How low is 'low' carb to you?

[Former Member]

Originally Posted by girl81

Do you guys subtract fiber from your carb count?

In theory, yes. In practice, no. It's a negligible difference unless it's a massive amount of fiber; for example, I know of one protein bar that's 10g fiber.

I know that the Atkins-type diets say you can subtract fiber from carbs for the whole "net carbs" thing. However, since our absorption is wonky, I don't.

I do subtract sugar alcohols though...because I know for a fact that I ain't absorbing those. But then again, if it's more than 1-2g of a sugar alcohol, I won't go within 10 feet of it.

[Bridg]

<sigh>
Just a reminder that this surgery isn't magic. I will probably still have to watch my carbs somewhat, then, because I am pretty sensitive to them.

As for fiber, how does that affect your digestive system? I cannot tolerate very much fiber at one time - it causes major cramps. Does soluble vs. insoluble matter?

Bridg

[jpcello]

Not sure how much I can answer the fiber question but I'll give it a shot. I was terrified of it, thinking it would make me constipated or give me the runs, I just didn't understand it. Well after reading on the boards, I decided to give it a try. I got a powder fiber at Whole Foods. It has a large amount of both insoluble and soluble fiber. It is a miracle! Before, in the mornings I used to go to the bathroom 4-5 times pretty runny stuff. Since the fiber, it has firmed me up and I only go 2-3 times. I think it help regulate our digestive systems and makes it operate a little more efficiently. I'm sure someone else can answer your question more scientifically

[PegRn]

I'm the last one you want to hear post on this thread *ducks from all the daggers that will come her way*
I still at almost 3 yrs out hvae to work qu ite hard to get enough calories in to maintain my weight. so I have never had to low carb it on the other end almost had to very high carb it and now today I just have learned to balance what I need according to my weight. But its very funny now my housse is always FULL of junk food where preop I detested it and wouldnt keep it in the house lol funny how a surgery changes so much.
I went to the grocery store tonight and bought the typical amount of snack food to get us thru one week minus hte weekend have to make a new trip for that but two bags of pretzels, bag of fritos, dip, 6 boxes of little debbies cream filled varieties, a dozen fresh baked donuts from the deli, box of cheezits, ice cream bars usually the snickers cuz then I get some protein in them too haha, pudding and jello up the wazoo, and then at least three dozen cookies to bake varying from oatmeal raisin to choch chips
women look in my basket and more then 50 times now I have gotten snide remarks about how nice it must be to be soo thin and eat like that... I just have learned to turn around and say is it? Do you think you really know my situation?? and you think its fun trying to cram food in you just to maintain a weight that is almost healthy... because its just not
I just wish for normalcy and I think when I get to gagner Im gonna seirously consider a revision. Im tired of over eating and eating 6 times a day and not small meals either! lol we have to go to my fiance's for christmas eve and christmas day... Im sooo not looking forward to this as the bathroom is main floor directly in front of the you guessed it main living room and main bedrooms Cries* they are wonderful people but I sure hate to defile their home with my 6-8 bm's a day
I'll have to practically starve myself while Im there and pray I dnt have to use the restroom or its warm enough to go out in the woods and do it hahaa

[Bridg]

Wow, Peg! I almost want to say I wish I could be like that, but I can't stand that much junk food now! Have you considered any kind of revision at all to help you more easily maintain your weight?

So I guess there's really no telling ahead of time what things will be like post-surgery, not for sure anyway. I'll just try to take maximum advantage of my window (making sure I allow enough time to heal right after surgery!).

Thanks!

[AmandaLeigh]

Awww, Peg I feel for you. Really, I do! I would be scared too about going to my boyfriend's family's house for a gathering! *Yikes!* I pray yours goes well. (I too, probably wouldn't eat all that day, and would make up some excuse to go to a nearby store if I had to use the restroom.) My boyfriend is awesome with that, he totally understands. He is just amazed that I am so poop-focused! heehee (But thankfully, due to taking Flagyl, I fart less often than he does. Oh yeah! =) And, due to taking Nullo, my farts smell better than his! Boo-ya!)

I get sick if I eat *too* much junk food. I just feel queasy/bloated/gassy/gross. Have you tried to eat more "healthier" junk? I L-O-V-E fruits (apples, oranges, bananas and strawberries). Pizza is something I eat almost daily. Oatmeal or breads?

If I was trying to hold on to more weight, I'd probably watch my fat intake (and not eat so many McDonald's double cheeseburgers and fries!)

To answer your question, Bridg:

As for my carbs, I have never watched/limited them. On a "good food" day I eat roughly 8 times, which equals:

anywhere from 100-160 grams of protein
150-300 grams of carbs or more (have never counted)
25-45 grams of fiber
140 ounces plain H2O
all my vitamins/supplements

Everyone is sooo very different post-DS. For instance, I seem to be able to eat basically anything from a weight-gain standpoint, but I am constantly battling either too-loose stools (going 4-10 times per day) or not enough stools (going 1 time per day, or not at all that day!)

Insoluble fiber is yummy (I love beans and veggies, etc.) but too much of it does give me gas/bloating. I take 20 grams per day of soluble fiber (Thanks Nimbus!) in the form of a powder that I mix with applesauce. It does not make me feel bloated, but it does keep things moving kind-of along schedule!

Hope this helps!

[doody]

Do you guys count the carbs in milk?
I have alot of milk to help with my protien intake and wondering ifI should cut this down.

[PattyL]

There is a lucky few who really can eat as they please. They are the minority.

I ran out of window before I ran out of fat. This could happen to you too! My best advice to anyone is to lose the weight first. Then find out what you can eat on the carb buffet without gaining.

There are some people still losing slowly 3,4,5 years post-op. There are others who stop losing after 6 months. There's no way to say where you will be in the heap.

Use your time wisely!

[jpcello]

Originally Posted by doody

Do you guys count the carbs in milk?
I have alot of milk to help with my protien intake and wondering ifI should cut this down.

Absolutely -- carbs are carbs. The carbs in milk are from sugar. I used to drink milk by the gallon pre-op. Now I don't drink it at all. Every once in a great while I'll have a small glass of milk.

It was hard to tell from your signature block what your weight loss status is? Are you still losing or do you still want to lose?

[doody]

Originally Posted by jpcello

Absolutely -- carbs are carbs. The carbs in milk are from sugar. I used to drink milk by the gallon pre-op. Now I don't drink it at all. Every once in a great while I'll have a small glass of milk.

It was hard to tell from your signature block what your weight loss status is? Are you still losing or do you still want to lose?

I am still tryin to lose more weight, now 15 months out.
Only lost about 10lbs in last 4 months.
I need to lose another 3 stone (about 40lbs) to be 'normal'

Might try cutting down the milk but it really helps me get the protien in everyday.