1-800-ASK-A-VET (Ask anything thread...)

I cannot tell you how many calories, as I was never told to count calories.  I was only told to track my protein and to follow the protein-forward eating plan that included very limited simple carbs.  That worked for me (and continues to work for me in maintenance), so the only reason I know how many calories I was EVER eating is because I paid attention to the numbers on fritday.com and looked at the calories when my loss was so slow during the second 6 months... and because I wanted to know what the calorie level was that was keeping me at a steady weight in maintenance.

I don't fully understand dumping from carbs, either.  What I DO understand (and hopefully this will be enought to answer your question!) is that:
1) dumping is a reaction by the intestines to a sudden influx of unprocessed sugar
2) simple carbs are broken down into sugar, specifically glucose (and are broken down fairly quickly by the body (as opposed to complex carbs, which are not broken down as quickly))
3) most people do not dump on lactose (sugar from milk carbs) or fructose (sugar from fruit carbs)
4) when the body gets too many simple carbs with no fiber in them in a short period of time, it converts them to glucose quickly and the result is dumping (this is likely what you experienced with the mac and cheese)

What I do NOT understand is:
1) people insist that they have dumped from starches (e.g., potatoes) which have a different molecular structure than sugars and are processed by the body more like the complex carbs (which also have fiber). I have never had it happen to me (nor have I ever had a "carb coma") , but more than one person whose judgment I trust has told me that they have dumped from carbs, so I have to believe that it does sometimes happen.  I just don't understand how/why.
2) some people (like you) indicate that they dump more easily on carbs than on sugar... but the result is the same... too much glucose in the intestines... so I don't undersatnd how that is possible.  Hopefully someone can explain it to me!

Lora

One more question. I am sick for the first time since surgery. Horrible sinus infection that came on all of a sudden. I was unable to go to the gym today - crazy headache, nausea from drainage, no energy - and I took allergy meds plus a decongestant. I also have Lortab left from the surgery and have been taking that because the sinus pressure is so bad and it relieves everything.

When I go to the regular doctor (which I rarely do, its been probably a year since my last sinus issue) will they prescribe regular antibiotics? Are NSAIDS the only thing I need to worry about NOT taking? Should I tell him about the RNY?

Yes, the doctor can prescribe normal anitibiotics.  The only medications you need to worry about are NSAIDs and time-release (e.g., "CR" (controlled release) or "XR" (extended release)) medications.  Not all time-release drugs have such a marking in their name, so be sure to always ask your doctor about whatever (s)he prescribes because they sometimes forget that you cannot take them.

Lora

Lady Lithia- Do you mind sharing what protein powder you use? I have seen you mention that yours is around 110 calories and tastes good in water. I am just curious!

Thanks to you all for the answers about the protein and plateau! :)

I use the syntrax matrix which is a Whey Protein Concentrate I mix it with water and crystal light. Orange and Cream, or their Strawberries and Cream, or their Vanilla.

20 oz water, 1 crystal light, one scoop of protein powder, sports bottle to drink it out of. Yum.  

Does the Orange and Cream one remind you of an Orange Dreamscicle?  If so I may be all for it!  I've wanted to try it, but just never got around to it.  I love the Strawberries and Cream though.  

Thanks for starting this thread----great idea!

Ok, my questions involve stalls----I have them more than I don't and feel like a total failure most of the time regarding my weight (seeing a therapist to work on the head issues). So can you throw out your best "stall breakers"?

I eat around 1100 cals a day, over 100 grams of protein a day, around 45 grams of fat, and 75 grams of carbs---this is approximate with about 75 ounces of fluid as well. I work out 2-4 times a week with weights and a program from a trainer, then I also walk 2-3 days approx 3 miles ---please tell me what you would do different if you were me---
Am I eating too much? Not enough? My carbs are from fruits and veggies or whole grains---nothing refined!

Thanks again for taking the time for us newbies----