hi there alandorman,

Whether you are eating low carbs, no carbs, high carbs or all carbs -- diet is not responsible for anal tears. However, chronic constipation can weaken and cause injury to the rectal & anal membranes, as can hemorrhoids, infection/ abscesses, fissures and physical trauma. Keep up with the fiber and stool softeners, be sure to drink lots of water, eat more high-fiber veggies and olive oil. You should avoid constipation at all costs.

The low-carb diet has helped you lose 75 lbs in a relatively short time, and it sounds as though your blood sugar is much better controlled. Those two factors should tell you that low-carbing is GOOD for you. I can't imagine a dr. telling a patient to only eat 4 things? .. if that's true, I'd say LOSE this dr, sounds like a quack. Find another dr. who's low-carb friendly and supportive. Get your hands on a copy of Atkins book and read it cover to cover .. the paperback edition is cheap, or you should be able to find a copy at your local library. Information is power!

If maltitol and eating whole nuts are causing problems, the solution is simple - DON'T EAT THEM

Good Luck to you.

Doreen