Struggling with Atkins

[ATXVeg 31]

I'm on day 5 of a 14 day Atkins pre-op diet. Because I'm a vegetarian my NUT is allowing me 50 carbs daily instead of the usual 20. I've lost two pounds. Two. I'm really considering just going on a 7 day liquid fast. I tried to call my NUT to talk to her about this but they close early on Fridays. So until then I'll stay on what I was told but I'm really worried. What happens if your liver doesn't shrink because you don't lose weight? Any ideas?

[2muchfun 8,927]

Some docs will not do the surgery if the liver hasn't shrunk? My doc didn't care and required no pre surgery diet. But, I think each doctor may modify the diet depending on each patients anatomy and eating habits?

I guess I've never thought of this before, but after surgery it's important to consume 60-80 grams of Protein daily. Are you going to be able to do this? Just throwing this out there but is lapband a good idea for vegans? I'm a big meat eater so this is an area I know nada about?

tmf

[ATXVeg 31]

Some docs will not do the surgery if the liver hasn't shrunk? My doc didn't care and required no pre surgery diet. But, I think each doctor may modify the diet depending on each patients anatomy and eating habits?

I guess I've never thought of this before, but after surgery it's important to consume 60-80 grams of Protein daily. Are you going to be able to do this? Just throwing this out there but is lapband a good idea for vegans? I'm a big meat eater so this is an area I know nada about?

tmf

So just to clear things up, 'm not a vegan. Vegans don't eat any animal products - I eat eggs and consume dairy. However, I was concerned about this exact thing, so before I even called a surgeon, I did a lot of reading around the internet, and it is absolutely possible to get that much Protein as a vegetarian or even a vegan. In fact there are several successful vegan/vegetarian bandsters on these boards.

My problem is getting the protein with only a few carbohydrates, because the best veg sources of protein also have carb (Beans and tofu, for example). My surgeon only requires his patients to get 50g of protein per day post-op. That is definitely doable for a vegetarian. I'm not worried about the post-op at all (or not any more than anyone else) but the pre-op diet is really stressing me out.

You said you're a big meat eater. What kind of meat are you eating? I've always heard that you can't really eat meat that much after the band due to the requirement that your food become mush as you chew. My aunt has a band and she hasn't been able to eat red meat in years. I've also read that many people can no longer eat chicken after banding. What does that leave? Fish? lunchmeat?

[honk 780]

I wouldn't say I have to chew meat to mush. I eat chicken 2 meals a day everyday. I don't eat much red meat but I didn't eat it before I had surgery so I don't see the point starting now. Post op you should be able to have Greek yogurt which is a great source of Protein. I know some people can't eat eggs but I have egg whites every Saturday for brunch.

[Blondie638 98]

The point of the pre op diet is to shrink the liver no to lose weight. So dont get down on yourself for what u feel may be a lack of weight loss. Try to change ur frame of thinking as all your doing is getting ready for surgery. As long as u do what they are telling u to do then your liver will be perfect. Just stick to it.. I was on the same pre op diet and i got into a routine of Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch each then a small sensible dinner, either eggs or string cheese or salami and cream cheese roll ups. In your case u may want to get some frozen veggies. Green giant makes some good broccoli and cheese steamers that are within the diet.

Youll be fine.. Just stick with it!

[2muchfun 8,927]

I can eat all meats. I have a problem with dry chicken or leftover salmon. The drier the meat, the easier I get stuck.

The wife and I eat a lot of brown rice and Beans which gives her the Protein she wants. We also add seafood to our diet quite often. I guess I was thinking along the lines of Atkins, vegetarians and carbs. Seems like the perfect storm?

tmf

[m1aman 944]

I have trouble with beef so I avoid it. But I eat a lot of chicken and a little fish and pork loin. Birds and pigs are what I like!

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

I can eat any meat with my band. You do have to chew... but not liquify!

[ATXVeg 31]

The point of the pre op diet is to shrink the liver no to lose weight. So dont get down on yourself for what u feel may be a lack of weight loss. Try to change ur frame of thinking as all your doing is getting ready for surgery. As long as u do what they are telling u to do then your liver will be perfect. Just stick to it.. I was on the same pre op diet and i got into a routine of Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch each then a small sensible dinner' date=' either eggs or string cheese or salami and cream cheese roll ups. In your case u may want to get some frozen veggies. Green giant makes some good broccoli and cheese steamers that are within the diet.

Youll be fine.. Just stick with it! <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Thanks so much for the pep talk! That was exactly what I needed to hear! I am eating better, no matter what the scale says. You're right. I just need to change my thinking. I am definitely going to start having more Protein Shakes and less semi carbi food especially at breakfast and lunch.< /p>

[Blondie638 98]

Good luck to u! Im in the atx too!!