When to worry about carbs?

[SouthJerseySleever 34]

Today I moved to full liquids --- yeah buddy!!!

My Quick Reference Post Op Diet Stage Guide says the following:

Stage 2 full liquids, lasts seven days, 40 grams of Protein, a quarter cup to a half a cup of food per meal, three to four meals per day.

Suggested Foods listed are yogurt, low-fat cream Soups, sugar free pudding, milk products, applesauce, oatmeal, cream of wheat, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, Protein Shake, and everything from stage one.

Today I followed the list, had 4 meals, and tracked them in Bariastic. I ended the day with 437 cal, 48 protein, 34 carbs (29 net carbs) and 19g sugar.

So, back to my question, at what point do I start worrying about carbs & sugars. I hit my protein goal, so I guess that's a plus, but my paperwork has no other nutritional guidelines. My checkup is in 6 days so I can ask then, I guess.

I also just realized that I didn't log my Vitamins, is that something that should be put into my food tracker?

Sooooooooo much to think about!!

[EmmyJ 184]

Personally, I think we're consuming so little at the full liquid stage that carbs and fat aren't really worth counting. Protein, Fluid and Vitamins are the only things worth worrying about at this stage. (just my opinion!) When you get to solids, you definitely want to be careful with the carbs--if for no other reason than if you fill up on carbs, you won't have enough room to get the protein you need! And much later in the process, carb-heavy things don't tend to keep you full as long, which can sabotage the action of the tiny stomach.

As for the vitamins, I think you should track them if tracking them holds you more accountable for taking them! They're super important to avoid deficiencies

Just worry about getting those fluids, vitamins, and protein! And as you said, you can definitely ask your team their advice when you go for your checkup.

[blizair09 3,250]

I followed a low carb way of eating for six months prior to my surgery (insurance-required diet program), so when I got to my post-op food stages, I refused to eat more than 20 carbs in a day (as I had been doing). This meant that I stayed on liquids for an extra week (3 weeks total post-op of liquids) because I wouldn't eat the second stage of food that added ripe banana, oatmeal, cream of wheat, and stuff like that.

Getting into ketosis is such a heinous experience that I didn't want to have to go through that again. At almost 8 months post-op, I still don't eat more than 20 carbs per day. (It's been over 14 months total, now.)

This approach isn't for everyone, but it has served me well.

[PatientEleventyBillion 851]

You're a lot more limited on foods but should still be trying to minimize carbs. Just be a little more flexible because it's more important right now to ensure you're getting nutrients and sufficient fluids so you don't wind up in the ER.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

With so little stomach space, and not meeting a minimum 60 grams of Protein for basic healthy. You should probably cut the carbs back. Your carbs are almost equal to your protein and you are not getting enough protein in. Carbs are for when you have met your protein goals for the day, sleeve space in the beginning shouldn't be wasted on things that aren't protein especially if you are not meeting your protein goals.

[RickM 1,747]

I never worried about them, and still don't (couldn't afford the side effects of being overly low in carbohydrates anyway). Early on, Protein is king and if you are getting enough, you aren't likely going to have room for enough carbs or fat (depending on what diets are "in" at the moment) to worry about - your diet is going to be low carb and low fat by default, so will fit with whatever diet is popular. The most successful people that I have seen in this game, as in maintaining substantial weight loss 10-20 years or more likewise weren't overly concerned about carb counts (sugars and simple carbs, yes, but overall carb levels are irrelevant to long term success.)

Follow your doc's program; if he isn't worried about your carb counts at this point, neither should you, even if other people are. And yes, I would put in your Vitamins, so that you can get a full accounting of the calories and nutrients that you are getting in.

[summerset 5,261]

6 hours ago, SouthJerseySleever said:

So, back to my question, at what point do I start worrying about carbs & sugars.

When you experience dumping. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about "carbs".

IMO using some basic common sense is enough, e. g. not gorging yourself on isolated sugars but getting the majority of carbs out of whole foods.

[Finding_Stacy 263]

I've always been strict with my carbs before and after surgery. The first couple of weeks I kept them below 10--some days below 5 (not intentionally). I ate sugar free, grain free and still do. The only carbs I have right now come from broccoli or my Premier Protein shakes. My doctor's plan is a 120 carbs a day, which is ridiculous. If I followed that, it would take me five years to get half of my weight off. So, right now I keep them under 20 net, I eat anywhere from 460-750 calories a day, drink 80+ounces of Water, and my Protein is +75.

[Finding_Stacy 263]

15 hours ago, blizair09 said:

I followed a low carb way of eating for six months prior to my surgery (insurance-required diet program), so when I got to my post-op food stages, I refused to eat more than 20 carbs in a day (as I had been doing). This meant that I stayed on liquids for an extra week (3 weeks total post-op of liquids) because I wouldn't eat the second stage of food that added ripe banana, oatmeal, cream of wheat, and stuff like that.

Getting into ketosis is such a heinous experience that I didn't want to have to go through that again. At almost 8 months post-op, I still don't eat more than 20 carbs per day. (It's been over 14 months total, now.)

This approach isn't for everyone, but it has served me well.

But look how much weight you lost and I bet you rarely crave anything outside of what you normally eat. Low carb is the key to curb those pesky cravings, giving us an abundance of energy, and keeps us emotionally balanced with fewer mood swings.

You're doing great, Bliz!

[Apple1 2,572]

Since I am only 10 days post op I am just worried about Protein and fluids. I will probably stick to a moderate low carb diet as I progress mainly because I want to ensure my blood sugars stay good without medication. Healthy carbs in vegetables will always be in my diet.

[hermione53 157]

I found that the focus on Protein left little room for carbs from grains. Early on my carbs came from yogurt and cottage cheese. Regarding tracking Vitamins, I use a great app called Round. Otherwise I think I'd likely not take everything. I also track my medication on it.


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