sliders. And I can eat significntly more if I drink with meals- so I avoid this :-) no troubles maintaining so far!

Oh i love cheez-its too...and cheetos which with the band i could eat as much as i wanted. With the band i learned not to eat with my meals so that wont be a problem. Good to know i wont totally have to give up hamburgers:) Congratulations on maintaining...i admire all you guys who have stuck with it because i do know its just a tool but i feel like its a good one:)

I think it's both, but I also want to add 2 things. First, it's important to differentiate good carbs from bad...the starches. OTR pretty much named them....rice, potatoes, bread, Pasta, corn....these foods are worth watching, if not cutting out of your life altogether. Green veggies are also carbs, but they are great for you and you'd have a hard time eating too many of them even if you tried.

Also, you said something about watching out for sweets.....these starches are no different nutritionally from eating sweets. If you eat a potato it has almost the same affect on your body as eating a candy bar. So yes, watch out for sugar.

doesnt greek yougurt have alot of carbs....what kind do you get? I am excited about learning to eat from scratch. Today is day 8 post-op and I am having a lil cravings and my stomach is growling but still on liquids....I did have 2 cups of egg drop soup but over an hour...all i can do is liquids right now...never thought i would look forward to pureed food...

To be honest I have no idea what the carb count is on the Greek yogurt. I know the container was 2servings @ 180cal/serving for a total of 360 calories & 46g protein(which is too much Protein in one sitting) but it was done on a day that my total calorie count was under 600. It was done intentionally because I had been preoccupied all day working on my truck, and other tasks & I wanted the extra calories. The brand was chobani.