Aspartame question

Do any of you have a problem with aspartame? I've mentioned before that I have fallen in love with Crystal Light (I use the Wal mart powder brand). My stomach has not been quite right for a few weeks. I'm wondering if this is the reason. Today I received an email from my sis about the dangers of aspartame. I guess I had heard them before but now I'm being a little more conscious of things. I know someone on here will know if it is okay to drink or are you staying away from it. Is Splenda okay? I read that the ready made Crystal light in the bottles are sweetened with Splenda, but the powder is aspartame. I'm going to give it up temporarily, just to see is my stomach symptoms subside, but I would love to have your input. I hope I'm not asking too many questions lately. I'm just wanting to do this right. Thanks, Penny

Hi, Penny:  I haven't heard anything about aspartame, but I know that I can't handle Crystal Light any more...tears my stomach up...too much acid or something.  I have boxes and boxes and boxes of various kinds, and none of it works for me.  So, I have had to stop it.  I haven't had any problems with Splenda -- use quite a bit of it, as a matter of fact and would probably be lost without it.  Best of luck with your stomach -- hope you are feeling better soon!  :)

All artificial sweeteners give me indigestion... i don't know what it is about them, but man do i reget it after i use them. I think if you give them up for a little while you will see that your stomach probably will feel better, if not its time to try taking something else out of your diet lol.

Hey Penny,     Being a diabetic I have to drink diet sodas but hate them.  I have fallen in love with Sprite and Coke Zeros which are both sweetened with Aspartame.  My sister told me she had a side affect of being exhausted all the time so I mentioned it to my pcp and he said he hadn't heard of that and that it was fine to drink them for now.  I am not sure how after surgery it will be since they are caffeinated.  But for now, I will continue to love my aspartame.  LOL.  I know.. this was no help. Theresa

If you are a die-hard soda drinker you need to discuss the future of that with your surgeon.  I've heard conflicting things about soda and caffeine on the boards, but I go by what my surgeons office told me and they do not suggest soda or caffiene.  I haven't had anything more caffienated other than a flavored tea mix, but they are very low in caffeine.  I gave up coffee, in preparation for surgery  and honestly it was such a HUGE deal for me that I decided not to add it back in.  I don't drink soda's anymore because I just don't like the taste of the diet colas.  I've read that carbonation can bloat your pouch and can stretch the stoma making your uppper intestine more like an extension of your pouch and goodness after all of this I'm not going to risk it by drinking carbonated beverages.  I admit I've tested carbonated soda's two separate times with just a few sips each and landed myself in pain holding the tummy wanting it to GO AWAY.  I've always found it a bit odd that at my support group meeting I'd say 60% of the people there go to the soda machine in the room prior to starting!  Actually, funny that we are talking about this because just tonight, I bought myself a couple of flavored diet sodas to let the carbonation out of just for something different to sip on.  I'm so sick of my water flavorings.  I know it's not the best thing, but I just want to taste something different.  I have a diet black cherry soda doing it's magic right now in the fridge.  I hope it will be done by tomorrow so I can see what it tastes like.  :)

Yea, I have already given up caffeine and sodas about 5 weeks ago. That's when I started on the generic Crystal Light. I love the grape and cherry flavors, taste like Kool Aid to me. Not to be too graphic, but my system is definitely different. I'm just gonna keep an eye on it and keep experimenting. Thanks

I will have to find the article again.  But I remember it saying that Splenda is made from sugar with chlorine.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splenda  I am a diabetic, so I can not really have sugar.  So I am stuck with the artificial sweetners.  That is why in part I have cut many things out.. I try to stay away from diet sodas.  The only time i will get it is when I get unsweet ice tea from McD's  I love the stuff.  I also have read that artifical, not just astpertine causes you to be more hungry.  So it really does not help with weight loss.  But this may be controversal.  And my recomendation, if you are concerned, do your research and form your own opnion.  I have not had the surgery yet, so I can not offer you any help on that end. I am sorry. Mel

You're right on target with your comment - this is from the wiki link you sent:                            Effect on weight gain

Artificial sweetners including sucralose have been identified as possible factors in raising population obesity levels by making the consumer take up more calories later, because it confuses the brain and body responses about sugary substances and calories - associating sweet foods with less calories                 And lately I've been seeing alot of articles about the effects diet sodas have on weight gain.

Good am Penny, There is so much debate about artificial sweetners and their effects on the body. All the Crystal Lights - the Crystal Light brands or the knock off versions contain artificial sweetners.  I've noticed personally that the knock off Walmart ones for what ever reason upset my tummy in some of the versions so I choose to buy the Crystal Light brand ones which has expanded their lines with flavors and added nurtrients.  Some will tell you Splenda is fine. I enjoy Equal and bake with Splenda. Artificial sweetners in large quanities as with anything is not great for us. You will NEVER ask too many questions. We have to arm ourselves with knowledge. I'd highly suggest you talk with your surgeon's offce and nutritionist and get their feedback as well.

I did have issues with Crystal light upsetting me before surgery, but no problems since.  I only use splenda for coffee, etc. at home & work, equal if there is no splenda available.  :)