How many carbs at 3+ months?

[Stacey03]

I know for me personally when I stalled it was a sign that I needed to up my intake. But I did work out. So I think my body needed more. That being said, when I upped what I was eating it meant more protein and more veg. I did not start eating more carbs until I was almost to goal and it was because I was running so much I needed them. I still focus on protein and veggies. Then I add my healthy carbs. I do eat some not healthy carbs occasionally. I do weigh every day to ensure I am not sabotaging all of my hard work.
I can say that chocolate milk is considered a perfect after run or post workout drink. I have read that many times in my running magazines. It is said to help muscles recover after a hard work out. Not saying I agree with it for sleevers, especially in the weight loss phase.
And as Ann said this first year we are not only changing our body but our eating habits. And with so little that we are able to eat we are NEEDING to give our bodies the most nutritious foods possible. I would only suggest eating crap foods to up your calories if you are one of those people who can't stop losing weight post off. (There are a few out there that become so dangerously thin they need to do what they can.)
As for working with a personal trainer, I don't think that is a bad thing but if you are burning a tremendous amount of calories you will have to eat a bit more. I would suggest drinking more protein shakes as they have a ton of great things in them plus they help with your liquid count. It does not have to be just water.

Well yep , we can afford chocolate milk when we have just ran 12km or something. Exceptions are the runners :-)

[Luna354]

The only carbs I really eat are green vegetable carbs. At 3-4 months out I don't think I was eating more than a forkful of a carb. I was still focused on getting in my protein and just didn't have room.

[jerzeygirl]

I work in a large bariatric center and not one of our registered dietitians would recommend chocolate milk or eating foods that aren't nutrient rich to get in your calories. We urge our patients to make sure they drink their liquids, get in enough protein by eating healthfully and forming healthy meals to sustain a lifetime of maintenance. This is not just a "race" to get in calories, it's a behavior change for a lifetime of eating well to nourish our bodies and minds. Combine the eating habits with good physical fitness habits and you're ahead of the game. Calorie counting is tiresome for some, but eating protein first, then eating healthy veggies, etc. is a "game changer." There's lots of information here from some very smart people and on the internet from some very good reputable sites, i.e, bariatric eating, theworldaccordingtoeggface, etc.

Continued success!

[Alynn]

Dale, The practice I go has me eating 4oz of food 3 times a day then2 2 oz snacks. Protein 70 grams per day and 74oz of fluid. Eat 2 bites of protein to 1 bite of vegetables or carbs. Eating protein and veg first. I have note begun to count calories as of yet and follow this has worked for me at 60. My loss has slowed once the past month and a half and that is normal according to doc I see. Might want to give this philosophy a try and maybe it will get things moving. Blessings!

Also add in one protein shake a day!

[DHB]

Dale, The practice I go has me eating 4oz of food 3 times a day then2 2 oz snacks. Protein 70 grams per day and 74oz of fluid. Eat 2 bites of protein to 1 bite of vegetables or carbs. Eating protein and veg first. I have note begun to count calories as of yet and follow this has worked for me at 60. My loss has slowed once the past month and a half and that is normal according to doc I see. Might want to give this philosophy a try and maybe it will get things moving. Blessings!

Thanks! That sounds like a sensible approach.

[Alynn]

D. It a lot easier than counting calories, just cook and measure or weigh. Also it makes it easy when I eat out as I can now pretty much judge what a half a cup of food looks like. Wishing you well!

[tinman]

I never thought I’d ever write this, but your NUT is right

Go read my posts about how to bust stalls. Then try it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain in terms of weight loss.

Remember....part of tinmans mantra is that carbs and fat are your friend.......

Go read my posts and find out why I think that.

[DHB]

I never thought I’d ever write this, but your NUT is right

Go read my posts about how to bust stalls. Then try it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain in terms of weight loss.

Remember....part of tinmans mantra is that carbs and fat are your friend.......

Go read my posts and find out why I think that.

Oh tinman, I have read all your posts but have not absorbed them well enough it appears. My concern is how to get in enough protein (I remember that rule) at this stage if I add in that many carbs. Will work on it.

[sraebaer]

Yea, we will all lose weight by drinking chocolate milk. Sorry but I am not 5.

[tinman]

Oh tinman, I have read all your posts but have not absorbed them well enough it appears. My concern is how to get in enough protein (I remember that rule) at this stage if I add in that many carbs. Will work on it.

Take your protein and add carbs. Instead of steak, chicken fried steak. Same with chicken and fish. I call it a three for one. You get protein, carbs, and fat all in one bite. Just remember to not overeat. If you stick to your normal portions, you cannot eat enough of these “bad” foods to make you gain weight. However, your body will think you are eating normally and will bust the stall..

Point number two. Protein is important because it is what maintains your metabolism. However, carbs and fat are what fuel it. Starve your body of fat and carbs and you will stall, stall often, and stay stalled for long periods of time. However, if you insist on low fat, low carb eating, the good news is that you will still lose weight. Just very slowly.

[mandyjdc]

I'm 4 months out and average 900 or so cals per day. Usually get 85 g protein, my carbs vary greatly day by day. Last week I calculated an average of carbs/day over 3 weeks and came out to 48g/day. Don't know if that's good or bad, but I tend to lose about 1.5-2lbs. per week.

[sraebaer]

Never counted carbs. Just protein and liquids. I eat protein first, then veggies, then carbs if I'm still hungry. (And after 4+ years I often am, so I do eat carbs). I also exercise.

[loren2]

Hi Jerzeygirl,

How much protein per day do the docs where you work recommend? Thanks, Loren

[Ann2]

loren2, jerzeygirl is more likely to see your message if you send her a private message. Unfortunately, there's no way to tag someone in a forum post.

[AnnieG]

I had my 3 month check up today. I expressed concern that my weight loss has been so slow and continues to get slower. (I don't even talk about stalls anymore.) My doctor blamed it on my age (64) but I know many of you here are around my age and have still had great success.

The nutritionist wants me to eat more (I'm around 800/day, she wants me at 1-1,200/day.) I track everything in MFP, so I'm pretty sure I'm accurate. What confused me most is that the NUT said she wanted me to up my carbs to around 100g/day. I have been keeping them around 30- 50g most days although if I crave a piece of quiche I'll have it and I sometimes have a turkey Subway on flatbread. The point is, I'm not being super strict about carbs but I'm not really eating that many less than I did pre-op so it seems strange to add more. She also suggested I eat more fruit as part of the "more carb" plan. Again, the idea of adding in the sugar from fruit seems like the wrong way to go at this point bc I can barely eat enough to get in my 60+grams of protein.

I burn about 250-400cal/day from exercise. (I wear a heart monitor that is synced to MFP, so that's an accurate count.)

I'd love to hear what those of you experienced sleevers think. I hate to say it, but the fact that the nutritionist is quite overweight makes me question her advice. Thanks!

Oh Dale, what very interesting advice! I agree with Ann2 (as usual) and our long time folks.

I am 65 (66 in May ) and I started around the same time you did.

I have just bumped up to (trying) 900 calaories a day; I shoot for 113 g protein, 20 g fat, and ONLY 68 g carbs, which I try to do as vegetables, but confess to 1/2 of small serving of low popcorn from time to time.

My nutritionist emphasized again the importance of the protein. I am not exercising beyond doing 5,000 steps a day; I am just not quite in the mindset for that. I struggle to get the water in, but sraebaer suggested adding Premier Protein to my decaf coffee -- it makes it so tasty, gets in protein & liquid.

PM me if you would like to chat, and I'll send you my email

Don't be discouraged; but remind yourself that the doctors/nutrionists are your paid employees, and the folks here are on the journey and have the most helpful information on what works well for the majority.

Just prayers for resolution for you! It's a tough journey some days.