Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

I wanna know about carbs... Seriously!



Recommended Posts

What I'm about to say flies is not always well received, so I will issue the standard disclaimer of this is my opinion, and is what has worked for me (whew....):

A lot of time we want to simplify "carbs" much like "fat", but not all carbs are equal. On one had, I am almost zealot like in avoiding "carbs" - I do not eat any sugar, Pasta, rice, bread, etc. etc. In fact, the only grain I eat at all is a cup of steel cut oatmeal maybe a couple of times a week.

That being said, I eat a TON of carbs. I eat lots and lots of vegetable, fruit, Beans, lentils, etc. These all can be very high in carbs (they are universally high in carbs with the exception of some vegetables).

A lot of this has to do with the way that the body processes carbs. When you eat a highly processed carb source (pasta, white bread, etc) your body essentially treats it just like you are eating sugar. It dumps insulin causing sugar spikes (and crashes) and quickly stores the excess as fat. I consider both of these results to be very undesirable!! However, when you are eating more natural, unrefined carbs, your body does not react that way. Because these foods come with bound with lots of natural Fiber, it slows the intake of the carbs/sugars, trickling out insulin and avoiding the blood sugar spikes/crashes.

I regularly consume 150-200 grams of carbs a day on a 1200-1600 calorie diet (now that I am trying to figure out how this whole maintenance thing works!). This has worked very well for me. Even at lower calories along the way, I consumed large amounts of natural, unrefined carbs.

As he was mentioned above, I should note that I'm a patient of Dr. Weiner's, and this is very much aligned with his plan. I am a huge fan of Dr. Weiner's, and love his recommended diet. Lots and lots of delicious food, and I've had fantastic results.

Welcome back @@KindaFamiliar!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Jason. Congrats on your journey thus far! I am starting maintenance after my next doctor visit in Feb, if all goes well. I'm currently on 30g carbs except for one day a week when I can go up to 90. I average 90 G Protein a day. I don't calculate fat grams on my plan, but I make generally healthy decisions. On maintenance I'll be allowed up to 85 g of carbs/day and Protein can go down to 60 g/day. I will monitor to see how it works and adjust as necessary.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited by triplethreat

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I never did ultra-low carb, even from the beginning. I avoid simple carbs like sweets and breads and white flour but I've really never restricted the complex variety like fruits, vegetables, Beans, legumes. I also occasionally eat whole grain products. At this point (almost two years out and in maintenance) I'm usually in the 100-150 gram a day range - but I only know that from my logging my food intake because I don't count carbs.

Some people are really carb-sensitive (eating carbs makes them crave more), but I'm not. Maybe because I just allow myself the complex ones? Not sure.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

p.s. be aware that it takes a lot of Water to metabolize carbs, so if you've been following an ultra-low carb diet and suddenly start adding carbs in (even the good ones), you may put on a few pounds - but it's all water.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What I'm about to say flies is not always well received, so I will issue the standard disclaimer of this is my opinion, and is what has worked for me (whew....):

A lot of time we want to simplify "carbs" much like "fat", but not all carbs are equal. On one had, I am almost zealot like in avoiding "carbs" - I do not eat any sugar, Pasta, rice, bread, etc. etc. In fact, the only grain I eat at all is a cup of steel cut oatmeal maybe a couple of times a week.

That being said, I eat a TON of carbs. I eat lots and lots of vegetable, fruit, Beans, lentils, etc. These all can be very high in carbs (they are universally high in carbs with the exception of some vegetables).

A lot of this has to do with the way that the body processes carbs. When you eat a highly processed carb source (pasta, white bread, etc) your body essentially treats it just like you are eating sugar. It dumps insulin causing sugar spikes (and crashes) and quickly stores the excess as fat. I consider both of these results to be very undesirable!! However, when you are eating more natural, unrefined carbs, your body does not react that way. Because these foods come with bound with lots of natural fiber, it slows the intake of the carbs/sugars, trickling out insulin and avoiding the blood sugar spikes/crashes.

I regularly consume 150-200 grams of carbs a day on a 1200-1600 calorie diet (now that I am trying to figure out how this whole maintenance thing works!). This has worked very well for me. Even at lower calories along the way, I consumed large amounts of natural, unrefined carbs.

As he was mentioned above, I should note that I'm a patient of Dr. Weiner's, and this is very much aligned with his plan. I am a huge fan of Dr. Weiner's, and love his recommended diet. Lots and lots of delicious food, and I've had fantastic results.

Welcome back @@KindaFamiliar!

If I could like this 20 times I would.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So.....you've lost 264 lbs and are 2 years out from wls and started a thread titled "I wanna know about carbs.....Seriously!"

Odd.

I thought you were the "Doctor"...who fields all questions......dispenses wisdom left and right.

At this point I'd have thought you could teach classes on carbs.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest

I think if you google info about carbs, you will be able to lose if you keep it under 50 g a day. Try reading some of Atkins literature or any other paleo diet info. Yes, you may have carbs but you would go for carbs like quinoa, cauliflower (so much you can do with this fab carb/veg --make pizza crusts, rice, and more fun things. Carbs are needed for fuel at some point if kept low, like say you make a stir-fry and you really want noodles or rice, opt for brown rice or soba noodles and just add them as an accessory, more Protein, veggies and just a few tablespoons of the carb. You won't feel so deprived and still get what you really wanted. Look, even body builders need carbs. Read some carb info on bodybuilding.com too. Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I strive to keep it under 75 grams of carbs, with the majority coming from fruit, vegetables, and grains. I want to lose 15 more pounds, and my body is being stubborn about it, so I am going to try to cut back to around 40. I haven't been to the gym yet at all this year due to being on vacation, and then sick for over a week. I'm hoping that getting back into gear with that in tandem with lowering my carbs will help me to reach my final goal.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest

It's unbelievable how carbs kick you out of Keto so quickly. I was testing on ketostix completely no color, I was on neutral---so proud of myself. Yesterday I ate an Oikos Triple Zero yogurt for dinner, and this morning my ketostix was moderate which after weeks of neutral shocked the heck out of me....the color on my stick looked so dark. I assume that is why so many people slow down on weight loss numbers on week 3 after surgery. As soon as they start eating it affects the body. I am not in a hurry or worried, 8 days after VSG today.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Carbs for ME are a slippery slope. Nothing wrong with them however they do slow or stall weight loss and increase hunger drive. Since a stall is something that I wanted I added carbs into my eating plan. SInce then even though I am exercising-- boot camp, kick boxing, resistance training, most days of the week. my weight loss is minimal. Right now Im comfortable with 5 lbs a month. If ever I want to speed up my weight loss again I'll just drop back down to less than 20g carbs and increase my Protein intake which I was recently told I have a daily goal of 60g/day which I can hit with ease. Good luck to you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am by no means an expert...I'm about 4 1/2 months out, but my carbs sound about the same as yours. I don't go over more than 20 per day, and I usually don't even hit that many. I'm down 78 pounds so far. Back in the day, years ago, I did the Atkins diet where I stayed in the 2 week induction phase for quite a while, and kept my carbs below 20 at that point as well. It worked great for me and I lost a lot, but of course gained it back once I started eating normally again (well, not worrying about carbs anyway.) Staying below 20 now seems to work for me, so I am going to continue it as long as I can. I keep my Protein at 80 grams a day. I don't really worry about fat. Good luck! You are doing great!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I treat carbs like an indulgence, I try to keep my intake as low as possible, but will some times include them for variety. At about a year out I'm mostly concerned with maintaining Protein intake and making sure that I'm getting enough calories in a day to keep my metabolism happy while continuing to loose weight.

I would say it makes more sense to avoid them while you are trying to loose. Once you hit your goal weight and have begun to maintain that weight I think it's acceptable to start including them more as long as it doesn't impact other goals or cause regain.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest

I treat carbs like an indulgence, I try to keep my intake as low as possible, but will some times include them for variety. At about a year out I'm mostly concerned with maintaining Protein intake and making sure that I'm getting enough calories in a day to keep my metabolism happy while continuing to loose weight.

I would say it makes more sense to avoid them while you are trying to loose. Once you hit your goal weight and have begun to maintain that weight I think it's acceptable to start including them more as long as it doesn't impact other goals or cause regain.

Well said! The one thing I have REALLY learned (not saying stuck to in the past) is that we all love carbs. I don't think we are saying ooh, let me go get some chicken or fish as a splurge. The bad with carbs is they are sooooooo addictive. I went up and down 15 lbs this past year because once they touch my tongue, I can't stop. Not like tons of Cookies or junk, it will start with the Pasta and then want more Pasta, then a bite of my hub's pizza, next thing I order it from the Italian restaurant for 3 nights in a row, etc. Once you are full on chicken, fish, even good beef, your body feels very satisfied. All my regains (not during sleeve---just sleeved 9 days) have ALL been carb downfalls. It is such a drug for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's unbelievable how carbs kick you out of Keto so quickly. I was testing on ketostix completely no color, I was on neutral---so proud of myself. Yesterday I ate an Oikos Triple Zero yogurt for dinner, and this morning my ketostix was moderate which after weeks of neutral shocked the heck out of me....the color on my stick looked so dark. I assume that is why so many people slow down on weight loss numbers on week 3 after surgery. As soon as they start eating it affects the body. I am not in a hurry or worried, 8 days after VSG today.

interesting. with my ketostix neutral means I'm not in ketosis.., darker means more ketones in the urine, therefore in ketosis.

maybe the scale differs by brand.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest

It's unbelievable how carbs kick you out of Keto so quickly. I was testing on ketostix completely no color, I was on neutral---so proud of myself. Yesterday I ate an Oikos Triple Zero yogurt for dinner, and this morning my ketostix was moderate which after weeks of neutral shocked the heck out of me....the color on my stick looked so dark. I assume that is why so many people slow down on weight loss numbers on week 3 after surgery. As soon as they start eating it affects the body. I am not in a hurry or worried, 8 days after VSG today.

interesting. with my ketostix neutral means I'm not in ketosis.., darker means more ketones in the urine, therefore in ketosis.

maybe the scale differs by brand.

Oh damn, you are so right. I was reading incorrectly. The weird thing is, I was using while pre-op and was so happy when I got to neutral. How the heck when I am eating the carbs I was in the moderate to high (darker colors). Pre-op and the couple days on liquid (no sugars--broth, Powerade Zero) I was in neutral all that time. I got back and after a week a used one and it was neutral. Then I ate that yogurt with 6g sugar and the next day went way to moderate. Interesting....I guess I should not worry at this point, I am 10 days out today and sure weight will move. I haven't been eating foods, except the yogurt or kefir. I will go to 'real' foods Sunday or Monday (salmon, tuna, Farmer's cheese, avocado, beans) and then not worry. My weight loss is slow. I have been eating clean for the most part prior to surgery. I wonder if that is why # is not like some that lose 10 pounds in 10 days. Sleeved at 264.2 and 256.6 this morning. That seems a bit slow to me. Not expecting 20 lb, but was hoping to be 10 lbs only because I was stuck at 264 before surgery for a few days. Thanks for pointing out I was not reading correctly.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×