Question:
Any suggestions on how to manage simple carbohydrates?

Since my surgery (12/18/03) I have had skyrocketing blood sugars that require insulin any time I try simple carbohydrates(breads, pastas). Any ideas why?    — Sharon P. (posted on May 21, 2004)

May 21, 2004
Eliminate them from your diet.
   — Cathy S.

May 21, 2004
Because carbohydrates convert to sugar.... I would suggest removing them entirely. I did the same, and my life is much easier. There's plenty of other stuff to eat, and I don't miss carbs at all. I keep them to about 10-15/day. If I eat carbs, my blood sugar skyrockets, then drops to around 30 to 50. Forget that. Poor little pancreas :)
   — kultgirl

May 22, 2004
It's best to just eliminate them, but sometimes I can get away with a bite or two if the majority of the meal is protein. If I eat alot of simple carbs in a meal, my blood sugar will crash like clockwork. Don't know why. Maybe it's because they're no longer broken down by stomach acid and slowed down by a pyloric valve anymore? Could be they're going straight to the intestine, just like sugar and alcohol.
   — mom2jtx3

May 22, 2004
Stick to complex carbs. They're better for you overall - for many reasons!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 23, 2004
Just finished reading the South Beach diet book and it has a very good explanation of how our bodies process simple sugars. You might try getting a copy of the book to help you understand what is happening when you eat the simple carbs. It's an excellent reference book and looks like a very good plan to follow to after reaching goal. I've had problems for years with simple carbs (bread, potatoes, white rice, sugar, etc.) and had already eliminated them from my diet before surgery so if I eat any of those items now (which is very rare), I make sure I have them with protein and fat to slow the digestion.
   — scbabe