What do you like to count? Carbs? Protein? Calories?...

Hi VSGers. I'm curious what most people like to count when they are losing weight and then maintaining. Do you like to count protein? Carbs? Calories? Portion sizes? Points? Exchanges? Other? Do you care how much fat there is? Or not? Do you do Keto? Atkins? Weigh****chers? Or make it up as you go along? Is there a choice that is best for VSG or is it individual? Sorry if this is a question I should already know the answer to. Over the years I have done most of the above multiple times each (each with success, but ultimately with regain) but being new to VSG I wondered what the current advice and trends are. Thanks!

There are a lot of different opinions on what diet is best after VSG, and some people are vehement that their diet is the right one. The overall scientific consensus seems to be that none of the diets are significantly better than the others, so the best diet is the one that you can stick to.

In my case, I focus on keeping protein high and calories low, while minimising sugar. Basically I avoid carbs except for fruit and veggies. (Fruits and vegetables contain carbs, but they also contain fibre and lots of nutrients.) I only count calories and protein, but eating this way naturally keeps my carbs in check and my fat intake low.

Thank you!

My plan is "three meals a day, no snacks." My first meal is always a shake, since that's my bargain with myself for breakfast. And I like my shake.

For my two solid meals, I weigh. I aim for 4-6 ounces depending on what I'm eating. If it's only meat, it's closer to 4 ounces. If it's some composed di****'s closer to 6 ounces.

I journal my food. I.e., I write down what I eat in my planner because that keeps me honest with myself.

If all is going well, the "best" choice is individual. If all isn't going well, then the best choice for everyone is to weigh and track everything in order to determine calories and macros, because that's the only way to be able to make sound choices about what needs to change.

My way of eating is "high protein, low carb, let the fat fall where it may." I avoid refined and processed carbs in order to be low carb and feel healthier.

Thanks for sharing Gwen!

Are you still on Vyvanse each day?

Yup!

What kind of doctor prescribed that?

Initially, when my disorder had me at my worst, I was diagnosed by my PCP and she started my treatment. That gave me the time I needed to find a psychiatrist, and now my treatment is managed by my psychiatrist.

During the first year I followed my surgeon's plan to the letter. I used My Fitness Pal, and like Gwen, I also wrote everything down in a food journal. My plan was high protein(70g or higher), low carb(below 30g) and lots and lots of water(90oz or higher). I did not keep track of fat, but I do now in order to get healthy fat into my day(avocado, coconut, butter, olive oil, MCT oil, ect.)

I am not in maintenance because I still have 15-20lbs to loose. Right now my diet is a little all over the place, but there is some amazing people on OH that can help you with the maintenance phase.