Question:
Are all carbs bad and how many are too many?

Ok, I've heard on here that about 50 carbs are what you should stay below a day but I'm confused. I'm 3 months post op from a VBG and I know we should avoid pasta, bread, potatoes, rice, etc. But what about salad, fruits, veggies, etc.? I heard they have carbs good for us but does that mean we should still limit them? I was vegetarian for 2 years and I can't imagine eating almost all meat at every meal. And if those carbs are ok, do we count them in the 50? I haven't seen a nutritionist so I need someone to break it down Barney style for me! Thanks in advance!    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 20, 2001)

November 20, 2001
OK. Here is my take on this (based on the Protein Power book):<p>All carbs are not created equal. Refined carbs or simple carbs (table sugar, flour, etc.) are the worst. Natural or complex carbs (fruits, vegetables, etc.) are better. Fiber (found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, etc.) is the best.<p>You should limit your carbs to about 40-50 grams per day while you are trying to lose weight. Once you get close to goal, each week up your daily allotment by 10 grams until you start to gain. Then bump back 10 grams. This is your maintenance level.<p>When counting carbs, subtract out the fiber. For example, if 1/4 of a bagel has 15 grams of carbs but it is a whole wheat bagel and that 1/4 also has 5 grams of fiber, you count only 10 grams of carbs toward your daily allotment.<p>Regarding eating all meat, I eat a lot of cheeses and beans, yogurt, and other non-meat protein things. I don't drink milk because I don't like it, but I know that a lot of people up their protein with milk and/or protein supplements.<p>I am not by any means a nutritionist, but Protein Power made sense to me and I think it helped me reach my goal body fat percentage. I hope this helps you!
   — ctyst

November 22, 2001
I don't want to tell you to ignore your surgeon's guidelines, but my surgeon was one of those types who said, "NO CARBS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES," and I just couldn't deal with that. On average, I now have about 1 c. of complex carbs (rice, potatoes, popcorn, pasta, etc.) per day. That accounts for about 200-400 calories or so, depending on toppings. I have followed this guideline since the third month post-op. What was interesting is that my weight loss actually sped up by doing this, because (1) I was more active and less lethargic, (2) I was more comfortable/happy with my life in general, and (3) I didn't feel deprived and eat high-sugar snacks anymore. I am 9.5 months post-op and have lost 150 lbs. with no complications. I do work out 3-4 times per week for 2 hours, so I'm definitely active enough that the carbs haven't really slowed me down much, if at all. Another 50 lbs. to lose - wish me luck! THANKS.
   — [Anonymous]

November 23, 2001
Carbs are not BAD! It's the type of carb. Anything with white flour should be eaten infrequently. Refined sugar should be avoided. Fruits, weggies - go for it! I could not eat any carbs before surgery without gaining weight so I am reveling in the ability to eat fruits and veggies which I love and still lose weight. Your body needs carbs - just choose carbs that are not processed as much as possible.
   — Lisa B.