Question:
My post op diet sheet they gave me has too many carbs.

They have protein at each meal, and fruit at one meal, veggies in lunch and dinner, but all 3 of my meals they have either potato, rice, oatmeal, cereal, etc. Veggies listed had beets and carrots, which I told the dietician those where high in carbs. Unsweetned Applesauce- the internist tells me this is converted to frutose which is good carbs. I don't know, I think its way too much starchs and sugars. Then they have me drinking a protein shake between meals to get my protein in. I have already chose Designer Whey protein shake from GNC because its high in protein, low in carbs and mixed with water not milk. The dietician has slim fast listed- I thought that was too high in carbs and sugar? Any insight would be greatly apprciated.    — Dina M. (posted on April 9, 2002)

April 8, 2002
Not all Drs believe one should give up carbs. My Surgeon believes in a well balanced meal, with pro coming first, then veggies, then a carb if I want one. Remember not all carbs are created equally, there is a big difference between carrots and fruit compared to donuts and cookies. I have no problem with natural sugars. I can have unsweetened apple sauce and about any fruit there is. I also don't have a problem with dairy. My Nutritionist who works with my dr did say not to drink things like slim fast, ensure, boost, nestle's sweet success etc, because of the sugar content. Good luck.
   — Becky K.

April 9, 2002
You are correct in your thinking. Generally speaking, by the time you get in the protein portion of your meal... there is no room for the carbs, but why bother putting potato on your plate at all. From the start I used tiny portions of steamed or sauteed low carb vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, tomatoes to mix in with my grilled fish bite by bite to moisten it. The vegetables are softer and slippery and make the food moister and easier to eat....plus I was craving vegetables after a couple of weeks. Personally, I would stay away from higher carb fruits and vegetables... plus your choice of protein drink is MUCH better than Slim Fast! I sounds like you have a handle on the carb counts, but you might want to find a good website with fruit and vegetable carb counts. You have really done your research and as a result have yourself fully prepared for this surgery. You will be a longterm success story! People who change their relationship with food rather than just eat reduced portions of the old foods do better overall in my opinion. If you change the way you think... and this is actually what you are doing before you even have surgery, it makes it easier to get on with your life as a thin person. Ciao Bella, Suze
   — SusanMaria

April 9, 2002
I am from SD and my dr. has a similar theory to yours!! I think I am getting to many carbs too. I have argued with the dietitian...to no avail!!! We are to drink JUICE all day long!! HELLO!!! Take about carb loading!! I am not sure what to do ... I am NOT a dietitian by any means so I am scared to try to do my own thing... I am glad there are others in the same boat!! Let me know what you come up with as a solution..GOOD LUCK!
   — Allie A.

April 9, 2002
Allie, I have to agree, juice in between, IMHO, is a no-no. I thought we were supposed to have 0 calories in our liquids between meals? From what I understand its protein, veggies, carbs. Starches like crackers and pretzels will make you graze all day-I'm thinking- ditch the potatoes and substitute low-carb veggies like Susan suggested- zuchinni, aspargus, strawberries are the lowest carb fruit out there, the berries are low. A grape could make you dump!
   — Dina M.

April 9, 2002
I have not had surgery. But, I am surprised to see how different drs have totally different opinions on what their patients should eat. If they are gonna make you eat things like rice, oatmeal, etc. Maybe you could get lower carb cereal, and eat pearled barley or something. Are post ops allowed to eat high fiber things? Keto makes a brand of low carb cereal. La Tortilla makes extremely high fiber low fat tortilla shells that are only 60 calories a piece. Rice!! i THOUGHT that rice made people dump or something. Well good luck to you.
   — Michelle H.

April 9, 2002
Not all carbs are bad. Your brain NEEDS carbs to function properly. Juice is not a good idea, but there is nothing wrong with carrots or other "carb" vegetables. Just make sure you are getting your protein and water FIRST. Do not listen to all the no-carb hype, your body cannot function properly without SOME carbs just be sure they are complex carbs. Oh yeah and forget the slim fast junk. Too much sugar, not enough protein! Good luck to you!
   — Jennifer H.

April 9, 2002
hi...i have the same doc as you post-op open vbg oct 26,2001 (have lost 101 lbs 25 to goal) you dont say wich surgery you are having? sugar would be to high in slimfast ensure ext with rouen Y but is tolerable in VBG.... i followed the diet to a t...but remeber they say protien FIRST then the rest as able and i was rarley able to eat much more then the protein....beleive me inn the amounts that you are being asked to eat (1/2oz extra ) your carb intake is NOT to high.... you will be fine on this diet....now i was not told by the dietician to drink juce at all i was told wwater water water....
   — bekka K.

April 9, 2002
You're thinking like me. Slim Fast has as many sugar g as a regular soda. The Designer is a good choice, for the reasons you mentioned. I avoid applesauce, too. Even the NSA is 12g per HALF cup! The starch carbs dont' scare me too much, since no duodenum, they dont' process the same way, exactly AND they are so dense--how much can we eat? We're on clear NO SUGAR for 4 weeks, starting protein shakes (no milk no sugar) a few days post-op. Then ease into soft foods and on into real foods. We do no milk, no sugar for life, but high protein, such as the Designer types. Sugars not only make us round, but they also cause hunger. Protein supps makes us lean and satisfies.
   — vitalady