New Member

Hi,

My name is Diane and I am scheduled for lap band surgery on November 17, 2010.  I am glad to have found this site!  It is eye-opening to read each member's experiences as prepare for this life change.

One of the things that I am finding interesting is the various diets or food plans that everyone follows.  One of the Bariatric Coordiantors in my surgeon's office recommends doing away with carbs.  She believes that they, carbs, are the main reason why so many people re-gain weight.  What are your thoughts on this advice?   By the way, as of August 20th I stopped eating pasta, rice, bread, and junk food in general.  I really don't miss it as much as I thought I would, but it has paid off.  I'm down 14 pounds.

I look forward to interacting with everyone.

Diane

Nice to meet you Diane!

Congratulations on your surgery date and your 14 pound weight loss!

I know my body was inuslin resistant and I didn't do well with white sugar, flour, (carbs). Instead of burning the carbs my body would store them. I'm glad you have the will power to give them up! I wasn't so lucky. I did lose weight when I stopped eating them but as soon as I started eating them again they weight came back on.  I think there is some truth to what your dr. says.

Thanks, Teresa!  It's difficult to find balance in this journey.  I hope as I grow and learn that I'll be able to make smart food choices.

Welcome to BB Diane! Congratulations on your decision to go for WLS. I believe adamantly on your BC's advice. I only learned about it here, on OH, since my own doc had no such plan and my personal experience is that it's absolutely true. I only lose weight when I focus on proteins and keep carbs to only veggies and maybe a fruit.
Best of luck, in your weight loss journey.

Amalia

Thank you Amalia!  The nutritionist that I'm working with has an extensive plan for me to follow.  Her plan does include some grains.  I believe they are whole grains and she does caution them to be eaten sparingly.  The biggest thing for me was giving up the junk food and planning my meals.  It is so easy to get off track!

Diane

Hey Diane! I welcomed you above I believe, but wanted to reply to your question on the carbs.
We can never fully do away with carbs. It is in everything but meat and animal products except milk. The key is choosing the RIGHT carb sources and moderation. NO white carbs! whole grains only and in moderation. Also best to avoid those carbs that were trigger foods  or a virtual love affair with your body and mind when you ate them, so you don't end up back in that trap.

Congrats on the 14 lbs down! great work!!!

Yes, Patrece, I agree! They (carbs) are  everywhere!!  I still eat fruits and starchy vegetables.  I meet with my Nutritionist next week and I want to discuss whole grains with her.  I have used All-Bran -- the pellets -- in my yogurt (about a tablespoon)  and recently tried that high protein naked granola (it has 8 grams of protein) in my yogurt.  It helps to bulk those things up and I don't get hungry too soon and I also feel like I'm eating something substantial.

Thanks for the welcome!  I look forward to learning so much more.

Diane

I take in 99.9% of my carbs via fruit and veggies. When you eat the right ones, you get plenty of fiber too. I occassionally have a grain source, but only once o twice a week at most, because these were things I loved pre-op and don't even want to go back there.
Oatmeal is a wonderful source, but I often suggest to my support group members and clients, not to eat the grainy carbs first thing in the morning, as it can trigger carb cravings throughout the day. It doesn't with everyone, but does with many.
I like to start my day with protein and fruit, like a yogurt and banana or half a banana, or berries of some kind, or a smoothie. When I eat grain carbs early in the day, I crave more carbs, get tired and just don't do as well in general.
You are quite welcome for the welcome. I am so glad to have you here!

Welcome to the group Diane, glad to have you with us.  I gave up most white carbs several years ago, due to diabetes and spikes in blood glucose levels when I ate them.  So I don't miss the breads and pastas.  Now my hubby wishes I cooked more pastas because they are his fav's.  I have whatever sauce and meat goes with the pasta and maybe some cheese and am satisfied with the meal.  I crave fruits and veggies, he only like 3 veggies and bananas for fruit.  Makes meal prep interesting and a challenge.  I cook things that I can and want to eat and offer them to him along with the meat course.  Usually baking a potato in the microwave for him to round out his meal. 

I recently found out that I can have a sweet or two and not suffer from dumping. In hindsight, I wish I still thought I dumped from the stuff.  Now to put those temptations as far away as possible.  Not buying them is the first step, and it works.

I learn something nearly every day, either from OH or elsewhere that I factor into the choices I make.  Looking forward to reading many, many posts from you.  Hugs

Welcome to the group Diane, and congrats on your weight loss so far.  Carbs are a hard one for me too.  Although I have cut way back on my carb intake I do still eat a little here and there.  My husband's heart surgeon has a saying, "Eat white bread and you'll be dead."  It's kind of funny but then again it isn't.  My doctor is also about low carb but doesn't complain too much about fatty foods.  It cracks me up that the binder they gave us with food lists said that bacon and sausage were OK but corned beef was a no-no.  I made corned beef for dinner on Sunday.  I can eat so little of it that I don't worry about it.

This is an exciting journey and I'm glad you decided to travel this road with us.

Colleen