Foods you can and can't eat...

Hi AngelaLynn,

I am not sure how long you have had the band but i know what you are going through. I had a band from 2006-2015, then revised to RNY because of all the issues I was having. I lost a lot of weight initially with the band, then issues started year 3 or so. Finally gave up in 2014 and talked about revision.

Asking about sweets on this board is going to get some serious flaming and coaching, but I will try and talk to you as a similar mind. We are human and might not (but can always strive to) completely and forever change our brain to be the perfect eater. I thought about a lot of the same things before the surgery. However, you can dump from sugar with the sleeve as well, so it doesn't make much of a difference. Only 3average of 30% of people dump, but it is possible. And it is a terrible feeling so if you do learn you have this issue with certain things you will NOT want to try them again, believe me! I LOVE sweets and junk foods, but since I had my revision surgery (1 month ago, so I am a newbie) I have no want for any of these things. And to get where I want I know I can only have them sparingly, like with the band. I have had a reaction to things, but they are odd items here and there. Might change once I can try more, but I have taken a bite of cake on 4th of July and no issues. We can't say if you can never have these things again, it is all different for each of us. Should you have them, no not really; but can you, that will not be known until after.  I would say don't let these things sway you one way or the other. It sat on my mind as well, but I went to RNY because of the GERD issues, so more medical reasons. Also, like said this is the gold standard and makes me feel better about the choice. I had band when it was newer, and learned from that. 

Please feel free to PM me anytime as I am happy to talk more :) I wish you the best of luck!

Amy, thank you so much for your insight.  I was banded in 2007.  I KNOW I am addicted to sugar so should never have it again but that just seems unrealistic that I would never eat another sugar thing again.  I am realist so need to address all possibilities.  Sugar got me into trouble and I know it can get me there again.  I looking for a life-long change to help me be healthy and increase my quality of life for the long haul.  I am very active in my mind!  My husband and I love to be active but I can't do things with him anymore like we used to even when I was 240!  (I'm almost 300 now)  I've been dieting since I was 13 yo.  The lowest I ever got as an adult was 175 and that lasted less than a year.  I've been on most diets and attempted to make these lifelong but always fall back to old ways.  I've been low carbing for about a month and have lost 15 lbs...pretty normal.  But now stalled...also pretty normal since hitting 40yo.

I read on my doctor's website that RNY is a good choice.  He's a top surgeon in Texas so I trust him.  (He's also a friend of a friend)  I read on his website that this is often a good choice for yo-yo dieters. 

There are things I do not eat anymore that I used to because they do not agree with my band and I hardly miss it (pasta, rice, full breads).  I feel I would adjust well to the restrictions my body places on me but I would like to know all the possibilities out there.  This surgery along with a therapist might be my best option. 

Do NOT count on your surgery to prevent you from eating sugar post-op. Only 30% of RNYers dump, so the odds are that the surgery won't help you stay away from the sweets.  You will still need old fashioned willpower for that.

Therapy is an excellent idea.

Lora

>>  However, you can dump from sugar with the sleeve as well, so it doesn't make much of a difference. 

This is incorrect. Sleeve patients do not dump.

That is one of my new pet peeves.  It seems that the more popular WLS becomes, the number of people who insist on referring to any kind of intestinal distress as dumping increases as well.  They insist on ignoring the fact that VSGers physically cannot dump because there is no bypass.

It makes me wonder if no one is explaining dumping to new folks at all, if "lazy" surgeons are using it as a generic term for digestive issues, or if clueless nutritionists are giving out improper information.

Lora

I'm guessing that most folks don't pay much attention to the physical differences between the two procedures.

No, with RNY you cannot eat and drink at the same time (you must wait 30 minutes after eating to drink), nor can you take NSAIDs (pain relievers are limited to Tylenol and prescription pain meds). If you take NSAIDS on a regular basis, the sleeve would be a better choice. They can cause ulcers in both populations, but the extra danger with Roux-en-Y is that NSAIDs can cause ulcers in the remnant blind stomach, which is very difficult to treat.

As far as what you can and cannot eat after Roux-en-Y, you will not be able to eat an entire slice of cake or pie, but you can eat a couple of bites.  How much you can eat of anything sugary before you get sick will depend on your body.  

Some people (like me) can eat a fair amount of something sweet before starting to get sick (more than I am usually willing to eat in terms of calories) while other people are sensitive to even small amounts of sugar (although even sensitive people aren't likely to get sick off of one Hershey kiss).

It sounds like you are really concerned about giving up sugar.  Only about 30% of RNYers dump, so chances are that the army will not prevent you from choosing to eat sugary treats.  Some people are so addicted to sugar that they will sometimes still eat something sugary even though they know it will make them sick.

Most people aren't sensitive to the natural sugar in fruit (in terms of dumping), but a few are. As far as artificial sweeteners go, some people (like me) are actually more sensitive to sugar alcohols than real sugar, while others are not as sensitive.  Most people experience some level of intestinal cramping and/or diarrhea with larger amounts of sugar alcohols.  Most people are fine with things like Stevia.

Some people are also more sensitive to fat content than others and end up with cramping, shakiness, and diarrhea if they eat too much fat.  The reaction is similar to dumping but technically isn't dumping.

Lora

I think I asked those questions more before my LapBand surgery (2006) than pre-RNY revision.  I KNEW I had to stop eating all the things that got me fat and stop it cold.  I know that that seems like it's unrealistic but it truly isn't if you mean what you say and say what you mean.  I have been on plan now for 2 years.  Those things like birthday cakes and pies, or dessert in general are just not food to me anymore.  I know I am a black and white person and that I can't take one bite because one bite means I'll gobble up the whole thing.  That's my truth.  You should really look at what yours is and if you can see this through.  It is a challenge at first, but it is so worth it!  I drink an espresso when others ar having dessert, or I just sit and enjoy the company.  Everyone else's life may revolve around food, but mine doesn't anymore.  Your doesn't have to either.

I live with 4 family members who are deathly allergic to all NSAIDS.  There are plenty of alternatives out there for people who can't take anti inflammatory meds.  It's not as easy as popping Advil I know, but totally doable IMO.  

Living with the Band has given you a big advantage over others in that you already know the pitfalls of surgery.  You already know the rules, for the most part (no drinking prior, during or immediately after eating, chew chew chew, protein first, low carbs, move your body, drink lots of water etc).  The second time around you also know what it feels like to have "failed" WLS and are even more motivated to make the right choices most of the time.  This is our second chance!  You can do it, but you have to be willing to give up things in order to get the things you really need and want.  I wish you luck on your journey!  Ashley

Have you been eating cake/pie/sweets/whatever with your band?