I'm really struggling (pre-op) to comply with the prescribed low carb high protein diet I've been given and am concerned about how I will do this long term. I have cut out all desserts, rice, pasta, but still am struggling. I do not eat a lot of proteins so am used to having a lot of beans. I have a history of kidney infections and stones so am worried about having so much protein. My oncologist's office told me to keep animal protein's to 14 oz per week to prevent cancer. I have always heard high fat diets cause heart disease and that vegetables, fruits and fiber are healthy. So all this seems counterintuitive. I know if I go with the gastric bypass proteins and fats are not absorbed as well so can understand having more of them and eating protein first but just can't get my head around why it is necessary or desirable to limit healthy carbs. Is it the calories or fear they set up cravings? I haven't been able to get a clear explanation from my center's nut.

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.

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.

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