Hi folks, I'm writing from Australia. I found your forum just a few days ago, and have been reading through the threads. Its good to find an online resource. I am scheduled for my lap band in about 5 weeks time.

I have met with the dietician to go through the post op way of eating, and the view was to get a good balance of food groups for heathy long term nutrition, both in the pureed and solid food stages.

I wanted to ask why there was so much focus on here for Low Carb Dieting? I even saw a thread of people wanting to do Atkins diet. I must admit I was a little disappointed - I spent a lot of time on low carb diet forums during my "Atkins" phase (yes, I've tried all the diets in the past). I suppose for me, having the banding means giving up all the fad diets, and just eating good healthy food in small portions - a way to keep me honest with that. I can see from the forum that food still seems to be a very large focus for some.

Is low carb a recommended way to eat - or just the personal choice of some?

Thanks,

Luscious

By the way - low carbing for 12 months caused my hair to fall out - so I'm not really keen to go there again !!

The nutritionist in my doctor's office also wants us to go low carb. I don't know for sure, why, but this is what I think: 1) Because eating protein and staying away from carbs (especially bad carbs) helps to curb appetite, 2) Because we are eating considerably fewer calories with the lap band, we must choose them wisely. 3) Because protein is so very important to sustain our body, we must work hard to get in the 60-80g./daily of protein recommended; By the time we get in the protein, there isn't a whole lot of room left in our mini-pouch. My doctor says, you can eat anything you want but... since you will be eating less with lap band, at each meal, you should eat your protein first, followed by vegetables, and if you have any room left, then eat quality carbs such fruit and/or grains. So, I'm not on any 'diet' but since I do want to get in all the nutrients I need, I eat my protein first, followed by vegetables, and if there is room left (sometimes yes, sometimes no) I have fruit or healthy grains. To this point I have NO cravings for bad carbs and since I am definitely a carb addict, I hate to even try a small amount of 'bad' carbs. But, I may, at some point have a small bite of a bad carb--Perhaps when I'm further along this lap band journey. I don't think it would kill me. But, for now, I'm overjoyed at eating only healthy food and seeing a steady weight loss. I don't feel deprived AT ALL at choosing not to eat my 'in the past' binging foods such as donuts, pie, fries, etc.

Because if I follow my nutritionist's guidelines to a T - protein first, then veggies, then if it'll FIT whole grains - I am low carbing, anyway. We have so little room for quality food. Protein is most important for us. Besides that, I've also read of people having problems with bread going through the band. And any processed sugars/flour isn't good for anybody, period. I agree, though, that moderation should be key. I do usually get my protein first, but sometimes when it's a meal like chili, protein is mixed in with the veggies so they get an equal shot.

I think you'll find that your nutritionist will tell you that you can eat everything in healthy moderation. Our Australian band Dr's don't actively encourage the low carb high protien diet - well, none have that I have heard of on this site here and on a couple of other forums. Its more about learning to eat a good diet and handle our food in a "normal" manner.

Low carb works really well for some, and not for others. Just follow what your nutrionist advises and you'll be a successful banster in no time.

Good luck!