Question:
Anyone else not losing much because you can eat sweets and not get sick?

I am so disappointed in my results. I am six months postop and can eat anything high in sugar (doughnuts, candy, etc.) and not dump. I know this surgery is just a tool, but I am now so let down by my experience because I can eat these things that were the reason I had this surgery in the first place. I've only lost about 36 lbs in six months. I can even eat more regular food than everyone I've spoken to. Any advice, please? Or even moral support.    — suerose (posted on April 30, 2007)


April 30, 2007
I also found that I could eat all sugars and not dump. I also found that i was eating more than I thought I was suppose to. At this point it is all about self control, train yourself to think that you can not eat those things, mind over matter. If you can help it do not buy the stuff to have in yopur house to temp you. I am 11 months out and have lost 90 lbs. I was stuck at 58 lbs forever, then it seemed like over night the weight just fell off. Hang in there, it does get better. Brenda
   — Pugs06

April 30, 2007
I don't dump either. At least so far I haven't, but I am more interested in losing weight, so I don't bother with foods like that. I am almost 5 months out and lost 80 and have 140 more to go. So I do not focus on bad foods, just hiprotein low carb and I just keep losing. Basically it's up to you and how you use your surgery. The only advice I can give you, is give up the junk food and get back to basic and start losing again. Good luck, Diane
   — Diane C.

April 30, 2007
Yes, I am the same way---except I'm only 3 months out, and have been eating chocolate and cookies since I was able to start on solids practically. I wish more than anything they'd make me sick, but what can you do. All about self control I guess. I'm also eating much more. I could easily eat a cup or more of certain foods (rice, cereal, pasta, sandwich) or even more than a cup over a period of a 1/2 hour. Pretty sad. I;m extremely worried about stretching out my pouch this early on...I just have to work on this. But you are definitely not alone!
   — wecangetright

April 30, 2007
Advice: don't eat the sweets. It's all mental, my friend. Think that you can't eat them....say to yourself that they make you dump and stop eating things that are high in sugar. Do this for 30 days - doing anything for 30 days becomes habit. If you can't kick the habit, cold turkey. Subsitute better choices. Instead of reaching for a chocolate chip cookie, reach for a Snackwell, or South Beach makes some really great peanut butter cookie. They have SO many 100 calorie items out on the market right now - Wheat Thins, Chips Ahoy, Nutter Butters, etc. Subsitute those for the high in sugar items. Again, do something for 30 days and it will become habit. Also, think about food tiers. Is what you are about to eat in the top tier? Whole Grain pasta instead of flour noodles? Also keep in mind the ratios of fat/sugar to calories. For every 100 calories, no more than 3 grams of fat and 6 grams of sugar. You will be SURPRISED by how many wonderfully good and tasty items fall into this ratio. Also... when eating - take three bites of protein for every one carb. Three bites of protein to every one bite of veggie/fruit. I can tolerate about 12-14grams of sugar - high frutose syrup, etc. Anything more and my heart pounds out of my chest and I get shaky. I hate that feeling so I do not go there often, at all. I am less fat sensative and more sugar sensitive. I don't know if any of this helps....the only other thing I could suggest is going to support group or see a therapist for help. Don't consider seeing a therapist a bad thing - truly...they are there to help you and most insurance companies will cover 4-6 visits per year. Check into it. I already had someone picked out, just in case the mental part of the surgery was too much. Luckily, I've been a good girl, but down the road, who knows what could happen. Good luck my friend. I am 2 months 2 weeks - down 56lbs. since surgery and down 67lbs. since November 06' when I started to make lifestyle changes. Oh, also...exercise - when I get a craving for something - I eat some peanut butter and go for a fast walk on the treadmill. It works for me. Subsitute my craving by filling it with something else.....but something good for you. :) If you want to read my blog, there is some good info in there, too. Also...if you want to email me - [email protected]. I am supporting 4 ladies right now in my neck of the woods, but would love to act as a sounding block for you, too. Support is taken for granted....I am lucky and have so much of it.....I love to share with anyone who asks for help. Best of luck.
   — jammerz

April 30, 2007
Hi Susan...I posted this very question a few weeks ago.I too can tolerate sugar. Thinking and believing that you would dump, only to find out that you don't...plays with your head.The fact that I can tolerate sugar is very scary to me.It makes it harder to consistently make the right food choices because there isn't a negative consequence. The previous responders give good advice. I don't want to fail at this.If we were at the 5 year mark, we would probably be asking this question, instead we're faced with it pretty soon after surgery.Focus on protein,exercising,and water.Repeatedly tell yourself that Sugar is the ENEMY.Go back to the basics and concentrate on portion size and chewing slowly ect...Remember you aren't alone in this battle. Keep the faith and know that others are struggling with you. Best of luck to you.
   — purnellj

April 30, 2007
I'm too afraid to try anything with a lot of sugar and Lawd knows I've been tempted. I've had this desire for potato chips and instead buy Soy Crisps -- 1 gram of sugar and 4.5 grams of protein. They are light and crunchy like potato chips; however, they are not potato chips. This past Saturday morning I had the point of a piece of pizza and about 4 AM Sunday morning I was in horrible pain. When I ate the piece the bread tasted horrible and that was the only piece of that slice I ate -- the rest went in the garbage. I'm sticking to meat and veggies, I'm making my own smoothies (but keep Dr. Atkins around for eatin on the run -- as I do many mornings) and keep a 6 pack of water on my desk in full view so its always a reminder to drink water and I also have a lunch container with 2 cans of protein drink and leave it in the refrigerator at work. We are here for moral support -- the Maryland Message Board is an awesome board -- every state has a message board - check yours out. I would suggest also going back to basics --- even if you have to go back to your first week of post-op -- nothing but fluids. Stay in touch -- get a work out buddy too.
   — the7thdean

April 30, 2007
You have to know that you are not alone, and you shouldn't blame yourself. Have you ever heard about the OA (Overeaters Anonymous )? OA is a program based upon the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Today, it is an organization that has meetings on every continent and is growing. It treats the food and weight problem not as a lack of willpower or a moral defect, but as a disease that can be arrested. This 12-step program offers a recovery for the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of compulsive eating. OA is not a professional diet club. This organization does not endorse specific food plans or diets. You can find more information about OA in their website: "WWW.OA.ORG". Good Luck.
   — Nina A.

April 30, 2007
I think some of us were just "built, put together" different and I also, despite being very sick for a year, still did not lose more than 59 lbs. I will be 2 years out in July. I still need to lose 40 more but I don't think it will ever happen. I still have complications with hours and days of nausea at a time and do not get over 1000 to 1200 calories a day, but still maintian a high weight. As far as sweets go - I can also do a few cookies with no reaction, but absolutly cannot tolerate more than a few bites of ice cream, I am assuming it is the combination of lactose and sugar that causes this. (I also have this problem with ceral/milk too.) So remember that not all sweets are the same and full dumping is no fun, it can ruin your day or whatever event you may be currently at. Unforntualy, people like us will either have to accept what we have been given with nearly no food and still no weight loss or continue searching for that ultimate answer.
   — teresagrooms

May 1, 2007
Hi Susan and thanks for writing. Many men and women fight the same battle that you have. My sweet tooth is bigger now than it ever way. I have to fight it every day. Most times I win, but Ihave to make the choice to not eat the sweets. I like the negative reinforcement that getting ill does, but I don't always suffer those consequences when I eat sweets. I don't often get dumping, and if I eat sweets after a small meal, I can eat most anything, as long as sugar is not first. The real issue is this. Surgery fixes your body with a great tool, not your brain. Your brail will always find a way to cheat and mess with your success. Head games are the worst thing about losing weight. I look at obesity as a head issue with a body consequence. If you want a good consequence with your body, you have to exercise your brain and choose right. I am sure you wanted a better answer than this, but it is the truth. You didn't come this far to give up your weight loss for a few oz of sugar. Fight the fight, stick with protein, water and good exercise. If you want to eat a sugar treat, be sure you balance it with exercise, that helps make a balance, but the best result comes from exercise and no sugar. It's your battle, and you will either choose to win or lose, the ball is in your court. I wish you well. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

May 1, 2007
I too don't dump. It took me a long time to even test it. I know it is hard to give it up, I too am a sugar adict. My health is very important to me and I know that if I continue down the same path what is in store for me. Your will to be healthly has to stronger than your will eat eat the wrong foods. Your right, this is just a tool but you can't expect the surgery to do it all for you. You MUST exercise and eat right. Stop now!! You can loose your weight. Start over from today and do the basics.
   — WilsonCrimson

May 1, 2007
I am still pre-op so I guess I don't have any good advise except "Just because you can does not mean you should". This is a life changing decision you have made and if you are not willing to make the changes and sacrifises then you should not have had the surgery. I know it is easier said than done that is why I am still overweight.
   — grandmasue

May 1, 2007
HELLO, IM PRE-OP, ALSO, MY INSURANCE REQUIRES ME TO TAKE THE NUTRITION CLASS FOR 3 MOS. PRIOR APPROVAL. IN CLASS WE LEARNED, AFTER SURGERY, LIMIT YOU SUGAR INTAKE TO 3-6GMS PER SERVING. MAYBE YOU CAN TRY THAT. I DO AGREE WITH EVERYONE ELSE, WLS IS THE TOOL, YOU HAD THE SURGERY, DON'T MAKE A U-TURN, KEEP FIGHTING, DON'T SURRENDER TO SUGAR.......... JENNIFER WASHINGTON
   — JENNIFER W.

May 1, 2007

   — sonjahoff

May 1, 2007
Susan, I am going to be frank here. Please don't take offense just think about it. Do you remember all the work it took to get approved for the surgery? For example, the psych exam. Do you remember that when you talked to your doctors and nutritionist and they said that you have to change your life. Well, if you are eating the things that they said you should not eat after surgery, then, how can you expect the tool to work? Get back on track eat protein, veggies, and some fruit. I too can eat anything without getting sick or dumping, but I choose not too. Eat the junk in moderation. Protein first!!!!!! Drink plenty of water / liquids. If you have problems with hunger in your head or other mental issues......seeks some help. Get involved with a support group. This surgery may be the best chance you have at success. I wish you well, Bob
   — Bob Has Disappeared

May 9, 2007
I thought i was feeling alone in this. im so depressed i work out , 5 days a week. stay ungry and i try to ignor my desire for food. i was told to eat 6 small portions size meals and sugar free snacks. i have been avoiding sugar. im 3 months and 1 week out of wls. i inly lost 28 lbs and today i was crying because i got on the scale and gained 7bls. i dont understand. i dont have and dumping neither. some time i wish i could be dumping maybe my weightloss would speed up. this is too slow for me. but as im looking over some of your answer, i feel better to no that im not the only one going threw this . at first i said to myself is it normal. i havent lost anything in 2 months. ive been weighing the same . last week was my menstraul cycle. i did loose 4 bls then this week gained 7bl.
   — yvettetas




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