Carb Intake Per Day

[fee139 63]

I am scheduled to have my surgery next Thursday and I have read a lot about calorie intake, and Protein intake, but I can't seem to find what I am looking for on what is the recommended amount of grams of carbs one should eat per day. Do any of you have any recommendations?

[SashaWLS 412]

Hi there... You need Protein because after the surgery you'll be eating so much less that if you don't make a point to eat enough, it could hurt your muscles. And they're worried about calories because there are a lot of hidden calories in things like juices and ice cream that can slide down... But you don't really NEED carbs. Just try to get your Protein and enough Water (so you don't get constipated) and you'll do great.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery, we look forward to seeing you on the other side!

[NaNa 878]

Everyone is different, have different metabolisms, etc, but most people are successfully usually aim for at least 80--90 grams of Proteins daily and keep carbs about 30-40 grams or less daily.

And healthy carbs are green leafy veggies, like broccoli, spinach, collards, cabbage.

Some people can lose at 1,500 calories per day especially if they are younger and have a healthy metabolism and exercise daily, but most of us like me, I have to keep my calories between 700-1200 to lose.

Good luck

[fee139 63]

I was just concerned that like my doctor told me to drink the Gatorade G-2 and I noticed that its pretty low in calories and it does have 7 carbs which I know is not very much, but I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't going over what is considered a reasonable amount per day.

[Sojourner 2,446]

I am scheduled to have my surgery next Thursday and I have read a lot about calorie intake, and Protein intake, but I can't seem to find what I am looking for on what is the recommended amount of grams of carbs one should eat per day. Do any of you have any recommendations?

Did you meet with your nutritionist yet? I hope you will have an appointment to meet with one prior to your surgery, as this is a most useful and informative session. At my meetings, I was given a daily Protein gram goal to meet, individualized for my height and current weight.

Protein is most important, as it has the needed nutrients to maintain good health and preserve your muscles as you loose your excess body fat. Protein also helps to keep hunger at bay for longer after eating a meal.

We do need some carbs, as they are the energy source for your brain. The difference is the quality of the carbs. Over processed white sugars and flours should be avoided. Our carbs should come from produce, such as carrots, tomatoes, blueberries, melons to name only a few.

I have never tracked my carb intake, but I rarely finish eating my 2 oz per meal allotted serving size for carbs. There is much disagreement on this forum on the wisdom of restricting carbs. I have always restricted my carbs and focused on meeting my daily protein goal.

What I can share is my surgeon has said that it is the carbs which usually get people into to trouble to derail their weight loss. And I understand from my experiences that if I eat unhealthy carbs (such a few bites of cake at one of my husband's " retirement parties", it creates a craving for more carbs.

[fee139 63]

I intend to stay as far away from "white carbs" as possible since they are one of the biggest factors of my weight being as it is. My surgeon gave me lists of things to eat and when, and it focused on good sound Proteins, but I just wanted to make sure that I didn't go over the carb intake as well because some fruits and other proteins may have carbs as well. I appreciate all of the advice. You all are very helpful.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Definitely meet with a nutritionist. It's crucial for success with the band to have a good nutritional understanding. Plus, weight loss and diet isn't "one size fits all". What works for one doesn't work for all. A nutritionist helps you find what's best specifically for you.

Not everyone restricts carbs, btw. I've lost over 220 pounds and I don't restrict or even count carbs. I make sure to get at least 60g of Protein in and never exceed 1200 calories daily but I don't track my carbs. Like your doctor said, I just stay away from white carbs or any label that say "enriched" or "bleached".

Best wishes and good luck on your journey.

[fee139 63]

Believe it or not, my surgeon doesn't send you to a nutritionist and I was very surprised to hear that. I'm self paid and maybe that's the difference, maybe I should try to find one on my own and talk with them.

[GuyMontag 1,264]

The basic rule of thumb for Protein intake need is to take .36 times your weight in pounds. So if you weight 210lbs then you need 76 grams of protein. As for carbs vs. protein a good rule of thumb is less carbs than protein overall. Although G2 has some carbs it's also great at rehydrating you and I lost a TON of weight drinking G2. You don't need to eliminate carbs all together but limiting them is one successful way to lose weight. Good luck!

[mrsto 2,925]

Believe it or not, my surgeon doesn't send you to a nutritionist and I was very surprised to hear that. I'm self paid and maybe that's the difference, maybe I should try to find one on my own and talk with them.

Fee - if you look for a NUT on your own, make sure they know the guidelines for bariatric patients. It's different than any Joe schmo walking in off the street. If you surgeon cannot refer you to one, maybe call a bariatric surgeon around your area & see if they have one there. Explain your situation. Since you're self pay, they may let you get nutritional counseling, independent of anything else they offer. Just a thought