Hi

I was just wondering if anyone has tried the Atkins diet? If so, did it create any problems with your j-pouch?

Thanks

J-Pouch 8/03

Way back in the 70s, there was the Stillman's diet. It is very similar to Atkins. It was very strict (no carbs, high protein). One was not supposed to be on it longer than two weeks. At the end of the two weeks, I collapsed with severe cramping of the gut. (I was not diagnosed with UC back then.) Because my reaction was so severe, I do not go on special diets to lose weight, I just cut down portion size and do more exercise if I feel like I need to lose weight. So, for people with gut problems, be wary of diets that omit certain categories of foods completely, and take your disease into account before embarking on them. So, that is a long-winded answer. The short answer is No, because I am afraid of more gut problems.
Mav+

I tried the atkins diet a few years ago...it didn't create any problems with my j-pouch but I found it quite difficult to maintain...I need my carbs!!...I found the best diet for me was weight watchers as it allows you to eat all the food groups and teaches you portion control...debbie

Eat less, move more.... Try smaller plates (like a salad plate) and keep small portioned snacks on hand. The snack baggies work. Sometimes you just need salt, or sugar or whatever and this way you just get a little. Never open the big bag!!! The first 3 letters of diet are "DIE"... that tells you something!

Kristi

I have always been leary of these 'wonder diets' and have never tried any of them. As mentioned by others, I just cut down on my portions and exercise and try to eat a well balanced diet. I don't always succeed as I have a very bad sweet tooth and I crave salt a lot...

Using smaller plates has worked well for many people.

Atkins applies a lot of common-sense to the diet. For many people, the less sugar/carbs you consume, the less weight you will gain, or you will lose weight in return.
However, I have not been able to cut out ALL carbs from my diet and also be comfortable (pouch-wise). So, the best solution I have found is to cut back on my carbs and only eat what is necessary to have my pouch functioning nicely... I tend to eat healthy, in my opinion, but I also eat rice, potato on occasion, and some of the breads that are available. I have become a 'picky eater'...which in this case is a good thing