Why the low carb?

[Emilie.Lancaster 189]

The mantra about Protein first is less about cutting carbs, and more about making sure that your limited intake ability is stacked towards the protein you are going to need for the mass revisions and healing that your body is about to go through.

You, in fact, need little in the way of complex carbs. The repair of surgery, the destruction of fat, the conversion of some of you fast twitch muscles to slow twitch, etc., is going to leave you with a need for protein. Lots and lots of it.

I'm no expert, but my understanding is that there is an element of stacking the right combinations when it comes to heart disease. When you eat a protein rich diet, you are less likely to have problems when you have less carbs. I have heard it said that bread is like sandpaper in your vascular system, scraping along and allowing plaques to adhere.

Meatless Proteins can be had. My favorite is nutritional yeast. It makes salad taste like bread. It's got some nice Iron and B Vitamins, too.

Also, low fat meat proteins are easily obtained as well.

Not all calories are creates equal in the body.

Healthy carbs... I hate that term. The evidence seems so very strong out there that grains of all stripes would be best if left OUT of the human diet. Fruits are better. Nuts are better. eggs are better. All are better when we go against the grain.

[j16 166]

I think of vegetables when I say healthy carbs. Since I can't have seafood and don't like yogurt or soft cheeses my Proteins have traditionally included Beans.< /p>

[Dub 9,972]

Thanks -I'm going to take your advice and make another appointment with the NUT and ask about it again. It sounds like many of you don't limit vegetables and other healthy carbs. I have lost about 40 lbs pre-surgery already without meeting their goals and am down to a 41 bmi. I want to make sure I can eat in a way to sustain good health after surgery and protect my kidneys.

It depend on what stages in the game people are.

I'm firmly in the "weight loss" stage. I'm allowed 3-4 meals with each being 1/2 cup in volume. It's almost impossible for me to hit my Protein goals in these meals if I don't fill those 1/2 cups with Protein rich foods. Right now, by design, there is no room for anything else.

Surgeon has me planning for 1 cup sized meals when I'm a year out or so.....and am in the "maintenance" stage. Then I'll have room to add some healthy carbs back into the menu.

There are differences in many of our plans. I tend to stick with what my surgeon instructs because he is the one who performed my endoscopy, sleeve surgery and has the most acute knowledge of my capabilities. The NUTs in my program always seemed vague when I'd ask them for their plans.....now I see the aren't being vague. They are being very specific and their simple guidelines follow his plan to the letter.

It's very simple for me right now. Simple is good. I tended to complicate eating way too much before......thus the weight struggles (losses & bigger gains) over the years.

It's amazing how much better life is when food is eaten as sustenance not comfort.

It can still be tasty and each bite savory, it just doesn't have to provide any other solution other than to give me fuel to supplement the on board fat supply that I'm also burning. Once the body fat fuel is gone......then I'll have to eat more to maintain. Until then.....ketosis is my friend.

Best wishes. You'll get dialed in on what works for you. Stay in contact with your surgeon and NUTs. Don't drift away from them.

[j16 166]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful responses - I really appreciate the support!