Question:
Why are carbs so so so bad for us post op?
Please dont everyone go off on me, I just am wondering why everyone is so carb crazy? Do they affect us differently now that we have had this surgery? Its not that I overdo, but I dont sit and count every single carb that I eat, and I'm still losing. Can someone elaborate for me? — Summersect (posted on April 5, 2002)
April 5, 2002
I don't think they are bad. My nutritionist advises a well balanced diet
focusing on eating the protein source first incase you get full fast. If
you suppliment your protein, you are a little more free to choose
non-protein foods. I love salad, and it has little protein unless I add
beans or chicken or tuna, etc. Some of the members here are VERY
anti-carb. I affectionately call them hard-liners. I don't know their
reasons for it, but they may have a great deal to lose and feel they cannot
afford to eat ANY carbs.
For me, I have to try to form a healthy eating style NOW, in the first few
mos. to year that I feel I can maintain LONG term. Fact is, carbs are a
really large part of the diet in every culture. I think as long as you are
eating more complex carbs (veggies,fruit & dairy?) and less simple
carbs (bread, pasta) you will be OK. I actually eat EVERYTHING that I can
tolerate, but my focus is more meat and fruits and veggies; less crackers,
pasta etc.
— Karen B.
April 5, 2002
Carbs are quickly digested and absorbed causing a surge in insulin
secretion. When this happens, sugar in your blood stream shoots through
your system. Since your body doesn't need this quick energy, it is usually
stored as fat. Also, the rapid transport of sugar ends up depleting your
sugar supplies, thus causing low blood sugar. This in turn leaves you
craving more carbs.
— Julie S.
April 5, 2002
Well I know that some people treat all carbs like the plague. I think the
main thing is that protien should be your first priority, and avoid all
refined sugars, then some complex carbohydrates in a balanced diet is the
key. I.E. Some veggies, whole grains, beans, fruits, etc.
As long as you get at least your 65-75 gms of protien, stay away from
refined sugars, and are careful of overdoing fat and carbs, you should be
OK.
— Dell H.
April 5, 2002
Adding to ther others info...Carbs digest in your mouth. Think of a
cracker, cookies, cakes etc. You can have them completely mushed up by the
time you swollow without effort. That makes it easier to get lots of high
calorie, low or no nutrient food in.
— ZZ S.
April 5, 2002
Julie says it all for me- or why I stay clear of the carbohydrates. As
much as I'd love to have a pasta dinner- I can't. I will have a bite...
but my meals revolve around protein. Even after this great surgery- my
body cannot process carbs/sugars like other people still can. Call me
hardline, but all that carbs do for me is make "crash and burn"
i.e., I have a carb highs and then a carb lows.... so bad that on a carb
high- I have trouble concentrating, even communication is difficult. I am
just too scattered & muddled. Pre-sugery I used to fall asleep after
most meals. Until I figured out the PCOS/Low Carb connection- I could
never understand my 3 'clock "sleepies?" and why I woke up in a
puddle of drool on my desk......
— Karen R.
April 5, 2002
Carbs arn't bad. I eat them by the truck load. Except for refined sugar.
Well ballanced diet is the key. Plus if you exercise regularly like I do
you can eat ant thing you want as long a protien is around 1 gram per pound
of body weight.
— Roger T.
April 5, 2002
Please keep in mind that when people start talking about staying away from
carbs, they are often talking about simple carbs or starches, bread, pasta,
crackers, etc. We all need some protein, some carbs and some fat in our
diets. If you make sure that the carbs you eat are complex carbs in the
form of fruits and vegetables, you should be OK. Also, as others have
said, get your protein in first.
— garw
April 5, 2002
Carbohydrates are 1 of 4 major molecules of life. It is also the first to
break down into the building blocks....sugars. These are burnt up first,
then fat, then protein. Thats why some people think no-carb diets are good
(all the fat then gets burned first). But that is not good. If fat burns
too fast, you can go into acidosis which is what some diabetics experience
(not good). I think balance is the key. You still should have SOME carbs
before and after surgery.
— emilyfink
April 5, 2002
Carbs are an important and necessary part of your post-op diet, but you
have to remember that your body needs protein, vitamins, etc. way more than
sugar. Your body probably has enough excess fat to live carb-free for
years. In my personal opinion, you should concentrate on protein first and
then fill in with carbs as desired. I have done it this way and am happy
to have lost 174 lbs. (and still losing!). The key is moderation and
avoiding diet mentality.
— Terissa R.
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