I would like info re: low carb vs low calorie... In the past I have found that eating a low carb meal plan worked best for me... But my surgical team and nutritionist only advise low calorie meal plans... So I can't get any how- to advise from them. Has anyone tried low carb? Any advise?? ?

Carbs are your fuel. If your working out you'll need fuel. Eat good carbs. You can google for some options. If you use my fitness pal or another food diary app, you can set your marco goals. Mine was 50% protein, 30% carbs and 20% fat.

I talked to my nutritionist about this because I too had really good results with low carb diets. She said that you need carbs in your diet postop because you need to absorb protein and burn carbs. If you don't eat carbs your body will burn the protein that you need to absorb.

You'll need carbs the first year to stop nausea and constipation. It's low calorie the first year worry about cutting carbs if you're not losing. I lost 8 to 10 pounds per month first year... 130 gone about 10 more to my goal. High protein will take off the final pounds post 1 year and help with maintenance.

I don't worry about carbs or calories. My plan is 5 meals every 3 - 4 hours consisting of 3oz protein, a multigrain or fruit serving and non-starch veggies if there is room plus 3 healthy fat servings (1 oz nuts, 1tsp olive oil, etc) I make sure I get 70 - 90g protein a day per my NUT's calculations for me. ~80 most days, 90 on workout days. At 4 1/2 months I probably eat 1200 calories per day and I'm still losing 10-16 pounds per month.

4 hours ago, Airstream88 said:

I don't worry about carbs or calories. My plan is 5 meals every 3 - 4 hours consisting of 3oz Protein, a multigrain or fruit serving and non-starch veggies if there is room plus 3 healthy fat servings (1 oz nuts, 1tsp olive oil, etc) I make sure I get 70 - 90g protein a day per my NUT's calculations for me. ~80 most days, 90 on workout days. At 4 1/2 months I probably eat 1200 calories per day and I'm still losing 10-16 pounds per month.

How do I know how much protein is in an item?

I don't eat any bread, rice, or pasta... I'm not losing much weight... 16 lbs in 7 wks...

For most proteins (chicken, beef, pork, etc) there are approximately 7g of protein per ounce. For other items you can usually find the protein amount for a serving on the container or look it up in MyFitnessPal. I eat multigrain crackers, whole wheat tortillas, and bagel thins toasted but no rice or pasta yet. I always eat a protein with the carb (fruit or multigrain). Yogurt is also a great source of protein but you have to watch out for the sugar. I used to like the Chobani 100s but now I can't tolerate any yogurt.

Edited March 7, 20179 yr by Airstream88

If you choose low carb, your days are supposed to be higher. My goal is to stay well balanced and make protein a priority.

37 minutes ago, Ldyvenus said:

If you choose low carb, your days are supposed to be higher. My goal is to stay well balanced and make Protein a priority.

Huh? Please explain... I didn't understand that..?

I would like info re: low carb vs low calorie... In the past I have found that eating a low carb meal plan worked best for me... But my surgical team and nutritionist only advise low calorie meal plans... So I can't get any how- to advise from them. Has anyone tried low carb? Any advise?? ?

I eat HFLC or high fat low carb and mediocre protein..
I do not eat breads , rice or pasta or anything that is wheat or rice based that included crackers etc.
I have cut out most sugar although unfortunately some things contain sugar but I keep that very low. Anything that can possibly spike your insulin I try to avoid.
Fat is awesome and will keep you full for longer.
As an example my day would be ...
Brekky - egg n spinach cooked in butter with added cheese
4 hours later
Lunch - chicken crusted pizza with a dark leafy salad
4 hours later
Arvo meal - tuna with cottage cheese and avocado

Dinner - tonight is curry mince with broccoli n a little olive oil
Some days I'll sneak in some peanut paste ( off a spoon) or cheese sticks or i have normally made protein slice which is sugar free , high fat and added protein

I dont count calories but I try and get a rough idea more of interest really as to what calories I'm eating.
Some days it's around 1200-1400. But rarely do I do that..
my NUT is ok with what I'm doing

5 hours ago, Soyounique said:

Huh? Please explain... I didn't understand that..?

It was supposed to say fat.

I recommend tracking your eating in an app. I LOVE Baritastic! It's an app made specifically for bariatric patients. It tracks your food, exercise, vitamins, water, weightloss, inches, days postop, etc. It highlights your protein and water goals in particular. It's awesome!

Thanks everyone.. I am so lost and confused.. I'm hungry all the time! I was looking forward to less of an appetite.. not more! ?

Low carb worked for me too before. The only problem was, I would resort back to carbs because I love pizza, potatoes, tacos, pasta, etc...

It looks to me the rest of my life after this surgery I have to look for BOTH low carb & low calorie options. I'm 3-weeks post op & barely consume calories. My energy is low & I'm tired. I think we need healthy carbs in our system for energy & nutritional proportion.


Height: 5'0"
Weight for WLS consultation: 216 lbs.
Surgery date: 2/13/17
Goal: -71 lbs for healthy BMI (about 145 lbs).
Current weight: 185.2
My profile picture is not me. It's my "FITspiration" body.