Protein bars = road to failure?

People who work out hard DO have pre workout snacks.  Trainers who work people out for a living advise this. We have medical professionals to tell us what we need to do.  Also, WHO would get most of their stomach cut out if they weren't serious about weightloss?  WATCH WHAT YOU SAY!

Sport nutritionists will tell you carbs before a workout and protein after a workout. You need the carbs for energy and fuel and protein helps the muscles repair.

I think many WLS people get to be little hypersensitive regarding carbs and calories. I certainly understand the reasoning. But I also think, in the long run, it's better to develop healthy habits and learn the best way to eat rather than see how fast I can lose the most amount of weight. So I don't count carbs or calories, although I am mindful that I don't overload, either. And it matters what kind of carbs, too (i.e. simple vs. complex, whole foods vs. refined garbage).

I was going to say the same thing, so not need for me to say a thing. Great Post IMO.

I eat an Atkins Daybreak Chocolate Chip Crisp bar pretty much every day.  It's 140 calories, 10g protein, 15g carb (6 fiber, 6 sugar alcohol).  It doesn't 'trigger' me at all, and it's a good eat in the afternoon because it's pretty light.  I include it in my carb count for the day which I keep under 30g, generally (total, 20 net).  I work long hours, and mid-afternoon is when I need a little 'kick' generally.

I'm running 4-5 miles at a time (or doing that much and more inside on the treadmill or elliptical) most days of the week plus lifting 2x a week.  I've been keeping my protein above 80g day, calories under 800. . I don't find I need carbs immediately ahead of my workout, I generally eat protein before my workout  -- like 2oz hamburger an hour before I run,  and I do a protein coffee afterwards.  I can drink caffeinated coffee until bedtime without ill effect. If I couldn't I'd do a shake with unsweatened almond milk. 

I do find I need to eat regularly -- like every 3 hours -- to keep my energy up in general.  With my restriction, i can only eat about 2oz at a time. 

Keep it up, girlfriend!  You're doing great!

I'm glad I read this. I bought a box of portein bars last week and I love them. I never thought about them being a trigger for me, but I ate 2 today and thought to myself "What the hell youare doing woman?!?!"

Hmmmm....I think it might be trash time for them. Not worth the risk.

Well, at least they didn't trigger me to eat anything else unhealthy.

Geesh. This is a process.

Maybe you shouldn't trash them. I've read that some people use them in a bind when they don't have anything to eat and they need something quick so they always have one in their purse or in their car. Not an ideal meal, but it's something...

What I find works best for me (and I'm still experimenting with it,) is a small sandwich on whole grain bread - 40g or so slice of bread with a couple ounces of meat and a slice of cheese. That works out to around 25-30g carb and 20-25g protein and around 250 calories depending upon the components. It does help provide more endurance for my swimming workouts, though I haven't noticed it doing much for my strength training workouts, so I use my more traditional salad for those days.

Something having complex carbs a couple hours ahead of time was one emphasis by my RD, as that takes a little longer to go through your system, being absorbed more slowly, so it gives you better endurance than simpler carbs, like whats mostly in the protein bars, that go through quickly.