Question:
How much carbs?

I have a question about carbohydrates. I am getting 1000cal or under daily. I exercise 6 days a week. My protein is always between 80-110. My carbs today were 125. I was reading people are counting carbs and having only 20? I am 9wks post-op and down 81lbs. Should I be concerned about carbs? Everything I eat is fat free and completely healthy.How do carbs play a part in this. I was told to count protein and calories? Thanks for your help, Beth    — Elizabeth C. (posted on October 15, 2002)

October 15, 2002
Beth, it sounds like you are doing just fine (although I am at 3 months post op and only consuming 500-650 calories a day). Some people on here are more fanatic about low carbs than others. If you are getting your protein and water in and keeping your calories at a reasonable level, keep doing what you are doing. It's obviously working...JR (open RNY 07/17 -96 lbs)
   — John Rushton

October 15, 2002
The nutrionist I saw recently told me to keep the carbs below 100. My surgery date was Aug 6, so we are pretty close to the same post-op. She also told me protein first...always. It sounds like you are on the right track.
   — Kay S.

October 15, 2002
My nutritionist never said a thing to me about counting carbs until I asked her about it. I had plateaued at 6 months and saw so much on this site about counting carbs and how too many can stop weightloss so I asked her about it. She told me to try and keep them under 125 grams per day. As it turns out I am one of those "carboholics" that craves them like crazy and they definitely affect my weightloss. The extreme low carbs of Atkins aren't realistic in my opinion but, you do need to keep them under control. I've found that alot of nonfat foods are high in carbs (especially dairy products--I guess it improves the taste). As a compromise I've switched to many reduced fat items that have lower carbs and taste pretty good. Good luck on your journey!
   — LLinderman

October 15, 2002
My doctor told me yesterday that as long as I didn't eat over 1 cup at any one meal three times a day with 2 snacks not to worry about counting carbs. He said there was no need because you coldn't consume enough to have to count them. I found this odd after everyone else counting carbs but that is what he said. Good luck. Alicia
   — Alicia K.

October 15, 2002
hiya! after my surgery the nutritionist told me to get in around 100g of carbs a day. there are some days when i know i don't reach that but there are days when i probably exceed it...i just try to center my meals around protein and really, i don't worry about counting carbs/fats/calories. when i've hit plateaus i do watch the carbs and up my protein and water plus switch around my exercise. i'm below goal weight now so it's worked for me. it sounds like you're doing fine with your weight loss. take care, kate open rny 6-14-01 pre op: 268lbs goal: 135lbs current: 126lbs
   — jkb