I'm new to these forums, but I've done quite a bit of reading regarding post-op diets. My understanding from my NUT, and my surgeon is that the post-op diet is not intended to be "low carb." That is very clearly stated in my educational paperwork. However, so many threads seem to just freak out over eating ANY carbs...even claiming to gain x amount of pounds from eating a cracker, or stalling for weeks because they drank a glass of wine. Quite frankly, it starts to read like a pro-ana website sometimes! I thought this surgery was not only a tool to help us loss weight, but also to help us develop a healthy relationship with food. By all means, eat HEALTHY, eat CLEAN, eat WHOLE FOODS. These include complex carbs found in veggies, fruit, and whole grains. Now, I admit I'm only 2 weeks out of surgery, so maybe my views will change, but I do not believe that we should punish ourselves. Learn moderation, not abstinence!

Learn moderation, not abstinence!

Sorry slasherms, I disagree. I don't think many people on here are advocating no veggies, even if they're following a low carb plan. For most people, their surgeons told them to do Protein first; subsequently, that's what most people do. So you talk about carbs--as in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains--being good, but in your example of people avoiding carbs you name crackers and red wine. I haven't come across anyone in any of the forums advocating a 100% protein, zero carb diet. The "low carbers" seem to be advocating not eating processed carbs like white flour and sugar--but even the "carbers" seem to avoid!

As for your last statement, here's why I disagree. If you can handle moderation, then my hat's off to you! I'm jealous. Me? I've learned that I cannot handle it. I've learned a lot about myself through this journey, and one of the things I've realized is that the whole reason I got WLS is so I could eat whatever foods I wanted without being fat. Moderation, small portions of the foods that I loved without guilt or shame or overeating, was my DREAM. But it's taken a long time for me to realize that that's never going to happen for me. I'm more of a food addict type, and when I eat certain things like sugar, it causes intense cravings and a desire for more and more. Then I overeat, regret it, feel ashamed, eat more, hate myself for eating something "bad", etc. Same cycle as before my surgery! Just smaller portions and a lower weight. It's taken a long time for me to come to terms with the fact that for me, moderation doesn't work.

But I've also learned that everyone's different. Just because moderation doesn't work for me doesn't mean it's not right for others. I am so jealous of the people who can indulge at a party without spinning into a shame-filled cycle and weeks of bingeing (like me!). I wish! I'm glad you have no issues with carbs and think everyone should strive for moderation, but I don't think it's right to put that on everyone. People need to do what's right for them, and everyone's different.

By the way, I eat about 3 cups of raw and/or steamed veggies a day. Absolutely no added sugar, not even on my birthday.