Post-Op and Cholesterol - Question for Vets

I'm over 4 months post-op and just have a question for the vets.  Prior to surgery, my total cholesterol hovered around 215-218 over the past several years.  I was excited to have blood work done by my PCP post-op just to see how that number was impacted.  Truth is - total cholesterol 4 months post surgery was still at 205.  Now, I get that these numbers are impacted by heredity just as much as food choices at times, but anyone else experience this?

My PCP said that my numbers should go down as I add in more complex carbs/grains.  I am technically able to add that into my food plan in the next week or two, but I worry since those are CARBS!  I'm waffling between do I want to add something like oatmeal to my food plan (it's a killer in carbs compared to the amount I eat now) but I know it should help reduce my cholesterol or do I worry about the overall carb count instead?  I wonder if in time it will improve without adding the grains and extra carbs.  Anyone else face this issue?  What did you do? I have calls in to my dietitian to inquire as to her take as well.

I was just really disappointed to see that number wasn't greatly impacted by the weight loss.  On a positive note though, pre-diabetes totally gone!  YAY!

Janell 

My hubby has high cholesterol genetically too. He was on meds and the recommended "healthy" carb diet docs put you on. Not good. The meds didn't work and eating healthy carbs only made him crave more carbs. He finally went low carb with me and now his meds work and his total cholesterol came in at 152 last month. He was never very heavy. His doc says keep doing what he's doing, forget the healthy carby diet.

Probably not what you were looking for but thought it might shed some light.

--gina 

See that's what I'm worried about. I think since it is going in the right direction, albeit slowly, staying the current course is what I'm planning. Thank you!

I used to be around 200 with meds.  Now I am a little over 200 without meds.  But my ratio is really good and they haven't suggested meds since surgery.  Obviously, mine is heredity in large part.  But as long as I don't have to do meds and am ok, I am fine with whatever number comes up.

Thank you for sharing. Yeah I hate to double my Carb intake simply by adding oatmeal especially is if my ratios will level out. 

I am only five months out so I'm not an expert by any means. However, the same thing happened to me at my 3 month post op visit. My cholesterol was essentially the same. The surgery ARNP said not to worry and that it is common during the weight loss phase, but should stabilize during maintenance. I don't have the experience to know if this is true though.

Laura

Laura, thank you! I was hoping to hear that!! My PCP was the one looking at my blood work vs surgeon and she doesn't have a ton of experience with WLS patients. It helps knowing to stay the course and improvement should be seen in time.

Hello; had the same issue but eventually it does go down, as long as you stick to the Bariatric food list and menus. it's only been 4 months, and it can take time. Not sure about how all your stats fit in but remember each person's different and each persons results will be too.

Total cholesterol is really not that important as what is made from. 

My latest cholestrol was 201, but the "good" - HDL , cholesterol was 95, and low triglycerides. The LDL - or what some call "bad" cholesterol was well below the higher limit. 

Aiming for high HDL, low triglycerides is our goal. With my HDL 95... That is my best protection agains any issue. 

In retrospect - too low cholesterol is not good. As we get older - we need more, to fix and repair, for mental health, etc.  

I worried more when my total cholesterol dropped to below 150... That was not good for me. 

Very interesting discussion.  I eat the largely plant based low fat diet they recommend and have FOREVER . I went into my WLS as a high-cholesterol young woman ... and i ate a very healthy diet ( just too much ) and exercised then.  Now i still exercise ( a lot) almost daily and my cholesterol is STILL borderline .  So you tell me ... its frustrating especially when heat gives me a headache it does not feel healthy ... GRR