Question:
I read somewhere that we could follow the Atkins induction diet.

I looked at some of the recipes. Yes, they are very low in carbs but seem to be very high in fat. Some recipes have 30+ grams of fat per serving. That seems extremely high. Is it okay to follow this diet? My gut is telling me no. I am a month and 2 days post op. Thanks much, Lisa    — Lisa D. (posted on October 12, 2003)

October 12, 2003
I don't really think this is a good idea. I am about the same days out from surgery (9/10/03) as you are and am still on liquid protein. The fats in the Atkins diet are VERY
   — Phyllis W.

October 12, 2003
I went to my first support group meeting on Thrus and the sponsering Drs. really poo-poo Atkins. However, they did recommend one of their protein drinks because it is low in carbos.
   — Marrilee M.

October 12, 2003
Lisa, my dr wasn't an advocate of liquid diets, but he did stress protein. And the premise of Atkins diet is good, but I don't think he intended for his patients to use as much fat as they wanted. Anyway, if you are going to eat real food, stick with seafood and chicken. Keep carbs to a minimum. In fact our dr said to stick to pure protein as much as possible. Even now, over 6 mos out, he discourages most carbs, other than the natural vegetable and fruit. So take it easy. Remember if you decide to eat, chew, chew, chew.
   — lharbison

October 12, 2003
Lisa- I am one of those people who strongly advocates using the Atkins induction diet to snap any plateaus; using it, I have yet to have a plateau that lasted longer than a few days. There tends to be a strong misconception about fat content. First, the body simply does not burn all calories equally; consequently, eating high fat foods in the context of a low-carb diet will not add weight as those calories will be burned very quickly. Secondly, unless you have an issue with cholesterol (or gall bladder disease)and your doctor has specifically restricted your diet, consuming the fats that you would on an Atkins type of induction diet should not cause you any harm. Thirdly, even the late Dr. Atkins himself discouraged people from using the induction type of diet for long term; it is merely a good way to jumpstart your weight loss by getting your body into ketosis. What you'll find as you get further out is that eventually you will start to feel hunger and you will need to eat foods that will fill you (albeit in small portions); if I am pursuing a low carb program, I will get filled up on proteins and fats and be able to maintain my weight loss (particularly given that fruits, vegetables and grains will all be limited-- but not eliminated from- my diet). Using the Atkins induction diet has worked for me in eliminating plateaus and in helping me to not get discouraged (which, in turn, minimizes the excuses for cheating). I reached my goal after 11 months and am now at the same weight I was in college (and am continuing to lose slowly getting down to a size that I never would have thought possible when I started). My blood work has consistently shown normal cholesterol, good mix of HDL and LDL levels and ample evidence that I'm healthy, I haven't lost my hair despite my very rapid weight loss (over 255 pounds in less than 12 months) and haven't had any of the problems typically associated with poor nutrition. In short, use the Atkins induction diet to help you into ketosis and then maintain good health and weight loss with a more-balanced, but still low carb and high protein, lifetime eating plan. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi