Question:
I'm 4 weeks postop and just ate 4 pieces of chocolate 34 grams of sugar

and I didn't dump. Does this mean I'm immune to dumping? I did this kind of as a test because my spouse made me a bananna shake while I was on the liquid diet and that caused no discomfort either. I haven't been hungry but I'm afraid my surgery will fail because I have always been addicted to sugar. I will avoid sugar now but I feel like crying because I feel my tool failed and I'm back to dieting on my own.    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 12, 2002)

February 12, 2002
wls is not a panacea. The surgeon cannot staple the brain or the mouth, only the stomach. you must make choices as to what you do with your tool. It is simple but not easy. I know, I had a 2 yr relapse/wt regain. You must do your part and follow instructions. If you are set on being noncompliant than you will probably fail but if you make your mind up to follow instructions and make good choices, your tool will continue to work for you. Believe me, I know, I am a food addict, I still love my food but I make the choice today as to whether or not to waste the calories, in other words, I pick my mountains.... FYI Today I am fine with a food one day and the next day I will dump on it....just the way my system handles things. Hugs Rita Open rny 3/31/94 then 463/now 189-198 give or take a gallon of water
   — vt_rita

February 12, 2002
I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL FOR I AM THE SAME WAY.I AM 3MO. POST OP AND CAN EAT PIE , CANDY, CAKE.I'VE NEVER DUMPED.I ATE 2 WHOLE PIECES OF PECAN PIE AT CHRISTMAS AND I NEVER GOT SICK. I'VE LOST 75 POUNDS SO FAR SO AS LONG AS I'M LOOSING I DON'T WORRY. I KEEP TELLING MYSELF I WENT THROUGH A LOT TO LOOSE THIS WEIGHT SO I HAVE TO BE STRONG AND STAY AWAY FROM THOSE SWEETS.IT DOES MAKE IT HARDER BECAUSE WE CAN DO IT BUT I DON'T WANT TO GO THRU THIS AGAIN SO WE JUST HAVE TO BE STRONG.THE MAIN THING IS WHEN WE ARE TENPTED TO EAT SWEETS we EAT A COUPLE OF BITES AND NOT EAT THE WHOLE BAG LIKE WE USE TO.LOL. GOOD LUCK & KEEP STRONG. Nancy M. [email protected]
   — NANCY M.

February 12, 2002
I am so afraid of dumping that I don't even test myself. I avoid sugar, fats and breads like the plague. I am 5 months post-op down 150. I think it may also be too early to panic. I cannot tolerate things now that I did at 4 or even 8 weeks and I can tolerate others that I coul not at 4 weeks. Our bodies are constantly changing and adjusting this first year. Take it slow, and let yourself adjust. Don't be in a hurry to test the system. Good Luck.
   — Danielle M.

February 12, 2002
I think it's very important to develop good eating habits now, early in your weight loss journey. I, personally, don't think it's necessarily indicative of some character flaw or an emergency that you must seek professional help immediately & I felt that response was a bit harsh. So you tried some sugar...most of us have at some point. I, too, have found I don't dump on sugar except in quite large amounts.......usually. There can be exceptions, like the other poster mentioned; things that go down easy today may cause heartache tomorrow. I also agree, you just have to limit the amounts of sugar & other "bad" foods. No one ever said we would be able to eat anything & everything without ever gaining weight back so we all have to find our individual balance points. Some people here are very strict with their intakes & it works fine for them. Others have found they have a little more leeway & it works for THEM. I think the best way is to find what works best for you. 34 grams of sugar is not going to make you either gain weight back or stop losing it, UNLESS you lose track of the healthy diet you need long term. I find I can snack OCCASIONALLY, I can have that dessert from time to time, I can tolerate sugar...to a point. I know if I do these things all the time, I will gain weight back. I feel I have enough control over my eating now that I am in control, not the food. I try to keep my focus much more on healthy eating than on dieting. I did this to be healthy (being thin is nice, too, tho). Don't browbeat yourself...especially not over a banana shake; it sounds good, might just go blend one up....just ONE, tho, not the whole blender full! :) I am almost 2 years post op & have lost about 175 pounds.
   — Kathy W.

February 12, 2002
My goodness! 34 grams of sugar didn't even make you dump? I got nausiated just reading the amount of sugar grams. Even though you can eat sugar without dumping, maybe you can still lose the weight by sticking with smaller amounts because your stomach is smaller Did you have a VBG or RNY? Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

February 12, 2002
I am 8 weeks post-op. I have eaten 6 M&Ms( better than the whole bag) 1 cookie ( better than the whole bag) 2 spoonsfuls of REAL ice cream ( better than the whole carton) There are few "perfect" people that stick to only protein shakes and water 24/7. We all screw up here and there, but don't "fall off the wagon" get up and get back w/ the program!!!!
   — Cindee A.

February 12, 2002
holly cow, you are brave. I wont even try anything sweet just for the fear of dumping. the only thing i was brave enough to try was 2% milk and i used ice to water it down and only drink a half a cup thats as far as i will go..im a chicken big time but hey its better that way.......be carefull and dont eat no more chocalate!!!!!!!
   — Deanna Wise

February 12, 2002
I realised early on that I don't dump on sugar. As a diabetic and a former chocoholic, I wasn't best pleased with this news any more than you are. It means that you will have to be much more diligent in your eating routine. I find that if I indulge in my sweet tooth I set myself up for binge eating. Eating sweets makes me crave more sweets and other junk foods. In the past I was never able to tolerate any sugar substitutes but recently I've discovered Splenda, and that has been a tremendous help to me. I also keep my house well stocked with very good sugar free candies such as LifeSavers Butter Toffees and Fruit Candies. These are really yummy and help curb my sweet tooth.<p> Yes, this makes it more challenging for you but you can do it! Remember to eat your protein first and there won't be room left for junk food! We all make mistakes. Don't beat yourself up over it, just move on. Best wishes to you on your continuing journey!
   — kylakae