Question:
Is it OK to eat sugar-free low cal snacks?
I am 15 days post-op and have lost 19 pounds.I got the go-ahead from the doc to begin eating foods.I am eating everything that has as much protien in it as possible.But I also look for things that are sweet and tasty but still healthy.Does anyone think this is wrong?I am eating responsibly and counting cals and protein and of course eating small portions.I found sugar-free cookies and sugar-free low cal Klondike Bars(GREAT!)I also eat refried beans, bean soup,string cheese,chicken salad,eggs,sf pudding with whey protein in it.I am keeping everything down so far and feel good but still a little tired.Input appreciated!!! — natalie J. (posted on December 20, 2003)
December 20, 2003
I am 16 months post-op and have always found that the less carbs I ate the
more weight I lost. My surgeon wanted us to eat pretty much all protein and
I did. I am 16 months post-op and have only been eating sugar free treats
for a few months. I wouldn't recommend it to you at all until you are at
least close to your goal. Sorry, I know that isn't what you wanted to hear
and you will probably get several different versions as you get more
answers but if you do est them and see your weight loss slow you may want
to up the protein..Especially now while you are eating such a small amount
it is very important to get good healthy food..Good luck!!
— Sharon1964
December 20, 2003
Be VERY careful with sugar free stuff. Check the labels. If it has
Maltitol, watch out. I was indulging in some sugar free salt water taffee
and got sick as a dog. Did the research and learned that Maltitol was the
enemy
LAP-RNY 10/8/02 Down 134. Having belt lipectomy on Monday. Should finish
the project.
Good luck to you.
— Steve B.
December 20, 2003
I've been eating SF treats since surgery. I've lost 162 pounds in a year-
Just like with everything else. I think MODERATION is the key :) I would
say its fine
— WABBIT F.
December 20, 2003
Would you be eating this in place of one of your small meals or in addition
to? Personally, I do not "snack", but often have a snack food for
one of my 4 meals. But not sugars. I like oddball things liike celery with
PB or squirt cheese (0 nutritional value) or potato chips with cottage
cheese (ditto). But that portion is my meal and that's all there is. I
don't do ice cream-like things at all. That'd take me right back where I
started. I know my enemy and I am she.
— vitalady
December 20, 2003
I would say that it is too soon. You need to concentrate on your protein
intake. I did not eat any treats until I was 3 months post op and then it
was only if I could fit it in after eating my protein. If you are feeling
that you have room for these snacks you need to reassess if you are dealing
with true hunger or head hunger. Sugar free foods that early on can cause
you to have diarrea, you should only add the sugar free foods if you have
had an ok from your doctor or nutritionist first.
— ChristineB
December 21, 2003
I agree with others that you probably shouldn't have room at this stage for
sweet treats. Concentrate on protein. Also, for me, it would have been
dangerous to start indulging so early. The longer you can stay away from
previous bad habits, and use that time to develop better eating habits, the
better. It's easy to make treats an every day occurance, and now, when you
can't eat much, it won't likely be a problem for weight loss, but in about
three months, and again about six monmths out, you'll be able to eat
considerably more food than you do now. You don't want to be in the habit
of frequent treats when that time rolls around. The first three months is
the easiest time to retrain your eating habits. Use it wisely.
— Vespa R.
December 21, 2003
Let me echo what many of the previous posters have already stated. First
many of the sugar-free snacks are loaded with carbohydrates and will slow
weight loss. Secondly, they tend to be triggers. Lastly, at such an early
stage out, it would be unusual to actually be feeling hunger, particularly
if you are getting in your fluids and protein; consequently, use this time
to evaluate why you have these cravings. By breaking the bad habits (like
having or feeling entitled to "treats") early on, you will be
better able to maintain your future weight loss. Good luck.
— SteveColarossi
December 21, 2003
I've been eating sugar free ff pudding since 10 days or so out. Of course,
it was only a few spoonfuls. But it took care of any craving I might have
had. One good thing on that note for me, tho, is that i was slightly
lactose intolerant and if I ate more than the few bites, I would feel
queasy. I still have 1/4 cup occasionally. Just don't overdo.
Moderation is the key.
— lharbison
December 22, 2003
Hi Natalie, I tend to agree with the others that this early out, you should
try to limit your calories to mostly protein. Thats because this early,
just getting in enough nutrition is tough and there is really no room for
snacks. Doesn't mean you can't experiment the further out you get. Early
post-op, the SF puddings and SF popsicles were about the limit of my sweet
treats. I eventually tried the other SF products but truthfully, they were
more expensive and tasteless to me. Eventually, I started working sugar
back into my diet, in small amounts, and now it is an everyday part of
normal eating for me. Not everyone agrees with that and many severely
limit or eliminate sugar from their diet. For some, any amount of real
sugar is a trigger to go wild. You'll figure out what works for you as you
get further out, but for now, try to resist the temptations and concentrate
on the protein to maximize the wonderful 1st 6 months of weight loss.
— Cindy R.
December 22, 2003
I love sweets too. But in order to get my protein needs met I've found
that eating Atkins Chocolate Decadence bars satisfies my craving for sweets
while giving me lots of grams of protein.
— Margaret G.
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