Sugar Substitutes

Hi. I found this delicious sugar free (like Kool-Aid) drink. It comes in individual packets for a 16 oz bottle of water. It has as it's second ingredient maltodextrin. Is that any thing like sugar or what. I can't seem to find out much on the net. I would love to be able to use this after my surgery but if will have the same effect as sugar NOT. Iwould really like any input fr om guys and gals. My surgery is in 2 1/2 weeks and this would be great to use for the first week. Thanks for your input.

Catherine: HI! I think what you are looking at are crystal lite, or the great value *wal-mart brand* or 4C's brands indv packets to make those products. (Add to a 16-20 oz water bottle) correect? They should be fine, but for MANY wlsers they are TOO strong after and maybe using 1/2 is best, you'll just have to wait and see! I use them w/o issue... I found quite a few links while quivkly google searching maltodextrin: http://www.grainprocessing.com/food/malinfo.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltodextrin maltodextrin is a moderately sweet polysaccharide used as a food additive, unrelated to barley malt. It is produced from corn starch and is usually found as a creamy white hygroscopic powder. Maltodextrin is easily digestible, being absorbed as rapidly as glucose. The CAS number of maltodextrin is 9050-36-6. http://www.carbboom.com/products/cb_faq.php (*I am not promoting the product but it had info on the page!) What is maltodextrin? Maltodextrin is an easily digestible complex carbohydrate made from natural corn starch. Maltodextrin is the preferred carbohydrate used in energy foods due to its solubility, low taste profile, and quick absorption. http://www.niftygeek.com/energy-drinks/ingredient-details.php?iid=78 Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510 "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

Thanks for the informaiton. I really appreciate it. I tried several ways and couldn't find anything. Since sugar has a tendency for dumping, I was a little nervous about using this after surgery. Thanks again.