Question:
what exactly does ketosis diet do for a person and do all weight loss surgeons require this?

   — Rachel H. (posted on June 1, 2004)

June 1, 2004
Ketosis is a natural process that occurs when you severely restrict your carb intake. Immediately post-op when the emphasis is on protein first, and you can consume very little food, almost all of us go into ketosis. That's a good thing because that means your body is burning fat for fuel rather than carbs. Surgeons don't "require" it happens naturally if you have a protein first post-op plan. The Atkins diet induction phase usually will cause a person to go into ketosis as well.
   — scbabe

June 1, 2004
Ketosis, if severe can be dangerous though. Some diabetics I think can go in to it and severe cases can cause kidney or liver damage. Ketosis occurs when fat is burned at a high rate and fatty acid bodies are produced (also called ketoacidosis). The body burns carbs, fat, and protein in that order. That's why Atkins promotes no carbs because the fat will get burned first. But, at too fast a rate it is not good. I agree with the other poster that because of our original low-carb/high protein post op diets, we will burn the fat quickly. It should not put you in the dangerous zone.
   — emilyfink

June 1, 2004
Emily, Ketosis and keotacidosis are not one in the same. The later one is very dangerous for a diabetic and possibly anyone, but sure on that. Ketosis is the process of using fat stores for energy because it does not have any carbs coming in to use for the energy. It is safe to stay in max ketosis for a long time, however it is critical that a person be under a doctor's care while doing this and that they get in tons of fluid to flush the ketones out of their body. Otherwise you can end up with kidney problems and gout etc. I did almost 100% protein for 4-1/2 months and had no ill side effects. My surgeon said I could even do it as long as a year as long as I got the water in. Being in ketosis was burning the fat off of me very quickly and that is why I chose to stay in max ketosis so long. Why mess with what was working. Helped me pass my goal weight in 12-3/4 months with a loss of 244 lbs at that point. Now I float around a 250 lb loss.
   — zoedogcbr