Low carb pre-op diet (40 carbs a day)

Hey ladies! I just started my pre-op low carb diet, only 40 carbs a day and I'm struggling. I realized this morning my protein shakes I've been making for breakfast aren't good on the diet!   For some reason I didn't think milk had carbs-- my skim milk label showed 13 carbs in 1 cup! I've been drinking at least 3 cups a day!

Help! Do you have any suggestions on what to eat to stay under the 40 carbs a day? I know meat and cheese ofcourse, but what else? Breakfast and lunch are my problem... I usually can get a meat and a vegetable in for dinner.  I'm thinking of going to Barnes and Noble this weekend to get a book on what to eat.  My surgeon hasn't officially said to do this yet, but I'm hoping my surgery is only a month or so away so I'm getting started on it on my own.  Please help! --Melinda 

Hi Melinda!  I have to do the low carb pre op too!  I actually did Atkins once.  I ate eggs, bacon, & cheese for breakfast every day.  Here are some things that you can try, they are things I really liked! pork skins - no carbs, string beans - low carbs, I used to pat out a hamburger patty with cheese and bacon in it and cook it in the microwave, good.  hahaha  You can look up a list of low carb foods on the internet.  There are so many things out there.  I am sure you can find something.  I never thought I would get tired of meat, but I did.  Good luck.

Does your surgeon require a low carb diet pre-op? If so I would contact his office and talk to them before starting it on your own and let them know you are doing so... I would also request a copy of the diet so you can follow what they say. There are many low carb diets out there... ones such as Atkins are high in fat so your surgeon may suggest against it... ones like South Beach are low fat and low carb. Also the 40g carbs a day - is that actual carbs or net carbs? That can make in big difference in the amount of food you can eat. 

Thanks for the info ladies.  I do have the paperwork from the Nutritionist regarding the pre-op diet and what is "allowed" and "not allowed". I don't think they want us to eat the "high fat", "low carb" diet, so I'm trying to watch all of it which is proving to be very difficult.   I am mainly eating meat (chicken/pork and low-fat luncheon meat) and lots of cheese-- fat free or 2%. I am also eating eggs... I did have scrambled eggs with cheese this morning and a piece of bacon, but I'm going to try to start eating the low fat bacon or turkey bacon so it won't be so high in fat.  The list from the surgeon/nutritonist limited so many things!  You never even think about fruit having carbs! I took your advice though and just called the surgeon's office about the diet. She said it was fine to go ahead and start the diet b/c we may be able to schedule the surgery a week or two after the Oct 1 appointment. Thanks for your support, ladies!

Atkins is not specifically hi fat, but the way some folks have followed it has gone overboard with fats.  However, keep in mind that foods are basically built of three things, protein, fat, carbs.  When food manufacturers create "lo fat" foods, they usually increase the carbs, since it's cheaper than increasing the protein.  Likewise, dairy products that are lower in fat will be higher in carbs (ie. skim milk has more carbs than heavy cream).  So watch the lo fat stuff you get.  Bottom line, read labels.   I suggest you also post your orignal message on the diet and nutrition board.  There are certified registered dietician pros on there who will help.  They've been great at answering questions, and it's good to get info from the best.

Thanks for the info, Robin!