Question:
Doesn't your body get its energy primarily from carbs?

I am a type 1 Diabetic and the nutritionist says that I may NOT be loosing weight because I am not eating enough carbs. I am a carb addict and have limited my intake quite a bit, but now she has me eating three times the amount. I admit that I have more energy, but as a bypass person, we are supposed to focus on protein, not carbs. If we do protein, protein, protein, our bodies have to be getting its energy from some other source of food, or do we get energy from the fat that we are trying to lose? I know that I have plenty because I weigh 198lbs at 5'2.    — Zipper R. (posted on April 27, 2005)

April 27, 2005
My nutritionist tells me the same darn thing. So what I do is plan my meal to have a good source of protein with a small side of carbs and veggies. If I know I am going to exercise then I make sure to have some carbs 30 minutes before and then I follow up that exercise with a protein drink. HTH!
   — MagickalMom

April 27, 2005
I think the main reason a low carb diet is recommended post-op is because carbs are so easily digested, which would allow you to overeat. Plus carbs don't stick with you like protein. I started eating a lot of carbs when I was an early post-op because that was the only thing that wouldn't make me sick. Otherwise I would've starved to death.
   — MURRAY

April 27, 2005
Protein is ESSENTIAL for life, it fuels muscles like our heart. If we go low protein too long we lose muscle mass, including vital organs like the heart:( Immediately after the RNY our pouches are too small to even provide enough protein let alone extra space for carbs. besides the whole idea is to get the body to burn FAT for energy. I suggest you call your surgeon for his direction. MO type1s are pretty rare, that might be contributing to the confusion. Not earting enough total calories can stall the loss, our bodies can go in starvation mode. My surgeon dr philip schauer explained all this here.<P> http://www.upmc.edu/obesitysurgery/monthlySupportGroup.htm<P> that site has a phone dietician call number for in the morning. you might try calling them for answers. explain your not a patient but I believe they will help you anyway!
   — bob-haller

April 27, 2005
But remember there is a load of difference between veggie carbs and cookie carbs! Just because she wants you to eat more carbs does not mean bad stuff. I know alot of people here do the low carb thing - I don't. If I could stick with that, I would not have had to have WLS to lose weight. I eat rice, potatoes, and pasta as part of my balanced diet. I do try and avoid cake, cookies, ice cream, etc. I'm almost 3 years out and I maintain my weight pretty well. I do use shakes to get my protein in, and take all my vitamins. My weight is up right now b/c I'm pregnant, but I'm fully confident I will get it back down once I have the baby.
   — Ali M

April 28, 2005
Well I hate to say it but we DON'T malabsorb carbs or sugar! So you most definitely want to get your good carbs like the other poster said. Do you do protein drinks? Do you exercise? Do you drink at least 64 oz of water a day? These things are what are going to get your weightloss going again. We have a tool and if you work your program you can do it. I for one limit my carb intake all the way around. I don't drink milk and haven't from the beginning. Too much sugar and fat. I also don't eat fruit. Too much sugar. I know fruit is good for you but alot of it has sugar and sugar will make you stall and/or gain, in my opinion. Keep on keepin on darlin! Erika
   — Egyptianeyesdiva

April 28, 2005
Simple carbs are the body's FIRST choice for quick energy, but we're able to draw energy from EVERYTHING we consume. The post-op diet (protein first, them complex carbs, and lastly simple carbs) is designed to guide our bodies into burning fat. As a Type I diabetic, your needs very well may differ from the 'average' post-op WLS patient. I strongly suggest consulting a nutritionist who's familiar with both WLS patients AND Type I diabetics. It's also pretty common for post-ops to experience a weight-loss stall because of taking in too few calories. This is called 'starvation mode', and basically it means your body's trying to conserve everything it can, because you've been taking in so few calories it 'fears' a famine is at hand. This is an evolutionaty survival mechanism---and probably a factor in why each of us got fat to begin with.
   — MsBatt

May 2, 2005
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!
   — Kare B.

May 2, 2005
I meant, AMEN Ms. Batt!!!
   — Kare B.