Question:
I am Pre-op, Dr. has me on Atkins Diet

to help shrink my liver before surgery. My surgery date is Oct. 10, 2002. I am afraid that I will gain weight after I have my surgery because the Atkins diet is so strict. Only 20 carbs, alot of protein and fats. After surgery and I'm no longer following the Atkins diet will it make me gain weight? I am hoping to lose weight after surgery. Has anyone else been on the Atkins diet pre-op for an extended period of time? Did you still lose weight after your surgery? This fear is really bringing me down. I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks    — Patricia C. (posted on August 19, 2002)

August 19, 2002
I'm 8 yrs postie, and I guess I do a sort of modified Atkins, though I don't think of it as any kind of strict plan. I do lots of protein via shakes, avoid milk & sugar, don't care much about other carbs or fats. I've held my weight since I got here. No, I don't think you'll gain wt unless they put you on a high milk/sugar post-op diet.
   — vitalady

August 19, 2002
I'd have to say I'm mostly on an adkins diet post surgery. Mostly protein then fruits and veggies and carbs only if I've still got room. I would guess that you should suspect that your diet will contiue with high protien and low carb. However, all Dr.'s reccomendations are different. Personally, I have trouble eating carbs now anyway. They don't even taste the same and just feel too heavy in my stomach.
   — Scott L.

August 19, 2002
Patricia, I have about 10 personal friends that have had rny bypass surgery. Three of us had the same surgeon and all the others had different surgeons. That makes about 8 different surgeons. 6 recommended a strict protein first diet with very 'few' carbs. When I have taken in too many carbs I don't lose as well and I also don't feel as well either. Those of us that have fowllowed the protein first with few carbs, water & water & more water and of course exercise have lost better than the one's that have taken in more carbs. My doctor likes the carb to come in the form of veggies, fruit (strawberries or canalope-low in frutosamine & whole grain (very limited). If you stay within the bounds of few carbs I have no doubt that you should do very well. Good luck with your surgery!!
   — Tracey W.

August 19, 2002
You WILL be on Atkins (minus all the fat) for the most part post-op. ALso, because of malabsorption and a general rearranging of (y)our insides, your metabolism, digestion, EVERYTHING will be different and you WILL lost weight.
   — Marti R.