Question:
Why Can I tolerate Sugar so well???
Hi, I am two months post-op today, and I have NEVER had sugar cravings like this before! And, I've had a little sugar, a little bread, at different times and they do just fine! In fact, EVERYthing does fine. I have not dumped once! And I much prefer sugary drinks than nutrisweet sweetened drinks. I honestly think I tolerate them better! So, now I have to work at keeping it out of my diet, because the pouch is not a regulator, except on portions big time. Maybe I haven't tried a big enough quantity yet, but I just had half a bag of skittles, and I feel fine physically! Just guilty mentally! HELP! — Krystal J. (posted on November 10, 2003)
November 10, 2003
Although I have not seen an official source of this information, the common
perception is that 30% of the post-op RNY's do *not* dump on sugar. Not
sure of the %age that dump/don't dump on fat. And the figures can change
the further out you are, simply because your body adjusts to the surgery
and may tolerate sugar better the more post-op you are.
<p>
That being said, I would eliminate the sugar from your diet altogether.
The more that you take in, the more your system will get used to it. Some
people can't tolerate aspartame (Nutrasweet). Then find another sweetener
- like Splenda or Stevia or Sweet'n'low - that you can tolerate and use
that in place of sugar.
<p>
Finally, just because you can eat half a bag of Skittles or sugary drinks
or bread, doesn't mean that you *should*. You need to make a conscious
effort to eliminate these foods from your diet ASAP...JR
— John Rushton
November 10, 2003
— Dina McBride
November 10, 2003
After going through surgery to lose weight, why are you eating candy? I
mean why put yourself through WLS and then not follow the rules. I am
dedicated and have lost 100 lbs in 4 months. I wouldn't even think of
putting candy in my mouth.
— Lois B.
November 10, 2003
I know how you feel. I am 7 weeks post op and also seem to tolerate foods
very well - bummer, because I guess now I see that I have more food issues
than I thought and it is a struggle for me sometimes. I really have to try
and limit what I eat and not make bad food choices. It's hard, I know...
what did help me is that I try to not eat too many "sweet"
things, even if they are artificially sweetened. They seem to trigger my
cravings. Also I need to really avoid certain things... the day after
Halloween I had to get all of the candy out of my house because it
continued to be a temptation. Maybe it's not so easy for us as it might
be, but I figure, I have to make this work for me. The surgery had helped
with the quantity of food I eat, but I have to give it my all to make wise
choices even if my body is letting me eat whatever I've tried so far. Good
luck to you and thank you for posting this.
— w8free
November 10, 2003
I would check the back of the Skittles bag. It probably says there's like
30 or 40 grams of sugar. Well if you half that, you're at 15-20 grams. I
don't dump on 15-20 grams.
Although I don't agree with the previous poster who doesn't believe in
candy. I am more of everything in moderation. It's not a diet, it's a life
change... but aren't Skittles a little too gummy for 2 mos post op? I
would worry about them getting stuck or something.
And what are you talking about when you say sugary drinks? Do you mean
apple and orage juice or Coke and KoolAid?
Remember your body is different now. Once a week a 1/2 bag of Skittles or
a cup of Coke probably won't affect you. Just don't make it a habit.
Personally, I am not that structured. I don't have the ability to make
anything a special occasion kind of food so I stay away from anything that
triggers me to eat more.
— mrsmyranow
November 10, 2003
Hi, Krystal! I'm 2 months post-op also - tomorrow in fact! I haven't
really had the sugar cravings too much. My advice would be to eliminate
bread - that used to really trigger cravings for me. Here's what I do, and
I feel this is a sane, realistic approach, which is even promoted by my
doctor and nutritionist. If you're going to have sweets, and you're not a
dumper (I'm not either, so far!), have them as a part of your meal. Like
after dinner, I'll have a cookie sometimes, or a couple bites of ice cream.
When sweets are digested as part of a meal, I don't think they promote
cravings to the degree they do when eaten separately. This has been
working pretty well for me - I'm enjoying a few sweets (yes, even candy),
am full and satisfied, don't feel hunger, and am happy with the routine
I've gotten into. I may have to alter it at a later time, but I'm
certainly losing well at this point (-40 lbs, started at 254). Don't
forget to make sure you're drinking lots of liquids (non-sugar ones) - I'm
consuming between 90-100 oz per day. I believe this really helps the
weight loss too.
— Carlita
November 10, 2003
Myra....Poor food choices and quantity are what got us in trouble in the
first place with our weight and becoming morbidly obese. Candy is certainly
NOT a good choice. After WLS bad eating habits must be controlled to be
successful. The poster didn't eat just a couple of skittles, she said 1/2
of the bag!
— Lois B.
November 10, 2003
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am so glad I posted on this board.
This is my first time, and I am here to tell you, when I woke up this
morning, ans saw the responses, that was the snap back to reality that I
needed. I am going to get back on the right track and not ruin this
surgery. Although,the self-defensive side of me has to say that I am doing
a few things right, and have lost 47 lbs. since September10th, am drinking
60 oz. of water, and religiously getting my protein in, and exercising 5
days a week. I appreciate all of the comments, especially the
understanding supportive folks! It's great to know y'all are with me in the
struggle!
— Krystal J.
November 11, 2003
Wow, I really needed to hear all this. I too had wanted to do the
everything in moderation approach. However, little treats that had been
once a week, became once a day, then twice a day. I have decided to get
back to measuring my water and protein. I have found when I am really
watching to make sure I get enough water and protein, I'm less likeley to
want to "mess up" with a treat, or even more likely to simply
have no room for much of anything carb-related. Also, ya'll have reminded
me that I may be able to do more things when I've gotten down, but for
right now, I am 55lb loss at over 4 months, and I hate being stuck. I
don't want to make my self miserable with nothing but meat for the next 6
months in order to loose a little faster, but I had honestly gone the other
way, and had really decreased my sensitivity to carbs. You guys did a good
job of encouraging without making us feel beat up upon...I already felt
guilty enough! You guys are great, and thanks, Krystal for the post
— Lori B.
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