Halloween

Kristen, Now that I'm over 2 years out from surgery, I am able to eat some of the "no-no's" that were not part of my diet immediately after surgery.  I do indulge on occasion, but it is not the norm for me.  One thing that I have found that really quenches the "chocolate monster" is Fudgsicle No Sugar Added Fudge Pops.  They're cold and chocolatey and at 40 calories each, they really do it for me. HTH

Kristen - Be careful with the s/f candy - it affects everyone differently.  If you're dying for a sweet treat to keep your hand out of the goody bowl, there are some s/f lollipops (mini Tootsie Pops) out that aren't bad.    I will never forget when I met with DVR's nutritionist pre-op.  She asked what my biggest problem food was and I said, "Sweets," and she said, "Well, you won't want them after surgery and you won't be able to eat them."  Sweet Lord, was I happy!  SHE LIED!  I do still want them and can eat them, albeit in much smaller quantities than before.  I did the s/f candy for a while, but boy, it didn't like my tummy - gas, cramps, diarrhea, etc., so I've found that a little bit of the real stuff does it better for me than a lot of the s/f stuff.  Again, it all comes down to what you can tolerate and what appeals to you.  Hershey's s/f is pretty good, but again, just a little for me, and they do have s/f peanut butter cups.  Just remember, s/f isn't fat free, so it's still EVIL!!!! It gets easier and harder, if that makes any sense, so just hang in there!!! Tia