Sugar Alcohols

I am drawing a blank on this subject. I remember reading about it and now I can't find it. If something has no sugar but has sugar alcohols...is it good or bad for you?

Hi, Sugar alcohols described in wikepedia online dictionary: A sugar alcohol (also known as a polyol, polyhydric alcohol, or polyalcohol) is a hydrogenated form of carbohydrate, whose carbonyl group (aldehyde or ketone, reducing sugar) has been reduced to a primary or secondary hydroxyl group. They are commonly used for replacing sucrose in foodstuffs, often in combination with high intensity artificial sweeteners to counter the low sweetness. BUT NOTE: "Overconsumption of sugar alcohols can lead to bloating, diarrhea and flatulence because they are not absorbed in the small intestine. Some individuals experience such symptoms even in a single-serving quantity. " I have still gotten sick after consuming something with too many sugar alcohols in it.  Best thing to do is read labels and the lower the number of both, probably the better.  For more info check out this url:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_alcohol

I'd like to add a question to your question if I may.  I have been a long time low-carber for years.  I have been able to tolerate sugar alcohols quite well .  I have also read that if you have them over a period of time your body does adjust and you have much less of the side effects that are listed above as gas and diarrhea by Stacy.  My question is this - do sugar alcohols make you dump like a regular sugar, or is just possible gas and diarrhea the problem.   Lynn

I think personally, it's a unique situation.  Everyone tolerates things differently.  I know I can't handle much of the sugar alcohols, seem to get the "d" word and often it just doesn't do anything for me.   Maybe the right person to address this kind of question to is your Nutritionist? I really feel it's individually determined based on our bodies and how we had surgery, and what we can and can't tolerate based on how much post op we are.  And that's just a guess.

Thanks Stacy.  I do have my first appointments with the nutritionist next week.  I think you are right that everyone is different.   Lynn

Pop?   Did you say POP?  oh no. Bad bad bad for any RNY patient!!!!  The carbonation causes gas bubbles in the pouch which in time could STRETCH the pouch, causing weight gain.  I highly recommend you avoid any carbonated beverages once you are post op.  Check with your WLS surgeon to confirm this but POP/Carbonated drinks are a big no no.  Again, ask your Nut about this one too!

Deborah, You are allowed to have sugar alcohols after surgery, however, they make me feel more sick and gassier than regular sugar.  Also like other posts, some are worse than others.  I can drink sugar free drinks and yogurts without any problems, but sugar free candy takes its toll on me.  With any type of sugar/sugar alcohol, it's best to keep the portion size way down! Kerri

Thank you all for the input. I don't think I will venture down that path then.....I had actually tried sugar free candy and that was fine...but again in moderation. We will not go with anything with sugar alcohols. I have not had any issues with dumping and don't want to go there.