Question:
Does everyone omit carbohydrates from their post-op diet?

Or should we be eating a balance from all of the basic food groups? My Dr. recommends omitting carbohydrates until I reach my goal, but I've heard that you need all the food groups working together to burn fat properly. I would love to hear others experiences with this. Thanks....Dani    — Dani J. (posted on March 14, 2000)

March 14, 2000
We are not required to omit carbs, EXCEPT all sugars, including those found in all milk, but not all dairy products. We take a lot of protein supplement, which is nicely balanced already, so having to FIND that balance is not necessary for us.
   — vitalady

March 14, 2000
My doctor also said no carbs.(meaning bread, potatoes, cereal, crackers) It is not hard to eat around the bread. From my understanding, sugar and carbs turn to fat. My diet consists of 70% protien and 30% vegies. He requires this diet for a full year after surgery. It seems to have worked, I am 10 1/2 mo. post op and have lost 150 lbs!! I only have 7 more to go to get to my goal! Good luck to you! jenae childress
   — jenae C.

March 15, 2000
Barb I was doing some conversions.......you had 16inches bypassed? This only works out to about 41cm's? I am having 100cm's bypassed. A Proximinal RNY. Doesn't 16inches or 41cm's seem small to you? or is it that 100cm's is at the tip of the Proximinal scale? Just wondering Lori Wissinger-Edmonton, AB CANADA Pre op Open RNY April 10th
   — Lori W.

March 15, 2000
Dana-please don't let anyone second guess your surgeon! I know we are both just a week post op, but I had previously received emails from lots of people questioning the length of intestine removed, size of pouch, etc. And its so usefull for you to hear this one week post op, right? Makes you want to go right back to your doc and have a revision!!! (LOL). My doc does not remove all carbs from the diet. Nutritionist says to focus on protein first for now, and if there's room for carbs, then have them. This is my diet for the next 3 weeks, and I was initially concerned about not having a balanced diet, but, I guess it'll even out. (I am at my brother's fighting with 2 teens for computer access, so I apologize if you've emailed me at home and didn't receive an answer).
   — Toni B.

March 15, 2000
I do not omit carbs. My surgeon did say to focus on protein, but now (1 year 1 month post-op), I make sure to get carbs, especially since I am exercising a bit, and plan on entering a 5K or a 10K. They are necessary for fueling and repairing muscles before, after, and sometimes even during exercise (especially marathons, which are a long-term goal of mine). If you are recently post-op, ask your doctor. Mine said not to worry about them. Good luck!
   — Elizabeth W.