Sugar

I have not had the RNY surgery yet, but am working towards it.  Are you allowed to eat sugar free stuff

You have to be very careful with sugar free - most times, it isn't.  The sugar says 0 but the below it you should see sugar alcohol and it might be high.  Sugar alcohols can have the same affect that regular sugar has - dumping.

Thanks for the response.  Does it need to say sugar alcohol 0 as well?  Do you have anything sweet, ever? Sherry

I love sugar free popsicles (15 calories) and sugar free fudgsicles (40 calories).  Yes, it may be a form of replacement - but going from an entire pint of Ben & Jerry's to a sugar free fudgsicle has certainly helped me transition into a healthier place. I don't eat them every day - but when I still crave something sweet, they REALLY hit the spot. Nikki

Hi Nikki, Thanks for the info.  I will definitely keep that in my back pocket.  You said "when you crave something sweet"  Does this surgery take away some of those cravings? Sherry

I can only speak for me - but yes, absolutely.  I don't have much desire to eat anything - sweets or proteins.  I really have to force myself to eat anything at regular intervals. At night, though, when my hubby is still sitting there eating a pint of Ben & Jerry's, and my mind starts WANTING it even though I have no desire to eat - those fudgsicles come in handy. It's a different experience for everyone.  You accept that you're going to lose weight, that you're going to have to exercise to stave off the worst of the flabbing skin, and that life is going to change.  But it's a tremendous emotional committment, too - especially if, like me, you had a love affair with food for a LONG time and then you're suddenly divorced from it and striving to start life over. I'll be honest - my divorce was easier on me, emotionally.  Surround yourself with positive energy and support and remember that when you get through the worst of it, you start getting to experience the best of everything you ever missed out on.  Just be prepared - it's definitely not an easy way out. Just my opinions. Nikki

Nikki, Thanks for being so honest.  You, know that is one of the things that scares me so much.  I do have an emotional addiction to food.  I am scared as to how it is going to effect me when I can't turn to food any longer.  My husband was sick for about 4 or 5 yrs and passed away last year, 2006.  It has been very difficult, as I loved him so so much.  I have turned to food to get me thru the real tough times.  I know I can't keep doing that.  I want to be around here for my kids and grandkids.  That is why I have decided to take this route, but I am truly scared as to how I am going to do, when I can't turn to food.   Even though I haven't gone thru what you guys have yet, I truly know it is NOT the easy way out.   Hugs, Sherry

Sherry: I'm so sorry to hear about your husband - I don't know how you get through something like that. Know that we'll be here for you - when you get nervous, panicked, freaked out and also when you're celebrating amazing moments of WOW. The board (and ESPECIALLY the NC'ers) are here to help and share your fears and excitements.    Today I woke up and wanted to eat fudge more than anything in the world - I don't know why.  Maybe I was dreaming about fudge or maybe it's just a subliminal Christmas thing.  I got up and got dressed and thought - "Let's see how far to go before I can fit in those black jeans again" and lo! and Behold! I got them on without any struggle - not even a muffin top.  At that point I realized I really didn't want the fudge - it was a good reminder of WHY I'm struggling through it.    Pictures of my new nieces always do the same thing.  They motivate me to want to keep going and to keep up with them! Nikki

Nikki, Thanks for the sweet message of support!  Believe me, it has been a hard ride.  We were married for 28 years and I loved him so. Still do and always will!  God is a big part of my sanity. I am always glad to make new friends like all of you.  That helps tremendously.   As far as eating the fudge.......all I can say is  "YOU GO GIRL!"  I bet those jeans looked and felt awsome and that will last a lot longer than that piece of fudge.  (hehehe)   Lord, I got fudge in my refridgerator right now.  My daughter brought it over to me the other night.  My son is coming tonight so he will fini**** off for me.  Thank goodness.    I am hoping and praying, this time next year, I will be putting on some new jeans with a much smaller but and gutt and NO FUDGE for me.  (hehehe) Big Hug, Sherry

No, the sugar alcohol or sugar doesn't have to say 0, just be very careful.  Quite honestly, I haven't had too many sweet cravings since I had my RNY.  But I have had some.  Here is something I made after I had surgery that is fantastic for an ice cream kick and wonderful for protein snack when you get that "craving" In a blender  - cream 1/2 Cup Fat free Evaporated Milk and 1 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese till smooth.  Then add 1 (4 oz) box sugar free - fat free instant pudding (I use chocolate or cheesecake flavor).  Blend together till smooth. Empty into popsicle molds or 3oz dixie cups and put a wooden stick in. Freeze for approx 3 hours.  Makes 6 servings.  1 serving is 80 calories, 9g protien, 9g carbs, 1g fiber and 1g fat. I've had the 6 carb cheese cake make from splenda at the Cheesecake factory and did ok.  I've also made some other pudding deserts that were really good.   Check out the recipe boards sometimes. People post lots of stuff there.  Personally, for me, I am trying really hard not to play the "replace" game. By that, I mean I'm trying not to find ways to make sweets edible  or WLS friendly. The less I look and try - the better off I am.   But honestly, everyone is different.