To carb or not to carb...

I just attended my hospitals nutrition class (one month out)and left a little confused. I have been eating mostly protein- chili, meatballs, tuna, cheese, etc. I have included sauces to make them moist also. Based on the info I have read on these forums I felt it best not to touch the carbs that were "allowed" but the Nut said very clearly that carbs are needed otherwise your body is using the protein for energy and depleting your muscle mass. Additionally, it can cause bad constipation- which I have suffered greatly from- very painful ? Does anyone have small amounts of carbs , like a piece of Melba toast for a snack or a small amount of potatoes? Trying to make the right choices!

Hi. I'm only about 2-1/2 months out from surgery, so I am not a veteran. But, I keep my carb intake to less than 30 grams per day. Generally, I end with about 20 grams. My focus continues to be protein, and most of my carbs come from a little fruit in my greek yogurt, or veggies. Good Luck!

I avoid crackers, bread, tortillas, rice, potatoes, and pasta. Any carbs are from veggies, and a few fruits. My goal is to stay under 30 grams of carbs per day. As for constipation, occasionally. But I've found if I make sure I get plenty of water in, that isn't really a problem for me. Yes you need carbs, but make them the right carbs!

Melba toast = bad

potatoes = bad

lentils, beans, = much better

i do believe there's a place for carbs post-surgery and "bein regular" on the potty is like a key to life but there's a big difference in the quality of the carbs you consume. You want COMPLEX CARBS. Natural carbs. Melba toast is totally wrong and potatoes should only be enjoyed in minimal servings AFTER you reach goal

Good luck!

Don't do it. And your Nut is full of crap.

Your body needs vitamins, minerals, protein, and fast. It can't make those things, at all, so you must eat them.

Your body does not need to eat a single carb. Ever. Anything that a carb offers, your body can make from something else.

So, can your body break down muscle to use for energy? Sure. If you were legitimately starving, and down to about 4 percent body fat. That applies to none of us.

So, what happens to the morbidly obese, obese, overweight, and just plain average folks who don't eat enough calories, or carbs? Their bodies don't consume muscle, THEY BURN FAT!!!!!

That's the whole point of this whole process! Burn the damn fat! There is zero point in eating things that are going to derail that process!

Listen to Grim! He knows what he's talking about!

Thank you for the great explanation. Can you tell me during the weight-loss phase (I'm 1 month out), what you think our carb count should be at. I have been keeping mine under 20 and then when I seem to slow down I bump up to 30 for a day and that seems to get me moving again. thanks you!

You have been eating carbs all your life and they have turned into fat. That is not going to change because you had surgery. If you want to take the weight off, any diet will work. If you want to take the weight off and keep it off, then you need to eat high protein. Don't go back to carbs until you are ready to go back to obesity.

Constipation may need to be treated with fiber supplements or laxatives. Mostly it needs to be treated with water and exercise. The more you lose the more exercise you need. The good thing is that without your body being in a constant carb coma, you will want to move more and do more.

Your increased energy will amaze you. Don't trade your chance as a healthy, energetic new life for melba toast and potatoes or even roasted kale.

Especially roasted kale.

Thanks to everyone for your responses. You all have made me feel much better about the foods I have been eating. It just made me second guess things when the Nut said otherwise, made me feel that I was doing it wrong. I do trust people who have been through this and have found success, so thanks again:)