Question:
How do I get sugar cravings under control?

Hello well I am 1 yr post-op and I have lost 142lbs. I have been fluctuating between 205 and 215 for 3 months now. I am having a real hard time staying away from junk food. For instance I can eat a whole party size box of Crunch-n-Munch in about an hr. That is alot of sugar. The box contains 9 servings at 150 cals a piece. I have tried everything to control the cravings. They were never this bad before surgery. I have even tried taking Stacker 2. This has not even stopped my cravings. I have also tried drinking more protein. Nothing helps. I need and want to lose 45 more lbs. This will put me at goal. Any sugestions? Distal Open Rny 04/12/01    — lynbaby B. (posted on May 3, 2002)

May 3, 2002
Protein, protein, protein. I have heard from others that protein (try to stay with lean protein) helps to fight the cravings. Maybe add a protein shake in for a bit to curb the hungries. Lots of water or herbal teas too. I know it's easier said than done too. Good luck to you.
   — Cinna G.

May 3, 2002
I myself think the extra protein shakes work too, BUT, if it gets really bad, I eat a Quaker caramel choc-chip rice cake. About 50 cals, no fat, with 11 grams of carbs. My worst time is at night, so I try to stay away from carbs as much as possible during the day, except for some salad, then, if I feel I really want something sweet, have one of those. Orval redibocker(sp) makes them too, though they are made out of popcron, and not rice.
   — Marie A.

May 3, 2002
I can relate to this. I was in a "carb coma" last weekend. I never, ever craved sweets pre-op but lately I'd love some chocolate. My sister says that I am craving carbs and since I eat a low carb diet, I want the sugary stuff to fulfill that need. So now I eat carbs, in limited quantities in the form of whole wheats, and fruits (good carbs). I dont think that our bodies should be denied anything in the food group; although some things may be more important than others. Try eating some multi grain carbs and fruits and see how that helps. Also PLAN YOUR MEALS!! Eat what you've planned first, then deal with cravings. I plan mentally the night before and prepare in the morning.
   — Jeannet

May 3, 2002
Hi! I went through a carb-crazy period a few months ago. Everyone is different, but this worked for me: I drank more water, upped my protein to 100 grams a day, and started eating a protein bar every morning as my mid-morning snack. They key for me is the protein bar. If I don't have one or if I eat it later in the day, I tend to crave and eat more carbs. Also be sure you are starting your day eating protein, not carbs. I usually eat some cheese or lunchmeat or peanut butter for breakfast. Eat cereal and I will munch and snack all day--and still feel voracious! This is not to say I don't eat carbs--I do! But this allows ME to be in control--not the food. If you want to try it, let me know and I can recommend some good protein bars. Hope this helps!
   — ctyst

May 3, 2002
This hit me about 20 months out. NOW I know to just make little deals with myself. I can have the ________, as soon as I finish this protein drink. I just can't take ____ with me out of the kitchen. So, I have to stand there & drink the drink and wait? I think not. So, I go do something while I drink and then I'd have to stop doing it to go get the ______. I'm way too lazy for that. Most cravings only last about 3 minutes, so if I can wait it out, I can often beat it.
   — vitalady

May 3, 2002
Well I am only 8 weeks post op, but speaking for my wife who is just over a year out, she has had the sweet cravings too lately. But how she has dealt with it is to just eat a few sugar-free treats. Like cookies, frozen yogurt, SF candies. It is amazing how many SF things there now are available. She says just one cookie, or treat or small amount of whatever satisfies her cravings without getting her back on the sugar-insulin rollercoaster. (However she is still very prone to dumping with sugar or even much starch.)
   — Dell H.

May 3, 2002
Dell is right. Sometimes just eating one sweet thing satisfies the craving. I'm still pre-op, so I'm not speaking about any cravings after surgery. But I've always had a pretty good sweet tooth, and I remember one time when I was trying to lose weight on Weight Watchers (thank GOD those days are over!), I was amazed how one little fun-sized candy bar would satisfy my craving. I didn't have to have the king-sized one. I don't know how much sugar you can eat without dumping, but I've read other people on this site say that they can eat one fun-sized candy bar with no problems. You might try that, although you could still have the problem of staying away from the whole bowl of fun-sized candy bars. One way to help solve that problem is to put the bowl in the cupboard. When I was on Weight Watchers, I knew I could have one as dessert after dinner, and I never was tempted to have more than that because I wasn't sitting there staring at the bowl. Out of sight, out of mind?
   — Kristie B.

May 3, 2002
I've learned over the years that the only way I can control sugar cravings is to avoid the stuff completely. If I don't have any, I don't crave any. The minute I try to have a small bit, I lose all control. So, since my Dec. 10th RNY, I have completely abstained from processed sugar and greatly limited natural sugars. The results are good, I have had no problems with cravings. This approach won't appeal to everyone, nor does everyone need to avoid sugar so diligently. But, for me, its the best and only way. Good luck to you. Congratulations on your success so far.
   — Donna L.