Net Carbs

When it comes to the "counting game", protein, carbs, etc . . . do I really just concern myself with the NET carb number, to make sure I stay under 30g/day?  Quest bars were recommended by several folks and the total carbs are almost a whole day's portion!

Hi TheBee

What type of surgery did you have?  Post this on your surgery type forum to reach out with those that had the same procedure you had.

• RNY Gastric Bypass
• LAP-BAND® System
• Duodenal Switch
• Vertical Sleeve

Ignore net carbs. For most people it's just a rationalization to allow them to eat more carbs.

I love Quest bars. But the "fiber" in them is iffy. Look it up online. I would absolutely not count net carbs with those.

It wouid really help to know which surgery you had.

I asked my dietitian about this, and she said no to net carbs. Her reason was that she does not want us finding ways to eat more food. But she teaches us no more than 30 carbs per meal and no more than 15 carbs per snack. Staying under 30 carbs for the entire day sounds rather difficult.

I did research on how many carbs should be eaten after WLS.  The consensus is under 50 carbs and one is still in ketosis. I am not a meat eater but have to eat meats now.  Those who limit their carbs to under 30, I give all the credit in the world to.  I have limited myself to under 50 carbs and count calories too.  Around 800 per day.  And I have lost 80 pounds in six months with 40 pounds left to lose.

You'll find that we all have different info on this subject. My particular plan per my NUT is watching carbs (30-35 grams) more than calories. I still watch my calories. Regarding the Quest bars, you can subtract the dietary fiber from the carbs (Carbs 21 grams - Fiber 18 grams = 3 grams Carbs).

I count the net carbs, but I count calories too, usually those low net carbs items still have a lot of calories too, so I treat those protein bars as overblown candy bars. I can't justify eating more calories in a day just because it's low carb. IMO calories count. BTW Quest bars are delicious, but still a lot of calories, but it does give a good amt of protein in each bar, use only in a pinch.

I never counted carbs at all.  Once I ate protein and a few veggies, there was little room for much else. That being said, I was mindful not to eat many simple carbs vs. complex carbs (vegs). 

Exactly!  My doctors say eat clean, whole foods and you don't need to count anything but steps. Goal 10k a day. I don't eat bread, rice or potatoes, etc. To me, this way is really a lifestyle change for the long term.