I've noticed a lot of low Carb and Atkins friendly items state these things on the labels...what do we think about these concepts?

I do net my carbs. Not sure if it's the right thing to do? I assume so since sugar alcohols are not supposed to mess with blood sugar, which is key.

I feel like sugar alcohols are the "artificial sweetener" of the future. In other words, its a scientific miracle that one day they will tell me causes cancer. I try to avoid them but don't always succeed.

I count total carbs... I got that advice from both a NUT and a doctor.

It is really funny you ask this because I was just reading some pre-op diet info from my NUT before I logged on and read your question. It was talking specifically about sugar alcohols (usually end in 'ol', ie: sorbitol, mannitol) My NUT recommends avoiding them because sugar alcohols can cause gas, bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Of course all things we do not want to risk having post op. Just some info I thought i would pass on....

In my program we agree to not consume anything with more then 10grams of sugar and try to not have and if so to a minimal sugar alc. my program does not count carbs and I have been very successful. I am 4 months post op and since date of surgery I am down over 95 pounds.