Question:
What about CARBS?

Hi all. I'm two weeks post-op and I can eat anything. (Of course WAY smaller portions). My question is this: Now that I'm eating regular foods, how much CARBS should one have during a day. I heard that you should advoid them or eat as little as possible. Please help me here!!! I'm confussed!    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 20, 2000)

June 20, 2000
My nutritionist told me to eat food in this order: protein first, fruits and vegies second and carbs last. If you eat carbs first, they will fill you up too quickly.
   — Paula G.

June 21, 2000
I always find it humorous when people believe that there's a difference between carbs and fruits/veggies. Barb is correct - certain carbs are much better for us that others. And let me say this - there are 3 types of foods: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. If it isn't a protein or a fat then it is a carbohydrate. Now, back to your question. Here's what I'd recommend you do -- eat your protein first and count the protein grams and the calories. Strive to keep a handle on your total calorie intake each and every day. After the protein calories are calculated, then you can add a little fat and some carbs but count all the calories. I try to stay around 900 a day. I was eating less and someone suggested I increase it by 50 to 100 calories to see if I might lose faster. I tried it this week and it worked. I don't know, but I'm going to monitor that theory very closely. Here's another tip: try to eat food the way God made it. By that I mean avoid processed foods. Eat fresh veggies without putting them in cream sauces. Don't fry anything. Meats contain fat already and that's ok - but adding fats can contribute to weight gain and extra calories. I've found that plain corn on the cob is very tastey! Hope this helps.
   — Cindy H.

June 21, 2000
Cindy: Excellent answer I can't add much to that.. And you are very much correct if you go much below 600 calories you're defeating your purpose. 700-800 is good for me ..but everyone is different, different metabolism, different rate of exercise. It is a process that takes adjustments.. I find that letting my body leading me to what to eat and that has worked just fine. As at 6 months post-op I eat anything I want, RNY is a god send, perfect tool for me and I'm the mechanic that rules my body and destiny... <p> Open Divided proximal RNY 12/8/99: Beginning weight 367 Now 245.. 122 pounds gone forever..I feel like a teenager again with just that lost of weight.. <p> <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/vbowen">Gastric Bypass Information, links and recipes</a><br>
   — Victoria B.

June 21, 2000
My personal preference has been not to eat many carbs. Because I can only eat a certain volume... I try and use it all on protein and veggies.
   — kimberly1224