Question:
I'm confused about ketois!!!

I recently started doing some research on ketosis. I read a few articles. A couple of the articles said that you should intake more fat than usual when you are trying to be the ketosis state. Is this true??? I know that all carbs should be cut out but I stay under 10 grams of fat a day. Am I doing this wrong?    — Kristina P. (posted on September 5, 2001)

September 5, 2001
No, you should not increase your intake of fat for ketosis. Ketosis is simply a measureable indication that your body is burning fat. (that's a GOOD thing !!!) You want to keep your fat burning, not add more to it. WLS people take in a high protein, low calorie, low carbohydrate, low fat diet and that is how we get ketosis going. You can pee on a little dipstick to find out (if you're a quart low - just kidding!) how much fat you're burning. The deeper purple the dipstick turns, the more fat you're burning. The only real side effects I've heard of are that you may occasionally get a bit of bad breath (brush more often) and that water may taste a bit funny to you (add Crystal Light, or a squeeze of lemon to your water if it tastes funny.) No freaking out about ketosis, now - it is a DESIRED result and it means you are getting skinny(er) !!! Good luck! There is a lot of collected information and a list of other websites to get WLS info at http://lkdobson.homestead.com and it is good to seek answers to questions you have, like this one. I asked about a jillion questions already !!
   — Lisa D.

September 5, 2001
I must say, if your stick is light pink to moderate dark pink you are ok. IF IT IS PURPLE YOU ARE BURNING MUSCLE PERIOD. Ketosis is a byproduct of metabolic process. The number of ketones present in a urine sample measures the degree to which you are metabolizing. There are many variables which determine what your stick says. Hydration ( being less hydrated will show darker ) time of day you test. The very nature of WLS and the way post op eating habbits go ketosis is going to be there. Do not obsess. Follow what your surgeon tells you and don't worry so much about ketones. You should never cut out all carbs as we need complex carbohydrates for the vitamins and fiber. Moderation will take care of the rest. Just remember to drink all of your water. The protein molecule is large and can damage the kidneys if you are persistantly dehydrated.
   — Michelle F.

September 5, 2001
Michelle F -- I know you are an RN, but would you provide an on-line site that a non-medical-professional can understand that will support your assertion that you burn muscle mass when your ketostick shows deep purple? I have read much about ketosis and from what I have found, the deep purple usually indicates that you are dehydrated. This applies to folks who are dieting, not to those who suffer from diabeties. Is this some new information that I have not yet run across? Thanks. Nina
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 5, 2001
Here is a site with an article like the type you describe. I would also point out that is is from a medical information site, not a site that is trying to sell you on their ketogenic diet. http://216.255.140.184/atoz/healthupdate/alert010720002.html
   — blank first name B.