Question:
Ice cream after surgery
Okay I know this is going to sound really bad but I am being realistic here. I am only 20 years old (still very young) and as a solution to my ongoing weight problems I have opted to have lap RNY. My question now is, does anyone eat ice cream out of surgery and I mean at least a year out. Also, if you do have it how does it make you feel (sick, nauseous, etc) and if not why don't you eat it (intolerant, sugar causes dumping, etc). Now I know I'm going to get lectures of how I dont need to eat ice cream, and if Im going to go through all this work to put the weight back on, yada yada ya but I am being realistic. I am only 20 and to say I'm never going to eat a scoop of regular ice cream again is ubsurd, sure I won't go for the chocloate chip cookie dough extra cookie dough please but what about a small cup of vanilla or chocolate on a beautiful summer day. Truthful and non hurtful answers only please. Thank you! — uNiQuE, iTs wHaT i Am! (posted on March 12, 2009)
March 12, 2009
Hi Simone,
I am almost 3 years out from an open RNY. I initially stayed away from ice
cream not knowing what type of reaction I would have. Once I tried it, and
didn't have any type of reaction I was fine with it. The no added sugar
varieties are alot better now than they were a few years ago. Creamier,
not gritty and very tasty. But I also have had "normal" brands
with nuts, etc. You need to experiment with the different things to test
reactions to them. I still won't eat a Wendy's frosty because I know I'd go
too overboard with it if I didn't have a reaction from it. Hope this
helps...Good luck-Barb
— babs71958
March 12, 2009
I did not have the RNY, but I do feel yucky after eating ice cream. The
great thing is, I don't even want it anymore. If you have a bad reaction to
it, you more than likely, wont even crave it or feel like you're missing
out. I'm not going to lecture you, because I do eat a rare treat (like cake
at a birthday party), but different now and pre op, is I just have a tiny
piece and that's all I want. Pre op, I would pick the biggest piece and go
back for 2nds too. So, I wouldn't stress over if you'll never have it
again, cause chances are, if you're not able to have it again, you wont
even want it because of the reaction you get. If you don't have a bad
reaction, just remember to take it on moderation (which I'm sure you
would), and wait till you hit goal. Also, remember that ice cream is liquid
type calories, so you wont get full from it, and the calories are high
(which is why I say take it in moderation). Good luck wiht your surgery. I
think it's great that you are looking at it at such a young age.
— Teresa V.
March 12, 2009
I don't have an answer to your question because I haven't had surgery yet
but I think once you start to loss the weight. You will think twice before
eating something that might risk your success. Give it time and I know you
will make right decision for you. I know you are still young and that
should be a bigger reason why you want to be successful you have so much to
enjoy. Good luck I know you can do this. We will do this one step at a
time. Good luck
— tamica D.
March 12, 2009
Hi there!! I am a little over 2 years post-op and I don't have to worry
about eating ice cream because I have become lactose intolerant since
surgery. Some get that way after surgery, but with that said, if I could
eat it I am sure that I would. I do occationaly have a Orange/Vanilla bar
from Dairy Queen and it seems to be ok. It also has 6 gms of fiber in it
which is always a good thing. I had someone ask me if I tried anything
sweet and I said no because I was afraid and they said because you might
get sick and I said "no" because I might not get sick. Everyone
will test their limits and I hope you have control if you need it. Good
luck.
— Paula K.
March 12, 2009
I am lactose intolerant now as well. A non fat soft serve choc/vanilla
swirl frozen yogurt tastes just as good and is much better for you.
— Carlyn M.
March 12, 2009
Ice cream is tricky. Some will be fine and others will cause great
distress. Many people dont handle milk so Ice cream is just not an option.
For me it is fine though it can give me a sugar rush. A life without ice
cream is not a waste. Sugar free popcicles are really good.
— trible
March 12, 2009
I am one year out, and I can eat ice cream, but it makes me feel light
headed, and like an anxious feeling, like my heart starts beating to fast,
etc. I don't fump on it, just get a bad feeling though, I will eat the no
sugar added ice cream, that way you don't get all the carbs, and like
someone else said, it tastes alot better than it use to. you can get a
walmart brand of ice cream sandwiches, no sugar added, and it is 110
calories a bar. and yes, you will end up eating things you ate before, just
don't over do it.
— Lisa Koch
March 12, 2009
Hi...Wal-Mart has their GreatValue brand...the Cherry Vanilla is YUM !! No
Sugar Added and Reduced Fat...1/2 cup serving is 110 calories, 4g Total
Fat, 16g Carbs, 2g dietary fiber, 5g sugar, 3g sugar alcohol and 3g
protein...I don't eat it often but when I do I really enjoy it !! :-)) I
had my RNY on Nov. 4th, 2008 and have had no problems with it...the only
kind of ice cream I've tried though...Good Luck to you !!
— debz_58
March 12, 2009
I became lactose intolerant as well...and regular ice cream will KILL ME!
LOL It's like eating poison. I take a taste now and then and the sugar in
it is soooo sickening sweet after eating mainly fruits as my sweets that I
almost gag from the sweetness of real sugar. BUT....I LOVE SF skinny cow
icecream sandwiches on occassion. I also can tolerate a small serving of
NSA double churned frozen yogurt once in a while. I treat myself now and
then to a soft serve frozen yogurt as well (with the sugar because it's
never SF...oh well) ...It cannot be an everyday thing...But a nice treat
once in a while is not going to hurt you...Making it a habit, will. Try
frozen smoothies...OMIGOD!!! You can make protein smoothies that even your
friends will love with yogurt or milk, protein powder, frozen berries, a
big heap of SF whipped cream! Chopped ice... Yummy...and no one has to know
it's mostly healthy! I make Fruit smoothies all summer long for
family..It's cheaper...lower cals and loaded with protein! Chocolate and
banana...Orange extract and vanilla...Apple sauce, vanilla protein and
cinnamon! You can even shave some dark chocolate into your smoothies and
give it a really nice decadant twist like witht he orange cream! YUM!... I
also bought an ice cream maker and make frozen yogurt or fruit ices
completely sf with stevia! Love it! Having WLS does not have to mean
giving up all foods and eating boring food...you just have to learn to make
your own versions of your favorites WLS friendly! (Without all the fat and
sugar!) Just experiment! It's fun! You have to be careful with icecream
though and set limits for yourself especially if it begins to become a
habit...Stay away from foods that trigger more cravings and urges to eat
unhealthy foods. Ice cream is a slider food and you can eat a lot more of
it than a dense meat...so always set a serving limit! Good luck! That's
realistic...
— .Anita R.
March 12, 2009
I am over two years out. The first time I tried it, I dumped. The second
time I tried it, I dumped. Both at birthday parties passing around one
dessert for good luck. The third time - was OK, but I lost my taste for it.
I have a hard time with milk, too. Just the taste somehow grosses me out
now, it's weird. They said your tastebuds would change - they do. About a
week ago I had a bite of a co-workers cake batter ice cream from cold stone
and I felt like I was high as a kite - crazy!
— jammerz
March 12, 2009
I have absolutely no problem eating ice cream. The creamy double churned
full fat Breyers variety. Now I can't eat very much...probably half a
cup....but you won't want more cause it fills you up. And I only eat it
once in a while. It has certainly never stopped me from continued to lose
and maybe slowed it up a little which gave my skin time to catch up with
itself which is a good thing.....you'll be able to eat ice cream again if
you are basically normal today....You will be able to eat whatever you want
basically...but never in the same quantities that you ejoyed before...you
will never be satisfied but you'll get to eat some....it is well worth it
in the end!!!!!
— Fredricka MacLean
March 12, 2009
I'm about 3.5 months out (Nov2408 surgery) and I have eaten NO SUGAR ADDED
ice cream with no problems. You do have to eat the portion size though.
Soft serve yogurt from Marble Slab is good too but in a small. POST op you
won't want all the sugary stuff. I am actually repulsed by the smell of
super sugary items now.
— jadedpriss
March 12, 2009
I am blessed that I am not an ice cream addict like my husband, he really
digs the stuff. Popcorn and chocolate on the other hand...... eeek!!!
Here is what I suggest- do not keep the ice cream in the house- too easy to
indulge. If you absolutely have to have it and have gone through all of
your other coping mechanisms and still have to have it- go out and get the
very best you can. Go to an ice cream parlor- order a sugar free
children's cup or sample, eat with the tiny tasting spoon and savor every
bite very slowly. You may not even be able to finish the whole thing and
be very satisfied with only a few bites. My surgeon tells us this- to
avoid your trigger foods certainly at least until you have reached goal
weight. Then, if you feel you need to indulge- go out and get a few bites
of the very best you can and enjoy it. Consider it to be a very special
occasion. I don't like to reward myself with food for a job well done- I
prefer jewelry and keep a few things on hand for 10#, 20#, and something
really nice for 100#. When I reach goal weight, my hubbie had better be
ready to dish out some cash for something fantastic! No lectures here.
Please, though, seriously do try to avoid it as much as possible. If
you're like me- once I get a taste of something I used to love and was a
part of becoming obese- it's all or nothing- I can't stop. I do however
have a friend that can have chocolate bars in her kitchen drawer for months
on end and break off a little square every now and then and is completely
satisfied. I'm just made that way. They would be calling me in the middle
of the night. Everyone is different- it's what makes the world go 'round.
Best of luck,
Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
— DawnVic
March 12, 2009
I have not had the surgery yet either. I have seen a psychologist and taken
group to deal with the food demons and learning coping skills to not give
in to the stuff I should not eat, post-op. Okay, you are a fresh 20 yr old
girl; Why rushing into WLS so soon? Is your doctor requiring for your
survival or this is something you want to do because you want to be thin?
Most people, after WLS of RNY variety are lactose intolerant and have
dumping from sugar. Real ice cream is cream sugar milk and some type of
flavoring. Why hurt yourself?
If you want to enjoy these things and not worry about what happens post-op,
wait since you are probably more likely not ready yet for the life style
change. WLS is not a race, it is a permanent change of life tool where you
daily will have to take supplements, measure your foods, exercise, sip your
drinks, and chew-chew-chew (30xs) your low carbohydrate diet for the rest
of your life, unless you want to have reoccurring obesity. WLS is a tool
for weight reduction, but it does come with a physical price too.
— sor09
March 12, 2009
I can't answer for the body reaction(waiting to have the surgery),but its
perfectly normal to want an occasional treat in the summer months,
especially when out with friends. The only things that I can suggest is to
go for the kiddy size and go for either sugar free or fat free(which ever
has the best flavor) If you decide to have some, try either Weight
Watchers or Skinny Cow. These brands are for those on a weight loss
program. I'm sorry I don't know any other brands.
— Kathleen W.
March 12, 2009
I am 19 months out from RNY and I also love ice cream. I still talk myself
out of it thinking I don't have that many starches and calories to spare
for the day, most of the time. But, when I do indulge I get the no sugar
added and reduced fat kind. As a previous poster said they are really very
good. Only about 100 calories, less than 5 grams fat and 5 grams sugar for
1/2 cup. Now that I can eat 7-8 ounces at a meal the 1/2 cup is satisfying
to me. Good luck.
— grandmasue
March 12, 2009
From a "realistic" point of view, if you haven't had the surgery
yet, and you are thinking of ice cream, you are not ready for this
lifestyle change. Age has nothing to do with this. Your priority should be
your health, not if you can or can not eat ice cream. I am speaking from
personal experience. I have gone back to bad habits and have gained back 30
lbs. I also became lactose intolerant and can not eat any kind of ice
cream. Stay away from it. Not worth it. After all, unhealthy eating habits
got you in this predicament to begin with. Good luck.
— maria09elena
March 12, 2009
Hi, I'm 4 years out and ice cream is the worst thing I could eat. I too
have become Lactose Intol. and I still dump easily. Occassionaly I'll take
a spoonful or two and don't have a issue with it. Your really not going to
miss it as much as you think. Not being able to eat ice cream will be the
least of your post RNY problems.
— smparker2
March 12, 2009
I think you asked the question and you sound mature and realistic for 20yrs
old. Everyone needs a treat now and then. You are curious what your new
life will be like and it does not mean you are off to a bad start. Good
luck...
— Linda R.
March 12, 2009
It gives me gas very much bad gross I know but realistic...anything with
alot of sugar give me gas so I stay away from it.....
— bridgetann1961
March 12, 2009
I'm six months out, and I eat ice cream. Granted, not a lot, but I eat it.
I've found Bryers has a no sugar added ice cream that is really good. I
also have gotten those small single serving sizes of ben & jerry's and
I eat about half of one at a time and I don't have problems - I even eat
the cookie dough one!!
— Ursie77
March 12, 2009
Sorry for the judgemental answers you've already gotten, despite your
request. I'm 17 days post-op lap RNY and have no problems with dairy
products and have had small amounts of Carb Smart ice cream. Moderate
carbs and even a few grams of protein. Make your own decisions, as you are
the one who has to live with them.
— opheliafl
March 13, 2009
I think you are very smart to try to learn your options and plan ahead. I
am only 4 days post op so clear liquids that I'm not hungary for is the sum
total of my current world. I have spent the last 3 months obtaining and
reading every book by successful weight loss people and reading posts here
and on my surgeons web site to try to get my head around what works for the
long term. Ice cream has never been a major issue for me but french fries,
fried pickles etc I have no control. My plan is to use the techniques of
those who have been successful to minimize my chances of losing control. We
are all individual. I am 48 years old and have lost weight in many
different ways through the years only to have it come back so I am looking
at my bypass as only a part of seeking a healthy eating lifestyle. I am
like you in the opinion that to expect me to not want what I have always
wanted in ridiculous but those fries and hamburgers ultimately weren't very
nice to me in return.(Pre-op weight 354 with BMI of 53). I would urge you
to get information from people who are long term successful. I am going to
do my best to try to emulate those whose weight is still off 5,7, 10 years
out because they have techniques that have helped them. No one has any
magic answers and everyone has to find their own path and careful planning
and control may very well allow you to enjoy ice cream as part of your new
healthy lifestyle. Continue in what you are doing trying to learn how to
approach diet choices and you will do well.
— hapkidodoc
March 13, 2009
hi there -- i eat ice cream -- maybe 5 times in the past 26 months -- i'm
lactose intolerant due to RNY so it's off to the bathroom within minutes
-- but i still like a cup of ice cream every now and again -- especially in
the summer -- one cup of ice cream once a month isn't going to make you
gain 50 lbs :) good luck and after a while just try a little cup and see
how you are -- there is a place near me that sells sugar free hard ice
cream and there are tons of places that have sugar free soft ice cream --
you'll find out :) roberta
— RCassety
March 13, 2009
Hi,
I had lap rny on Aug. 5th, and I ate about a teaspoon of soft serve ice
cream in Sept. It was good and it satisfied my want for ice cream on a hot
day. I didn't have any problems and I would eat some again this summer if
I really want it. I think if I got into the habit of eating it I would
want it all the time and loose control. Just try a little and eat it slow
and enjoy it!
Donna
— donnab1
March 13, 2009
I totally understand your question. I'm not big on ice cream but now and
then it's just a craving. What I do is coerce a friend into buying a
no-sugar added, low/no-fat version and just have a nibble of it. Went to
Coldstone Creamery the other day and discovered that they have a new
"Sinless" Cake Batter flavor. I'd been really good lately so I
splurged on a child-size portion and didn't even eat half of it. As long as
you're not lactose-intolerant, get your protein in, and keep it within the
amount of carbs or fat you can have-- and don't make it a constant thing--
I doubt it'd be a problem. I know a lot of people use a bit of in their
protein shakes as well.
— snickersblk
March 13, 2009
I craved ice cream something terrible before i had WLS. Since then I don't
want it at all. I did try sugar free ice cream but it did nothing for me
but I did crave sugar free popcicle which is just fine for me. You may be
surprised to find out you don't crave it after surgery.
— Muggs
March 13, 2009
Hi Simone,
I am almost 2 1/2 yrs out and I try every once in a while and it makes me
nauseous. I really don't crave it. But having this surgery is definitely
not the easy way out. Once you lose the weight your body is going to lose
it will be a constant daily effort to keep your weight off and you will
always have those temptations that put the weight on us in the first place.
You just have to stay really focused and constantly watch your weight.
Good Luck.
Regina D.
— ReginaDe
March 13, 2009
Umm you know there is such a thing as SUGAR FREE ice cream if you really
want it that bad... haha wow.
— [Deactivated Member]
March 13, 2009
I am about a year and 5 months out, and i am 26 years old not to much older
than you :) I have the same cravings for ice cream and its very hard to
deal with. I highly recommend the no sugar added ice cream. It has like 6
grams of sugar per serving and it actually tastes pretty good. Lots of
flavors to choose from to. I did attempt regular ice cream in a moment of
weakness...needless to say i paid for it later! Try the no sugar added and
i think it should help calm that craving! good luck
— jdambs24
March 13, 2009
Take some time to read this blog:
http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/
Shelly makes her own ice creams using protein powders and sugar
substitutes. Everyone needs a treat now and then but we need protein and we
don't need to take a chance on dumping from sugar. You might not be able to
tuck into a pint of Ben & Jerry's but you can enjoy ice cream--if you
make some substitutions. I plan to buy an ice cream maker in the near
future myself! Good luck and best wishes!
— Tina G.
March 13, 2009
one, I'm 4yrs post op and can not tolerate ice cream & milk without
getting very sick. The sickness lasts for hours; therefore,I buy the sugar
free popsicles from Wal-Mart and will eat one occasionally when I feel like
I need something cold. You'll learn very quickly what you can and can't
tolerate and you'll also learn that the sickness is not worth the cheating.
Good luck.
— amistique569
March 13, 2009
yes, i am about 5 months out from rny- have had ice cream but it has been
sugar free. i was not a big ice cream eater before surgery. my problem is
with chocolate anything from cookies to candy. i have found i can only eat
a little bit
before i become sick. this seems to satify my need. hope this helps.
— hersheylk
March 14, 2009
Simone, It seems that all most all of these responses are from people who
have had RNY (gastric bypass). That is much different than the lap-band.
With the lap-band you will not have any reactions that most are talking
about, because they are relaying their experiences after RNY, not lap-band.
With lap-band, since there is no by-passing the stomach all your food
still goes in to your stomach and mixes with all the stomach juices then
goes to the full intestines, where it meets up with either insulin or bile.
With RNY all that is by-passed. That's why people have a reaction,
because their food is not mixing with any of these agents. With the
lap-band you can sip on a milkshake all day long and never have a single
problem, except you will not loose weight. This is why I opted for RNY,
beause I had an addiction to ice cream. I was eating sometimes a half
gallon or more a day. With the lap-band you can still do that, and I
didn't trust myself. Now if I try to eat more than 1/2 cup of ice cream, I
will get sick, so I don't even want it anymore. Good Luck with whatever
you choose to do. Paula B.
— paulajaneb
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