Protein has the reputation of being the most important nutrient and the one to focus on at each meal. People think of protein, and they think “good.” That’s especially true in the WLS community. Gastric sleeve and bypass patients in particular need to focus on protein to prevent malnutrition. Plus, protein helps you stay full and lowers blood sugar swings.

But carbs? You hear all sorts of things about them…many of them pretty bad. However, there are all kinds of studies linking carbs to health benefits – as long as we’re talking “healthy,” high-fiber, less process carbs, and not refined starches and added sugars. Think oats, Beans, fruit, and vegetables – all linked to lower disease risk and even lower body weight!

Still, carbs can be high-calorie – think of a cup of whole-grain Pasta, beans, or sweet potatoes with over 200 calories. And many kinds of fruit are so high in sugar they can spike your blood sugar levels.

So, what are your attitudes towards carbs? Do you avoid them? Limit them? Choose only healthy ones? Make sure to balance them with protein and fat? Not worry about them as long as you’re within your calories? Share your thoughts and advice here!

Thanks for all of your answers and explanations, including explaining WHY you feel that way about carbs and also letting us know where you are in your weight loss surgery journey! It looks like a lot of you who are cutting carbs pretty dramatically are still in the rapid weight loss mode and may be planning to up the carbs eventually – I think that’s great, especially since you’re planning to do it with healthy foods!

And some of you are just…anti-carb! That’s totally understandable, especially if they’re triggers for you or you can’t seem to manage portions. Also, it’s great if you’ve found that low-carb works for you, doesn’t make you too tired, cranky, or foggy, and seems sustainable long-term.

Thanks for sharing, and keep it coming!

Everyone seems to have a formula of what works for them regarding carbs. I'm no different but through some research I ve found its not necessary to for me to totally eliminate carbs . I had to find out where my carb tipping point was. Since surgery, I've almost eliminated simple carbs completely, but fresh veggies and some fruit ( low glycemic index, fresh) I can consume without a problem. My Protein intake is always first and if I eat too many carbs or overdo my portions, I get hungry again within hours. It seems when I've driven my insulin levels up with too many carbs, my body won't release its fat storage , so typically I don't lose any weight that day or even gain a few ounces.

The surgery forces me to reckon with my habits and yes I struggle at times with my food desires, but then I have to consciously decide, do I want to lose weight today? Then I have to watch my carbs. I still like them, bread, even Pasta, but use them minimally as I continue to push towards my goal. There have been sacrifices made but I feel more empowered and determined as I deal consciously with food choices and growing realization that this is a long haul, not a sprint.????????????

I'm still trying to lose weight so I keep carbs low, but not as low as when I first started. I think I'm a carb sensitive person and will always have to be careful with carbs. Good news is I don't crave bread, rice, pasta or potato, but chocolate or baked goods still tempt me.