Question:
Sugar free candy and ice cream with sugar alcohols, are they ok?
Our nutritionist warned us about Zorbitol and Sorbitol and all the others used in diebetic products. She said it would cause dumping. I see these new reese cups and want to try them but also see they have these types of sugar. What has been the experience for you? — Sharon B. (posted on June 17, 2003)
June 17, 2003
The sugar alcohols, anything that ends in 'itol', won't make you dump, as
dumping is caused only by sugar. However, they will give you diarrhea if
you take too much of them. For some people, too much is 2 pieces and for
others, it might be quite a bit more. Try just one or two pieces and see
how it affects you. I eat them because I've had Type 1 diabetes for 37
years, but as a post-op, I find that one or two pieces is plenty.
— garw
June 17, 2003
I can eat SF products that contain sorbitol, maltitol, etc. and it doesn't
make me dump, but more than one piece of chocolate/candy makes me feel a
bit queasy. Sometimes I will have have the No Sugar Added ice creams and
get really gassy after that. I just tried the Atkins peanut butter cups,
made with sorbitol and splenda. There are 3 small cups in the package, and
I can only eat about half of one really slow and it feels okay. I would
suggest try the reese cups if you want to, but go slow and don't eat too
much at once. Only you will know how you react to sugar alcohols. Hugs,
Kim S. Open RNY Nov.4/02 (-127 lbs.)
— Kim S.
June 17, 2003
Sugar alcohols gives me very bad gas, so i try to stay away from them, if i
do eat them i try to do so at home.
— Alexandria D.
June 17, 2003
I disagree with Gar....I have tried seven different low carb (2-4 grams
"impact" carbs) protein bars now and have dumped on three of
them! I'm not 100% sure of the culprit, but the one thing they all seem to
have in common is Maltitol (sp?). But, you know, everyone is different and
everyone has different degrees of dumping, so, unless you are extremely
prone to dupming, like me, I would say, give them a try and see how it
goes, just be prepared 'just in case'.
— eaamc
June 17, 2003
I also forgot to mention, that I tend to dump on just about anything with
too many carbs....I even dumped mildly on six mini carrots with ranch dip
once! I don't dare even try anything with sugar at this point. On the
other hand, I have yet to have something give me gas and/or the runs. Like
I said, everyone is different, you just need to find what works for you!
Good luck.
— eaamc
June 17, 2003
Sorbitol gives me gas and diarrhea, which, to me, is worse than dumping.
The gas pains are so bad, they're crippling. So I stay away from these
"sugar-free" products as much as possible. Most likely ONE piece
of the Reese's wouldn't do much...but your system may be super-sensitive
like mine. Perhaps it's best to do as your nutritionist advises, although I
think she has the reaction sugar alcohols cause confused with true dumping.
Hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
June 17, 2003
I am one of the lucky or UNlucky people who doesn't dump. What I have
found, as mentioned by some of the others, is that the sugar free
chocolates give me loose bowel movements. Not out of control, but I have
decided to keep some around and when I have not gone in a few days, 1 or 2
pieces seem to be able to get me "going" again.
— Fixnmyself
June 17, 2003
I stay away from any product that has *itol as an ingredient. I'm pre-op
and that stuff has always made me feel awful along with diaahrea. It just
isn't worth it.
— [Deactivated Member]
June 17, 2003
I have tried the sugar-free Reeses cups and they are delicious. I do not
want to find out that I do not dump, (sugar was my beloved enemy before
surgery) so for me, sugar free candy is the only option. If I eat too much
of the sugar free candy I get painful gas (well, it is not too painful for
ME, but it is to anyone else who may be in the same room at the time) For
some reason sugar free Jelly-Bellies are the worst. WOW. I want to live
fairly normally, have a piece of candy if I want one. The fact that the
sugar free gives me gas is a good thing for me. It insures that I do not
eat too much or too often. I have to really "need" it.. Your best
bet- try it. Try it slowly. Have one piece and wait until the next day to
see how it affects you. Most of the time, one is enough to curb the
craving. Best of luck to you- 11/20/02 Open RNY 295/190/150
— Leslie M.
June 18, 2003
I've had sugar free items with this. Usually just alittle is fine.
Sometimes if I have a few extra then it is almost like sugar and I get
sick. Funny, my body seems to think it is sugar and I react with getting
sick! Do be careful as sugar free sometimes will start sugar cravings in
some of us sugar junkies.
— Danmark
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