Interesting - Is it possible to be addicted to carbs?

We obese people could have told this scientist from our anecdotal knowledge that  - yes, it certainly IS possible to be addicted to carbs!

But they've gone and proven it scientifically and measurably.

Cool.

May explain some things.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/06/26/195292850/can-yo u-be-addicted-to-carbs-scientists-are-checking-that-out?ft=1

Another great article!  

Patricia

Most of us who struggle long term, struggle because of carbs.  Ask any long timer and  you'll find most of us do struggle with

carbs.  For me, once I have sugar and carbs, I want more and more and more.  It sets off my blood sugar and cravings. It's well established too that us RNYers have a huge sugar response past the first 6 months.

Dawn

Dawn...

What do you mean by "a huge sugar response"?

Sugar and excess carbs trigger blood sugar spikes for RNYers.

Somewhere past the 6 month out mark, many RNYers develop reactive hypoglycemia.  RH is a condition that may mean really low blood sugar readings. Dangerously low.

Those that do not end up with full blown RH may end up with lower (but not unsafe) blood sugar readings -- those that trigger hunger.  Therefore, hunger can come back terribly for some. 

when RNYers get a lot of carbs/sugar, the amount of insulin goes up to 20-fold at around 1-2 hours.   

How to avoid it? Keep out sugars and carbs or limit them.  Incidentally it's ALL carbs for many of us.  Whether white or whole wheat, dairy etc. 

Carbs turn into sugar.

Sugar is our enemy.

Dawn

Almost best off to follow a diabetic diet...only low glycemic complex carbs and SF as much as you can. I think it would be the best for everyone...simple carbs don't come to my house very often

For my body, there is no doubt I am addicted to carbs and ultra carb sensitive.  I was diabetic pre-op on three different meds. Post surgery the diabetes was gone but the insulin sensitivity remains and that means I react to all carbs not just white or processed stuff.

So yes, I can overeat fruit like cherries or grapes or even clementines.  I can't stop after a normal serving, my body craves more and not just fruit. If I don't have the fruit, the cravings for carbs stay pretty manageable. 

Moderation doesn't work for me with carb related foods so I need to abstain and or only purchase a single serving.  

I do not have diabetes nor any of the other stuff mentioned, and I have switched out most of my favorite snack stuff like pudding and popsicles to the sugar free stuff. Is this still good for after surgery too? Or should I just throw it all away? 

~Lisa

You should keep the sugar free stuff for future rewards as opposed to the sugar/fat/carb laden treats that you might be tempted to sample. Once you start going down that road, you will easily slide back into old habits. It is still easy enough to gain weight post surgery, particularly once you get past nine months to a year if you start consuming the wrong food choices on a regular basis. 

Unfortunately I am proof that weight gain will occur if you you regain your addiction to sweets.

Keep all processed foods to a minimum.  Even stuff with sugar alcohols and NSA  stuff can trigger your sweet tooth.  Eat from the outside of the supermarket.  Sugar and white flour equal bad news.   100 calorie snack packs are a false promise.   Get to goal first, worry about treats later.