So I was wondering if any of you have been given a range of carbs that is considered healthy or ok for us after bariatric surgery.
do you have a max amount per meal or per day? My doctor and nutritionist keep telling me don’t worry about carbs or calories but instead to focus on getting at least 60 grams of protein a day. Of course, they don’t want me eating foods high in carbs like bread, pasta, and those types of things. But I’m just wondering if anyone has ever been given an actual number of what is “normal”. I’m 3 months post op if that makes a difference.
thanks in advance!

It's been a year, I talked to the doctor about my progress on May 21. Since I'm 6'0 she recommended I drink a 128 oz and half water, protein shakes to maintain muscle, my calorie intake 1600 and carb intake no more than 20g. I've still been trying to get to 1600 calories. Before I had the talk with the doctor, I was consuming 1200 calories which seems to be easier to maintain 20g carbs with that calorie intake. I was also still losing weight even though I went beyond 20g of carbs. I think I might do my own thing.

I was not given a range of carbs or any calorie guidelines, but my nutritionist did encourage a balanced diet. I am supposed to be eating protein first, veggies second, and carbs last. so under those guidelines, I figured there probably won't be much room for carbs by the time I can get to them. I am on day 14 and just moved on to softs foods. my diet guidelines included cream of wheat as soon as one week out and oatmeal after two weeks. I have tried both for sake of variation. my stomach seems to be fine with it and I can actually eat a fair amount (1/2-3/4 packet of cream of wheat made with 3/4c skim milk and 1/4 cup rolled oats cooked in 1/2 cup of premier protein shake). To be honest, both of these foods make me extremely tired after I consume them. so I am getting to the point where I think a protein shake is the best way to start the day. it still takes me a while to finish one, but it doesn't make me want to lay down for hours afterwards. I am trying desperately to fight the fatigue and get back to at least walking around.

Edited July 2, 20206 yr by angryspice

54 minutes ago, angryspice said:

I was not given a range of carbs or any calorie guidelines, but my nutritionist did encourage a balanced diet. I am supposed to be eating Protein first, veggies second, and carbs last. so under those guidelines, I figured there probably won't be much room for carbs by the time I can get to them. I am on day 14 and just moved on to softs foods. my diet guidelines included cream of wheat as soon as one week out and oatmeal after two weeks. I have tried both for sake of variation. my stomach seems to be fine with it and I can actually eat a fair amount (1/2-3/4 packet of cream of wheat made with 3/4c skim milk and 1/4 cup rolled oats cooked in 1/2 cup of Premier Protein shake). To be honest, both of these foods make me extremely tired after I consume them. so I am getting to the point where I think a Protein Shake is the best way to start the day. it still takes me a while to finish one, but it doesn't make me want to lay down for hours afterwards. I am trying desperately to fight the fatigue and get back to at least walking around.

not all programs are ultra-low carb. Some are more balanced. My program was a balanced one, too. They never talked about carbs - they just stressed protein first, then non-starchy vegetables, and then, if I had room (which early on I did NOT), then maybe a small serving of fruit or whole-grain carb. We were told to focus solely on getting our protein and fluids in, and not to worry about calories in the early months. I didn't really start counting calories until I was probably six to eight months out. I wasn't eating enough those first few months to worry about them.

P.S. it's fine to start the day with a protein shake. Some people have a hard time stomaching solid food in the morning, so for those folks especially, a protein shake will do the trick!

Edited July 2, 20206 yr by catwoman7

I am 10 years out. Lost 140 pounds. In last 5 years gained 40back. Life happens. In the last year I have lost 36 of those pounds. How ? Back to basics. Protein - I grill fish or chicken or beef. Portion it up - then I make lots of vegetables - fresh riced cauliflower brocolli carrots and chop in onions or garlic fresh herbs steamed and then a quick sautéed in olive oil - meals for lunch and dinner for a few days. Hot cold - over salad - add stir fry veggies to that .... filling and all healthy. My carbs come from the veggies and fresh fruit. I also will have a daily treat that I don’t count - as anything. One skinny cow ice cream or a piece of chocolate - 2 little dove bites are heaven. And I am in control !!! Intentional eating.

1 minute ago, BriarRose said:

I am 10 years out. Lost 140 pounds. In last 5 years gained 40back. Life happens. In the last year I have lost 36 of those pounds. How ? Back to basics. Protein - I grill fish or chicken or beef. Portion it up - then I make lots of vegetables - fresh riced cauliflower brocolli carrots and chop in onions or garlic fresh herbs steamed and then a quick sautéed in olive oil - meals for lunch and dinner for a few days. Hot cold - over salad - add stir fry veggies to that .... filling and all healthy. My carbs come from the veggies and fresh fruit. I also will have a daily treat that I don’t count - as anything. One skinny cow ice cream or a piece of chocolate - 2 little dove bites are heaven. And I am in control !!! Intentional eating.

That's fantastic! Thanks for sharing your success story.