Whole carbs or net carbs? How to break a stall?

[Nyxienoodles 5]

Hi. I am almost 7 months post op. I have lost around 100 lbs. I need to lose 50 more to reach goal weight. My weight loss is at a stall for about 2 weeks.

Do y'all count whole carbs or net carbs? I emailed my nutritionist, but haven't heard back from her. I want to know what has worked for my fellow sleevers and other weight loss surgery people.

I use My Fitness Pal and it automatically does net carbs. They told me to stay under 50g carbs/day, but I'm wondering if counting net carbs instead of whole is affecting my weight loss.

Also, what have y'all done to break a stall?

Thanks!!!!!!!

[KathyLev 284]

I count "net" carbs ( Carbs minus Fiber ) I love the low carb lifestyle ! Before surgery,I lost 40# doing low carb and my body slammed on the brakes and said "nope " at 210 and wouldn't let me lose anymore. That's why I went for surgery ! Now that I'm 5 months out - my body is saying NOPE again ....*sigh*... I've been stalled for 3 & a half months !! I honestly don't think there's any real way to break it ,we just have to wait it out. There's so many videos about people that say they KNOW how to break a stall. I think it's all BS - especially the ones that try and sell you a certain Vitamin or remedy. We'll get there . PS ......... I'm giving you a standing ovation for losing 100 lbs !!!!!! You're an inspiration

[Nyxienoodles 5]

This whole time I have been counting net carbs. And it has worked so far, but I have just been trying to figure out how to start my weight loss back up. My nutritionist finally emailed me like 10 minutes ago. She says that I should count whole carbs because counting net carbs may slow weight loss. So, I will try it her way and see what happens. I just also worry about getting enough fiber. I have to take Benefiber as is. I just feel like now I will be really more limited in what I can eat and it makes me sad. Lol.

Edited October 19, 2023 by Nyxienoodles

[catwoman7 10,939]

I've never counted carbs - whole or net. My program stressed eating balanced meals (not low-carb, like many of them do), and also, I'm not very carb-sensitive (I know a lot of people ARE).

two weeks isn't that long for a stall. They usually last 1-3 weeks, and sometimes they can go ever longer as you get closer to goal. (the last few months I kept thinking, "well, this must be it...", but then I'd drop a couple of pounds). You can't really break a stall - it's part of losing weight. Your body has to stop and recalibrate every once in a while. The best thing to do is make 100% sure you're sticking to your program, and only weigh yourself once a week or so until it breaks.

you may be far from over. I kept losing weight until month 20. But those last few pounds were a bear to get off...

Edited October 20, 2023 by catwoman7

[Arabesque 6,581]

Yeah, I was not told to count carbs either. Just was told to avoid Pasta, bread & rice, like we usually all are, & to keep carbs lowish. I still keep my carbs lowish & still don’t eat bread, pasta or rice. I look to multi or whole grains & mostly those that are low processed (which will give you extra fibre) like traditional oats. Remember your vegetables & fruit have fibre which will compensate for having fewer carbs because you have to count whole carbs.

Our bodies have different needs which is why someone may lose weight following one way of eating & someone else can’t. Low carb may work for you or may not in the long term. Now you are getting closer to your goal you can start to work out what your body needs in regards to nutrients to function effectively. What you discover can be quite interesting. I discovered I feel better with lowish carbs & very low sugar. I also feel better if I eat Breakfast a little later (around 9am) after years of not eating breakfast or feeling blah if I did.

Oh, yeah, you can’t break a stall. It’s a natural & important part of your weight loss. The stall will break when your body is ready & has adjusted (digestive hormones, metabolism, etc.) to meet your new needs. You’ve been putting it through a lot. Best thing is not to make changes which will stress your body more.

Edited October 20, 2023 by Arabesque

[Spinoza 1,218]

I have never counted carbs following my sleeve. I associate that with keto/Atkins. I *do* count Protein intake and total calories - every day.

What I do find is that pasta/rice/potatoes/bread etc. aren't worth eating most of the time (unless I'm WLS masking, in which case I purposely use them to deflect attention). If I can generally eat meals that are protein first, veg second, carbs third then I am usually in the zone and happy.

Best of luck OP!

[Shanna NYC 134]

Stalls are nearly a guarantee at some point. I wouldn't worry too much about it at this stage. Your body is just adjusting.

I am currently 6 and a half months post op and had a few stalls last about a week or two and then a loss. I was the same weight for 2 weeks and then lost almost 5lbs, then stayed at that weight for 3 weeks and just lost 4lbs.

Different things might affect it - could be as simple as sodium intake or not having a BM or your body just trying to adjust for the changes. Not too much you can really do to break a stall. Your body will move when it's ready.

I do not specifically track carbs either, but I typically go by net carbs when I check stats. Honestly Protein takes top priority and everything else just falls in line. I do track via Baritastic app so I have an idea about fat and carb intake, but I don't focus on those numbers. I am not of the mindset of all or nothing, so nothing is cut out completely, I just look for the healthiest alternatives and don't have them often because they aren't worth the precious space. A typical day lands around 50 or less net carbs.

Let us know if the carb count change up helped for you.