How many carbs per day???

Okay, I've been searching the boards for a while, trying to find the optimal number of carbs I should have a day and still lose weight. I can't find much on the DS side, but found this on the VSG site. Anyone want to tell me if this is what I should follow? Thank you!!!


300 or more grams/day - Danger Zone!

Easy to reach with the "normal" American diet (cereals, pasta, rice, bread, waffles, pancakes, muffins, soft drinks, packaged snacks, sweets, desserts). High risk of excess fat storage, inflammation, increased disease markers including Metabolic Syndrome or diabetes. Sharp reduction of grains and other processed carbs is critical unless you are on the "chronic cardio" treadmill (which has its own major drawbacks).

150-300 grams/day - Steady, Insidious Weight Gain

Continued higher insulin-stimulating effect prevents efficient fat burning and contributes to widespread chronic disease conditions. This range - irresponsibly recommended by the USDA and other diet authorities - can lead to the statistical US average gain of 1.5 pounds of fat per year for forty years.

100-150 grams/day - Maintenance Range

This range based on body weight and activity level. When combined with Primal exercises, allows for genetically optimal fat burning and muscle development. Range derived from Grok's (ancestors') example of enjoying abundant vegetables and fruits and avoiding grains and sugars.

50-100 grams/day - Sweet Spot for Effortless Weight Loss

Minimizes insulin production and ramps up fat metabolism. By meeting average daily protein requirements (.7 - 1 gram per pound of lean bodyweight formula), eating nutritious vegetables and fruits (easy to stay in 50-100 gram range, even with generous servings), and staying satisfied with delicious high fat foods (meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds), you can lose one to two pounds of body fat per week and then keep it off forever by eating in the maintenance range.

0-50 grams/day - Ketosis and Accelerated Fat Burning

Acceptable for a day or two of Intermittent Fasting towards aggressive weight loss efforts, provided adequate protein, fat and supplements are consumed otherwise. May be ideal for many diabetics. Not necessarily recommended as a long-term practice for otherwise healthy people due to resultant deprivation of high nutrient value vegetables and fruits.

Sounds like the paleo diet. Personally, I would say around 50 grams. However, at three months out, I would say that wouldn't be too difficult for you to do as most of your stomach space should be taken up by all the protein you need to eat. How much protein are you getting in every day?

The number one rule when I had surgery was "no sugar and no fruit". Also "fat is your friend". So, if you are getting in all your protein and are avoiding simple sugar and fruit like the plague... then you should do fine. Just eat your protein first and then fill in with veggies. If you want to reduce your carb intake even more, then limit your intake of grains, potatoes, carrots, peas and corn also.

Honestly, I never counted carbs.  Since we malabsorb a decent portion of veggies, I still consider them to be a free food.  Fruits are enjoyed in moderation, and all others have to give me complete bliss in order to consider them worthy of eating.  For instance, a homemede cookie holds much more value than a piece of bread, so if I MUST indulge, it's gonna go for the cookie.  If you eat your protein first, then veggies, then you won't get too buttwild with the naughty stuff.

 Hi Val!  Nice to see you!

Hiya back!

I felt best during the first year when I avoided all simple carbs. White flour in bread & pasta, white rice, sugar, etc. slowed weight loss and made me gassy and bloated. I tried to stay under 75 grams a day until I was ready to stop loss. Even then I would allow myself on special occasions to have more.

 I tried to keep it under 50 a day until I got within spitting distance of a normal BMI, then upped it to 100 a day, thinking that would be my "maintenance" number.   I continued to lose, so I just stopped counting.     Nowadays, I really have no idea exactly how many carbs I take it, but if my pants feel a bit tight, I put the brakes on the shameless carb whoring and cut back a bit.    That usually does the trick.    

Dr. Simper's nurse says 50 grams of carbs are the limit.

Thanks for all of the input. I've been focusing on protein - but the shakes I like the most have 17g of carbs per serving. However, they help me get in 30g of protein, and for now that is worth it. I am just going to start counting again this week, to see what the reality of my carb indulgence is. I think I'm avoiding them, but journaling always opens my eyes to what is really going on.

Julie, aren't you the DS'er who can eat her weight in potato chips? It is good to hear from you!!!